The genus Rhododendron belongs to the heather family, which bears the botanical name Ericaceae. There are countless species worldwide, which are divided into different varieties. The geographical distribution of these plants is just as varied. In the gardens of this latitude, rhododendrons have become popular because of the wide range of colors of the flowers, which have resulted from stable breeding. In addition to the breathtaking spectacle of flowers, the distinctive foliage, good winter hardiness and compact growth are important.
Rhododendron Varieties
New hybrids
Most varieties from the specialist trade are hybrids, which have been created over time by crossing and breeding old species. The goal of breeding rhododendrons is to inherit beneficial traits that are valued by gardeners. This includes sufficient frost hardiness for the local winters, dense growth and lush inflorescences. Many of the cultivated forms common today come from Southeast Asia. Due to their origin, these varieties prefer moist and richly humus-rich soil qualities, with slightly acidic conditions. Furthermore, most rhododendrons thrive better in partially shaded to shaded light conditions.
Varieties from A - D
aureolin
The attractive hybrid Aureolin is new to the market and bears quite small flowers that change color as the flowering period progresses. However, the colorful spectacle can only be admired for a relatively short time. On the other hand, the rapidly growing foliage remains well beyond the flowering period and is extremely hardy. The plant only reaches its full growth height after ten years.
- Flower color changes from crimson to light yellow
- Flowering time is from mid-May to early June
- Dark green and frost hardy foliage
- Grows broad and rounded
- Grows up to 1.3 m tall and 1.8 m wide
Cherry Kiss
The hybrid Cherry Kiss has extremely large flowers for a rhododendron and enchants with a strong flower colour. The very light and cream-colored anthers, which stand out strongly against the dark color of the flowers, are very striking. The foliage grows dense and glossy. Cherry Kiss only reaches its full height after ten years.
- Dark red and bright flowers
- Medium to dark green foliage with frost hardy characteristics
- Flowering begins in mid-May and lasts until early June
- Broad and upright growth
- Grows up to 1.20 m high and 1.50 m wide
Diana
The hybrid Diana impresses with bright flowers, the color of which becomes steadily stronger from the center to the edge. A new feature is a fine and rust-red speckle, which can be seen on the inside of the upper petals. If the weather is favorable, the flowering period lasts about a month. The plant grows moderately and forms a closed crown. This rhododendron reaches its full growth height within ten years.
- Forms salmon pink flowers
- Flowering begins at the end of May and lasts until the end of June
- Medium green leaves with a slight curvature
- Plant is sufficiently hardy
- Stems are colored reddish
- Crown is broad and spherical
- Grows to about 1.20 m in height and 1.50 m in spread
Varieties from G - M
Golden Everest
This strain changes color from the time buds form until the flowers open. This differently colored edge gradually disappears as it blossoms, while the actual flower shines brightly for longer. With favorable weather conditions, this rhododendron can bloom for almost a month. The foliage has a satin finish and forms an attractive frame for the flowers. Golden Everest is among the rather weak-growing varieties and only reaches its full growth height after many years. Therefore, it is well suited for gardens with limited space.
- Forms orange-red buds
- Then they develop into golden-yellow inflorescences
- Reddish border surrounds the flowers
- The flowering period lasts from the end of May to the end of June
- Medium green foliage with good winter hardiness
- Grows wide and upright
- Height about 80 cm and width about 90 cm
Julia
The flowering period of the Julia variety does not last very long. However, the developed blossoms look particularly lush, since the petals are laid out in double rows. The edges of the leaves are slightly curled. This rhododendron grows relatively weakly and remains stocky even with age.
- Flowering time from mid-May to early June
- Forms pink-pink to salmon-orange flowers
- Foliage is dark green and glossy
- Rounded and compact growth
- Grows about 90 cm high and 100 cm wide
Metallica
The variety Metallica enchants with extremely voluminous inflorescences, which are composed of many individual flowers. The striking foliage forms a very nice contrast to the intense flower colour, which is a striking splash of color in the garden. This hybrid grows very strong and upright, so it is also suitable for creating hedges.
- Flowering period from late May to late June
- The inflorescence consists of 14 to 21 individual flowers
- Flowers are light purple with a large and dark purple eye
- Dark green foliage with good winter hardiness
- Maximum height about 1.40 m and width 1.60 m
Ancient Species
Various types of rhododendrons have been cultivated in Germany and Europe for several centuries. Due to their natural occurrence in the local latitudes, these are well adapted to the local site conditions and are therefore extremely hardy. Both small and large flowered options are available.
