Rhododendron 'DOLCEMENTE' rhododendron
size/type
medium-sized shrub,medium-sized shrub
usual height
1-1,5m
usual width
1-2m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
May-May
location
semi-shade to shade
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:
Dolcemente is a beautiful rhododendron with Italian name and flowers sweet like Italian ice cream. They are 7-8 cm large, bi-coloured: salmon pink at the margins and golden yellow in the centre. The margins are elegantly frilled. Leaves are deep green and glossy. The shrub is compact, 10-year-old plants can be about 1m tall and a little wider. Its colour combination will light up any border in mid spring. hybridized by H.Hachmann in 2001.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. Fully hardy to min. -24°C (USDA zone 6), possibly more.
Last update 29-12-2008
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