Rhododendron 'ROLAND'

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.

Roland is a fascinating rhododendron variety for those who love dark colours. It is a cross between other old and famous varieties Purple Splendour and Nova Zembla. Its large flowers are deep purple violet with fine dark purple dots. They are late in opening, blooming from late May until mid June. Evregreen leaves are leathery, dark, green, long and narrowly elliptic, matte. