Rhododendron 'RABATZ'

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.

Rabatz is another red success among rhododendrons bred by Hans Hachmann. This one is a cross between Double Date and Erato and produces rich red flowers with some dark wine red dots on the upper lip. Evergreen leaves are very attractive - elliptic, deep green, and cover the plant symmetrically. Rabatz is not a small plant but quite compact making some 1.4 tall and 1.8m wide shrub in about 10 years.

For a better looking plant 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 min. -24°C (USDA zone 6) but it is expected to take stronger frost.

Last update 26-08-2014