Rhododendron keleticum Lilly Bell Dream

The Rhododendron keleticum Lilly Bell 'Dream' belongs to a new series of miniature cultivars, perfect for pots or borders, very floriferous and versatile. It produces a violet azalea flowering in May and June, completely covering the plant. Its evergreen foliage comprises small elliptical leaves, forming a rounded and neat tuft without needing maintenance. It also thrives in borders, full sun or partial shade, and moist and acidic soil.

The Rhododendron keleticum Lilly Bell® 'Dream' belongs to the Ericaceae family. It is derived from the botanical species Rhododendron keleticum. The Lilly Bell® series was introduced by the German nursery Hellwig in 2015. It consists of dwarf selections of existing species, which are Rhododendron campylogynum, R. keleticum, R. repens, R. ludolwi, and R. impeditum. These wild species have in common their dwarf size, a maximum height of 60 cm (24in), originating from China, and presenting foliage and flowering similar to azaleas. The Rhododendron keleticum is a montane species that grows at 3,000 to 3,900 m (10 to 13ft). Its growth is extremely slow: 2 to 3 cm (1in) per year! Its leaves are particularly small. Elliptical to lanceolate in shape, with an acuminate tip, they measure only 0.6 to 2 cm (1in) long and 0.3 to 1 cm (1in) wide. With a beautiful dark green colour, their surface is shiny, giving them a pronounced ornamental character.

The 'Dream' cultivar forms a dense cushion of small foliage, reaching a height of 40 cm (16in) and a width of 60 cm (24in) at maturity. The evergreen foliage is medium to dark green, very small and oval. Flowering begins in May and lasts a few weeks. The individual violet flowers are funnel or bell-shaped, solitary or clustered in small clusters. It is resistant to frost down to -23°C (1°F).

The Rhododendron Lilly Bell 'Dream' tolerates full sun or partial shade. It requires an acidic, fertile, well-drained substrate or soil that remains moist to wet. Plant it in a planter or pot, as well as in garden borders or as a ground cover. Pair it with other plants that prefer acidic or neutral soil, such as small Azaleas, ferns, hostas, colourful Corydalis, and Heuchera in partially shaded areas. Container cultivation requires regular watering with non-limestone water and specific fertilisers for acid-loving plants.