Rhododendron 'EXTRAORDINAIRE' rhododendron
size/type
taller shrub,taller shrub
usual height
1,5-2m
usual width
1,5-2,5m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
May
location
semi-shade to shade
USDA zone (lowest)
6b (down to -21°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:
Harold E. Greer is an American breeder and writer from Oregon, USA, who bred over 50 rhododendron varieties and wrote many books about them. Extraordinaire is one of the most important varieties with extra large flowers. They are 10 cm across, rich pink above and beige in the centre as they open to almost white with pale pink hues when mature, always with a striking blotch composed of dark red-brown dots. Evergreen leaves are leathery, almost flat, elongated, elliptic, glossy, dark green in summer and in spring emerge in the shade of milk chocolate. It is a cross between Gold Medal and Olin O. Dobbs, and grows into a large shrub about 2m tall and a bit more wide.For a better looking shrub 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. Hardy to min. -21°C (USDA zone 6), possibly a little more.
Last update 04-12-2018
