Rhododendron 'CALSAP' rhododendron
size/type
medium-sized shrub,medium-sized shrub
usual height
1,8-2,5m
usual width
1,8-2,5m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
May-June
location
full sun to shade
USDA zone (lowest)
4 (down to -34°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:
Calsap is another good old buddy that was bred by M.W.Michener and introduced already in 1965. It is a large, fast growing shrub producing erect trusses of very pale lilac-violet, almost white flowers with a striking deep burgundy red blotch. Blooming time is late May and early June. Evergreen leaves are leathery, ovate, deep green, and partly glossy. For a better looking plant 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. Extremely hardy iron-clad, hardy to abt. -34°C (USDA zone 4).
Last update 13-09-2014; 24-11-2019
