With the peacock eye, breeders have expanded the rhododendron family with a particularly beautiful specimen. The color of the flowers and their pattern are unique, but the requirements of the plant are not. The peacock eye is typically a rhododendron!
How do I care for the peacock eye rhododendron?
The peacock eye is a rhododendron hybrid with lilac flowers and a wine-red eye. It prefers partially shaded locations, acidic soil and should be fertilized with special rhododendron fertilizer or coffee grounds. This plant is hardy down to -20 °C and does not require regular pruning.
Growth and appearance
The growth habit and the appearance of the leaves are like all known rhododendrons. This trademarked variety can reach a maximum height of 1 to 1.5 m and grows at least as wide.
The color and pattern of the flowers are what makes this variety special. They appear lilac-colored with a wine-red eye. The flowering period lasts from late May to mid-June. A repeat bloom may follow in September.
Location and soil
Here, too, the requirements of the original plant have remained. The location in the garden must be partially shaded to shady. The soil is loose, humic and, above all, acidic. Instead of in a bed, the peacock eye can also be planted in a pot.
Planting
As a container product, this rhododendron can be planted all year round. Only frosty winter days are out of the question. Hot summer days should also be avoided as heat stresses the plant.
Watering and fertilizing
The peacock eye needs to be watered all year round if there is a need for water. The top layer of soil can and should dry out beforehand. With potted plants, the owner has to water more often without submerging the plant. It is helpful if the pot has large drainage holes and a drainage layer was created when planting.
Fertilize the peacock eye with a special rhododendron fertilizer. Coffee grounds are also a good source of nutrients as they lower the pH value of the soil.
Cutting
This hybrid variety does not require pruning. Scissors are only used when individual branches need to be removed or shortened. However, remove the spent flowers regularly.
Wintering
The peacock eye is hardy down to -20 °C and survives the winter well when planted out in the garden. However, you should cover the root area of a young plant with brushwood, as its winter hardiness is not yet fully developed.
Even a potted plant must always be protected over the winter:
- Wrap the pot with fleece, bubble wrap or jute
- then place on Styrofoam
- choose a protected place
- ideally on the house wall
