Rhododendrons are among the most important and popular ornamental trees. Who cares? In view of graceful blooms and enchanting colors. Currently 1,150 rhododendron varieties and species are known. A little over 4,000 varieties are cultivated in Germany. For the garden, however, only 10 come into question. Find out more about the most popular and new trend varieties…

Hobby gardeners often distinguish between the large Rhodos with balls of flowers and the small ones with countless individual flowers. Professionals only speak of the Rhododendron genus. This starts with specimens that are several meters high, such as Cunnigham's White, and ends with ground-covering flowers with flowers the size of a fingernail up to - such as the Germania variety - flower balls the size of a soccer ball.

Recommendations on rhododendron varieties and species

By skilfully selecting and combining varieties, constantly blooming rhododendrons can be presented from March to June.

Rhododendron hybrids

The classic type of rhododendron varieties and species are the large-flowered hybrids. They are shrubs up to five meters tall with large, dark green foliage. Its leaves are larger than those of other hybrids.
Two-tone and orange varieties in particular are currently in vogue. When looking for new varieties, the eye falls on beautiful foliage, compact growth and fragrance. They arose from numerous species such as

  • Rhododendron ponticum
  • Rhododendron catawbiense

from which they have inherited characteristics such as hardy, undemanding, dense growth, closed inflorescence and healthy foliage. They are used as solitary or group plants in gardens and parks. Some varieties are also suitable for free-growing or strictly trimmed hedges. For example:

  • Cunningham's White
  • Roseum elegans
  • Catawbiense grandiflorum

Yakushimanum hybrids

Compared to the large-flowered hybrids, the Yakashimanum hybrids are small rhododendrons with a broad but compact habit of up to about 1 m in height and dense flowers.
They are ideal for smaller gardens. Some varieties bloom pink when they are in full bloom and white when they fade - a fascinating interplay…
On its home island of Yaku-Shima, the original form of the Yakashimanum hybrids grows at an altitude of 1500-1900 m. There, felty hairs developed on the younger shoots as protection from the sun and the cold. These varieties tolerate significantly more sun!

tips and tricks

For a number of years there have been breeds that grow well and thrive in soil with a higher pH value. They are described as lime tolerant and marketed under the name INKARHO.

Category:

Vegetable garden