Rhododendron 'FASTUOSUM FLORE PLENO' rhododendron
size/type
taller shrub,taller shrub
usual height
2-3m
usual width
2-3m
leaves
evergreen conifer
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
May-June
location
full sun to shade
USDA zone (lowest)
5b (down to -27°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:
It is rare to see a rhododendron with double flowers. Fastuosum Flore Pleno is an old variety bred by Francoisi Brothers in 1846, and it produces medium-large, pale lilac-violet flowers with a set of dwarf petals in the centre of each flower. The upper lip is decorated with deep crimson red dots. Blooming begins in mid May and continues for about 3 weeks. Evergreen leaves are dull green, ovate, matte. It is fast growing forming a large shrub about 3m tall and wide in CE continental climate.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. Very hardy to about -27°C (USDA zone 5b), possibly a lot more.
Last update 27-10-2015
