Rhododendron ferrugineum Alpenrose, rusty-leaved Alpine rose

Alpenrose, or also called rusty-leaved Alpine rose, is an evergreen shrub native to Central and South European Alps where it grows up to altitude of 2,480m and withstands temperatures well below -30°C.

Its common name rusty-leaved Alpine rose describes the undersides of the leathery leaves that have the same type of indumentum like bull bay magnolia. They are small, just a little larger than box leaves and have similar elliptic shape. In late spring and early summer tubular flowers are produced in loose trusses. Their colour varies with location but is usually rosy-pink to purple-pink. It grows slowly into a dense shrub if grown in good soil. It prefers full sun.

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. Hardy to min. -34°C (USDA zone 4), possibly more.

Last update 14-02-2012