Varieties from B - K
ciliated rhododendron
The ciliated alpine rose is also very old and dates back to 1753. Rhododendrons blossom relatively late.
- Flowering period from June to July
- Flower color is soft pink, rarely white
- Shrubby growth habit
- Grows up to 1.00 m
- Extremely hardy
Caucasus
The Caucasus species is particularly old and dates back to 1788. This rhododendron impresses with its light flower color and compact growth.
- Flowering time from April to May
- Creamy white to yellow flowers, rarely soft pink
- Shrubby growth habit
- Grows from 30cm to 100cm
- Extremely hardy
Varieties of P - U
Pontic rhododendron
This rhododendron species is also very old, dating back to 1762. The plant can reach enormous proportions, which must be considered when choosing the right location. There are beautiful variations in the flower colors that shine brightly.
- Flowering period from May to June
- Flower color can be either pale pink, purple or violet
- Shrub to tree growth habit
- Can grow up to 8 m tall
- Extremely hardy
Simonkai
This species has been known since 1851 and grows rather slowly. Therefore, Simonkai is well suited for manageable gardens.
- Flowering time in May
- Flower color is pink
- Shrubby growth habit
- Grows up to 60 cm high
- Extremely hardy
Ungern's rhododendron
This rhododendron species dates back to 1885 and can reach tree-like proportions. Therefore, it needs a lot of space at its location in the garden. However, both the site conditions and the weather conditions must be right for strong growth.
- Flowering period from June to July
- White flower color fading into pink
- Shrub to tree growth habit
- Can grow up to 7 m tall
- Extremely hardy
Rare Varieties
Some of the rhododendron varieties are quite rare in this country because they come from foreign countries. Some of them are not or only partially hardy and therefore only suitable for indoor cultivation. However, some of the varieties have been bred for decades and in this way have been made suitable for the local conditions of the local regions. These include, above all, Yakushimanum breeds, which grow in Japan at extreme altitudes. Thanks to a felt-like hair on the young shoots, which serves as sun and cold protection, these varieties tolerate both strong sunlight and deep minus temperatures.
Varieties from G - K
gold topaz
The golden topaz is one of the deciduous rhododendrons that shed their leaves in autumn after they have changed colour. In this way, the variety offers variety in the garden landscape throughout the year. The trained inflorescences are rich and colorful. Golden topaz prefers sunny to partially shaded locations in the garden.
- Flowering period from late May to late June
- Bright yellow, trumpet-shaped single flowers
- Rather oblong leaves, shiny and dark green
- Upright and broad growth
- Grows up to 1.50 m high and 1 m wide
Kalinka
Due to its homeland on sunny mountain slopes, this strain adapts perfectly to the prevailing conditions in Europe. This rhododendron is also used as a plant for graves and beautifies every rock garden. Unlike most hybrids, this strain prefers sunny to partially shaded locations.
- Flowering time starts from mid-May
- Flowers are deep pink and slightly darker at the edges
- Slightly glossy and dark green foliage
- Rounded and compact growth habit
- Maximum height about 1.20 m and width 1.60 m
Varieties from L - R
Luisella
The Luisella variety belongs to the dwarf rhododendrons, which score with a compact growth and small flowers. That is why this is ideal for the Bucket attitude on the balcony and terrace. In addition, Luisella is a beautiful ornament for the house entrance, rock garden, Japanese garden and also serves as a grave plant. In these locations, the variety prefers sunny to partially shaded conditions.
- Flowering time from mid to late May
- Forms violet-blue and trumpet-shaped single flowers
- Leaves are small and oblong with gray-green color
- Grows slowly and stocky
- Only about 40 cm high and wide
red jack
Red Jack belongs to the large-flowered rhododendrons and can reach tree-like growth heights. Many individual flowers grow on the inflorescences and give them voluminous dimensions. Therefore, this strain needs a lot of space in the garden, with sunny to partially shaded conditions.
- Flowering period from early May to early June
- Forms single red flowers
- Dark green leaves with hardy characteristics
- Upright and bushy growth, widening
- Can reach heights of growth of up to 2 m
