Rhododendron 'ALFRED' rhododendron
size/type
medium-sized shrub,medium-sized shrub
usual height
1,5-2m
usual width
1,5-2m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
May-June
location
full sun to shade
USDA zone (lowest)
5 (down to -29°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Rhododendrons are reliable, beautifully flowering, evergreen shrubs of variable origin: S.W. China, Himalayas, Northern America, and even Europe. The original species were hybridized several times for better performance so in the 1950´s there were more than 10,000 cultivars registered, and the number keeps increasing.
Description of the plant:
Alfred is an old grandpa in the rhododendron family having survived gust of both weather caprice or fashion as it is more than a hundred years old. It was introduced already in 1891. It was bred by T.J.R.Seidel from German town Grüngräbchen near Dresden who managed to register 149 varieties. The flowers of Alfred are large, pale lavender/lilac violet, the margins are lightly frilled, deeper in colour as opposed to the centre which is almost white. Blooming begins in the second decade of May and continues until early June. Evergreen leaves are leathery, deep green, broadly elliptic, and matte. For a better looking shrub dead-head where possible. The roots are shallow, spreading to sides in search for nutrients. Never plant them too deep. The soil has to be acidic (pH 4.5-5.5), rich in humus, cool and always moist. Ideal soil mixture is peat with lime-free, light garden soil topped with leave-mould. Fully hardy to min. -27°C (USDA zone 5b), but very probably much more.
Last update 26-10-2015
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