Rhododendron 'BLUE PETER' rhododendron
size/type
medium-sized shrub,medium-sized shrub
usual height
1-1,8m
usual width
1,5-2,5m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
May-June
location
semi-shade / partial sun
USDA zone (lowest)
5b (down to -27°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:
Blue Peter is an old time favourite rhododendron whose origin is dated in 1930. It produces rich trusses of large, frilled flowers. Their colour is violet-mauve towards the margins and almost white in the centres with a large, deep burgundy red blotch. They come out from end May until early June. Evergreen leaves are leathery, dark green. It is a medium fast growing shrub that can be some 90 cm tall and 140 cm wide in 10 years.For richer flowering and growth 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 leaf-mould. If placed in winter shade it is reliably hardy to -25°C (USDA zone 5b), possibly more.
Last update 15-02-2011
