Rhododendron 'DJINGESTAN' rhododendron

Djingestan is a true gem for rhododendron collectors. This special hybrid was bred by Hans Hachmann already in 1998 and introduced to public only in 2014 i.e. 10 years after his death. In the same year it was awarded a prestigious Golden Medal at the world's biggest rhododendron show Rhodo Westerstede in Germany. It is a cross between almost unknown hybrids Amorette and Sirtaki, and looking at the chameleon flowers and handsome leaves one believes there is a lot of both wild rhodo and yaku rhodo blood flowing in its veins. Flowers are borne in profuse trusses holding up to 12 buds which open into rich pink, openly bell-shaped flowers, turning paler as they mature, revealing a beige throat and beige to butter yellow rays across the petals centre. The whole flower is decorated with abundant dark red dotting with a prominent blotch on the upper lip. The very centre of the flower hides a small, rich red eye. Blooming starts early in the season - from the first decade of May - and continues until early June unless the flowers and buds are damaged by heavy rain. Evergreen leaves are leathery, short, broadly elliptic, medium green, and matte. Djingestan rhododendron grows moderately into a slender shrub with a flat top.

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. Its hardiness has not been tested under all conditions yet but is guaranteed to min. -23°C (USDA zone 6), and expected to go a few degrees lower.

Last update 31-01-2017