Rhododendron 'SOUTHLAND' compact rhododendron
size/type
medium-sized shrub,medium-sized shrub
usual height
0,8-1,5m
usual width
0,8-1,5m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
May
location
full to partial sun
USDA zone (lowest)
7 (down to -23°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Dwarf and compact rhododendrons are usually quite hardy and durable plants in our climate (continental Europe, zone 6), no wonder that some of its renowned hybrids were raised in our country - Czech Republic or former Czechoslovakia - too. They are hybrids of various species such as impeditum, keiskei, keleticum, minus and more. Most of them are small to very small, others grow a little larger while keeping a compact to almost congested habit. They commonly withstand full sun and our soil type which is far from perfect or ericaceous.
Description of the plant:
Southland is a compact, lepidote rhodododendron hybrid bred by Dr.August Kehr in 1971. It is a cross of r.minus var.chapmanii which ensures heat tolerance along with less demands for watering, and r.keiskei which extends plant's hardiness to at least zone 6. It is an early variety producing apricot pink buds from late April which open to broadly bell-shaped, soft pink flowers with pale salmon pink shades, and a sort of indescribable yellow flare thanks to which the plant appears as if glowing like a limelight. Evergreen leaves are broadly elliptic, acute, medium green, not very glossy, 4-5 cm long. The plant exhibits a spreading, dome-shaped habit, and size of about a meter in 15-20 years. Introduced in 1988.As a sun-tolerant species it can be placed in a large rockery or a border with other sun-loving ericaceous plants like heather and deciduous azaleas. It is a perfect ground cover under tall trees and a low companion for compositions with large shrubs. Unless you are making a bonsai do not prune it.
This dwarf or compact type of rhododendron can take any location from full sun to full shade, but thrives in full sun or slight shade, just make sure it is always well mulched. The roots are shallow, spreading to sides in search for nutrients. Never plant it 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. Fully hardy to min. -25°C (USDA zone 6), possibly a little more.
Last update 24-11-2019
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