Rhododendron ('Autumn Magic') 'HERBSTZAUBER' rhododendron
size/type
medium-sized shrub,medium-sized shrub
usual height
1-1,5m
usual width
1-1,5m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
May-June
location
full to partial sun
USDA zone (lowest)
7 (down to -23°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:
Herbstzauber (Autumn Magic) is one of those rhododendron hybrids which bloom profusely in spring, and again in autumn. This variety was bred by H.J.A.Guyens in 1994 as a cross between Guyens’s Fashing and Marrakesch. The large flowers are rather bell-shaped, light pink to richer lilac pink at margins with an orange blotch in the throat. Spring blooming begins in late May and continues for about 3 weeks. Autumn flowering occurs in September and October and is less profuse. It very much depends on weather conditions and plant strength. Evergreen leaves are leathery, dark, green, long and narrowly elliptic, and medium glossy. 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. It is hardy to about -23°C (USDA zone 6), possibly more.
Last update 09-12-2015
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