Rhododendron makinoi 'JENS JÖRGEN SÖRENSEN' Makino rhododendron

Jens Jörgen Sörensen is an extraordinary variety of Makino rhododendron, named in honour of a Danish breeder in 2000. It is a healthy and beautiful variety ideal for exposed locations as it withstands temperatures down to -28 °C as well as wind and other weather whims. Its evergreen leaves look like anything but a rhododendron. They are extremely narrow (only some 2-3 cm wide) and up to 14 cm long, deep green and glossy, with margins curling downwards. Newly emerging leaves feature a striking silver-grey coating that protects them from drying out under intense spring sun. This is not a disease and should not be rubbed off. The flowers are pale pink and come out quite early, already in late April. Flowering is not regular or even profuse, though, no one seems to mind as this variety is grown mostly for its exotic foliage. Like all its relatives, it is characterized by its compact, mounding, and slow growth, ensuring very beautiful and dense plants with a touch an exotic touch to beds with evergreen shrubs.

In good, constantly moist soil, it can tolerate full sun all day. For better appearance, it is recommended to carefully deadhead spent flowers after flowering. The roots are shallow, fibrous and fine, and continue to spread horizontally just under the surface, seeking nutrients, so it should never be planted too deep. Rhododendrons like moisture but cannot stand in waterlogged soil – the soil must be well-drained, acidic, nutrient-rich, cool, and constantly moist. The ideal mixture for the roots is peat mixed with light, lime-free garden soil, topped with old leaves or fine bark. You can feed it with special rhododendron or heather plant fertilizers. Hardy to at least -28 °C. (USDA zone 5).

Last update 11-02-2009; 15-02-2025.