Rhododendron 'RED IMPULSE' rhododendron
size/type
medium-sized shrub,medium-sized shrub
usual height
1-1,3m
usual width
1,3-1,5m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
May-May
location
full to partial sun
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:
Red Impulse is a rhododendron variety from 1999 bred by A.W.Smith. He crossed several red flowering varieties in order to achieve a compact and bushy plant with deep red flowers. The result is breathtaking. Such vibrant red that does not fade. Flowers are large, open wide, dotting in the upper lip is less conspicuous. They open very early in the season - already from the first decade of May. Evergreen leaves are leathery, medium green, elongated, not very glossy. 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. It is hardy to about -27°C (USDA zone 5b), possibly a little more.
Last update 23-01-2017
