Rhododendron 'VIRGINIA DELP' rhododendron
size/type
medium-sized shrub,medium-sized shrub
usual height
0,8-1,3m
usual width
1-1,5m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
May
location
full sun to shade
USDA zone (lowest)
5b (down to -27°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Rhododendron
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:
A.W. Smith is a Canadian breeder of rhododendrons from Niagara Falls in Ontario. There are about 70 registered varieties which unfortunately are not widespread or even known in Europe except a few (e.g. Red Impulse). And it is a pity because Smith's rhododendrons boast both hardiness and extraordinary beauty. Most of them are multicoloured such as this one.It is called Virginia Delp and is from 1983. It makes large, wide open flowers of pale lilac-blue colour near the margins, and almost white in the throat. The upper petal is decorated with a conspicuous blotch of several colours: olive green, yellow-green, copper orange, and burgundy red. Each truss consists of 19-23 flowers which open in the second half of May. Evergreen leaves are leathery, narrowly oval, flat, dark green, and glossy. The plant grows into a very dense shrub that is wider than tall.
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. Hardy to about -27°C (USDA zone 5b).
Last update 06-12-2018
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