Rhododendrons are among the most important and popular ornamental trees. Who's surprised? In view of the graceful flowers and magical colors. There are currently 1,150 rhododendron varieties and species known. Just over 4,000 varieties are cultivated in Germany. However, only 10 are suitable for the garden. Find out more about the most popular and new trend varieties
Which rhododendron varieties and species to choose for the garden?
Answer: Rhododendron varieties and species recommended for the garden are large-flowered hybrids such as Cunningham's White and Roseum Elegans, as well as small-growing Yakushimanum hybrids for compact gardens. There are also lime-tolerant varieties such as INKARHO for soils with a higher pH value.
Hobby gardeners often distinguish between the large rhodos with flower balls and the small ones with countless individual flowers. Professionals only speak of the Rhododendron genus. It starts with meter-high specimens like Cunnighams White and ends with ground-covering ones with flowers the size of a fingernail up to - like the variety Germania - flower balls the size of football.
Recommendations for rhododendron varieties and species
Through clever choice and combination of 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. These are shrubs up to five meters with large, dark green foliage. Its leaves are larger than those of other hybrids. Bicolor and orange varieties in particular are currently in vogue. When looking for new varieties, the attention is drawn to beautiful foliage, compact growth and scent. They arose from numerous species such as
- Rhododendron ponticum
- Rhododendron catawbiense
from which they have inherited characteristics such as hardy, undemanding, dense growth, closed inflorescences and he althy foliage. They are used in gardens and parks as solitary or group plants. Some varieties are also suitable for free-growing or strictly trimmed hedges. For example:
- Cunningham’s White
- Roseum Elegans
- Catawbiense Grandiflorum
Yakushimanum hybrids
The Yakashimanum hybrids are, compared to the large-flowered hybrids, small rhododendrons with broad, spherical but compact growth up to approx. 1 m high and dense flowers.
They are ideal for smaller gardens. Some varieties bloom pink when in full bloom and white when they are finished - a fascinating interplay. On their home island of Yaku-Shima, the original form of the Yakashimanum hybrid grows at an altitude of 1500-1900 m. There, a felty hair developed on the younger shoots as protection from the sun and cold. These varieties tolerate significantly more sun!
Tips & Tricks
For several years there have been varieties that grow and thrive well in soils with a higher pH value. They are described as lime-tolerant and sold under the name INKARHO.
