Rhododendrons: best varieties
Discover 8 floriferous and colourful varieties
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Rhododendrons are superb heather-soil bushes, evergreen, producing elegant coloured flowers in spring (May – June). Rhododendrons prefer acidic soils and shady positions. There are a very large number of species and varieties… which can leave gardeners spoilt for choice.
So, to help you, here is a selection of the best rhododendrons : 8 reliable choices to plant in gardens.
Rhododendron 'Madame Masson'
Variety ‘Madame Masson’ is a superb rhododendron that offers in spring, in April-May, a graceful and elegant flowering. Flowers consist of five pure white petals, the upper marked by a yellow macule. This is an old variety, obtained from a cross-breeding between the Rhododendron catawbiense and Rhododendron ponticum. It forms an erect bush measuring up to 1.40 m in height and brings plenty of light to woodland gardens.
An elegant flowering, enhanced by yellow macule on the upper petal!
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Rhododendron: planting, growing and careRhododendron 'Président Roosevelt'
Rhododendron ‘President Roosevelt’ reveals, from early spring (March–April), pale pink flowers at the centre and deep pink on the outer edge, gathered in corymbs. This lovely gradation of shades attracts attention. In addition, its foliage is variegated, dark green on the outer part of the lamina and marked with irregular yellow spots at the centre. Leaves are glossy and measure between 6 and 10 cm in length. It is hardy down to −12 °C and forms a bush 1.20 to 1.50 m in height, with a spread of about 1 m.
Flowering pale pink at the centre and deep pink on the outer edge of Rhododendron ‘President Roosevelt’ (photo Ramin Nakisa)
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Rhododendron 'Horizon Monarch'
With Rhododendron ‘Horizon Monarch, flower buds are orange and open to reveal large flowers in superb cream-to-orange shades. Petal margins are nicely undulated. Flowering is generous, with corymbs gathering up to around fifteen flowers. Their pastel, harmonious hues stand out beautifully against glossy dark-green foliage. It is a bush that reaches up to 1.80 m in height and spread, and can, over time, take on a fairly broad, spreading habit.
Delicate cream-yellow to orange flowers with undulated petals on Rhododendron ‘Horizon Monarch’
Rhododendron 'Nova Zembla'
‘Nova Zembla’ offers a superb pink–red flowering, with a vivid, pronounced hue. The upper petal is marked with small dark spots, further enhancing the flowering. Its flowers catch the eye and stand out beautifully against the dark green foliage! They are funnel-shaped, measure up to 5 cm in length, and are grouped in clusters of 3 to 6 flowers. It is a robust and very hardy variety, able to withstand temperatures down to -25 °C! It also tolerates sunny positions.
‘Nova Zembla’ offers bright pink flowering!
Rhododendron 'Olga'
‘Olga’ is a rhododendron prized for its flowers with soft, warm tones, which appear in a gradient from yellow – orange – salmon – pink. In addition, the upper petal is marked with numerous small dark-red spots. The flowers are borne in clusters of 3 to 6. It has a fairly rounded habit, measuring between 1 m and 1.20 m in height and spread, and bears dark green, glossy leaves. Its qualities earned it the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
The elegant flowering of Rhododendron ‘Olga’, in shades of pink, yellow, orange, copper… (photo Daderot)
Rhododendron 'Calsap'
Variety ‘Calsap’ is a rhododendron that offers an elegant white flowering in March–April, with the upper petal maculate with deep burgundy spots… A superb contrast that catches the eye! It grows faster than other varieties and reaches up to 1.30 m in height and spread. Moreover, it is very hardy, able to withstand down to -25 °C, and tolerant of sunny positions.
Graceful flowers of Rhododendron ‘Calsap’
Rhododendron ‘Cunningham’s White’
In May, rhododendron ‘Cunningham’s White’ offers large, pure-white flowers, highlighted by the upper petal speckled with yellow. Flowers have a flared, funnel-shaped form and measure 5–6 cm long, with undulate petal edges. A majestic and delicate flowering, sometimes perpetual in September. ‘Cunningham’s White’ forms a dense bush, initially erect, then spreading over time, reaching at ripeness up to 2 m in height and spread. It tolerates sun as long as soil remains cool.
White flowering with creamy-yellow tones of rhododendron ‘Cunningham’s White’
Rhododendron ‘Red Jack’
‘Red Jack’ is a rhododendron that impresses with its spectacular flowering! In May it bears large funnel-shaped flowers with five undulate petals, in bright red. Flowers are abundant and borne in corymbs. It is a bush that develops an upright, dense habit, reaching up to 2 m high, and bears large matt dark green leaves. It is vigorous and hardy.
‘Red Jack’ displays striking bright red flowers and matt green foliage
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