Rhododendron dichroanthum 'MASKARILL' rhododendron
size/type
medium-sized shrub,medium-sized shrub
usual height
1-1,5m
usual width
1,5-2m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
April-May
location
semi-shade / 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:
Maskarill is a fabulous achievement bred by Hans Hachmann in 1985. It is a cross of a wild species rhododendron dichroanthum ssp. scyphocalyx and a little known rhodo hybrid called August. The result is a breathtaking combination of brilliant red and golden orange throat on funnel-shaped flowers from late April until late May. Evergreen leaves are dark olive green, oval or broadly elliptic, rather short, and they cover the plant completely. Maskarill is a slow grower forming a dense shrub about 70 cm tall and 90 cm wide in 10 years.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 leaf-mould. Hardiness tested down to -23°C so far (USDA zone 6).
Last update 27-08-2014
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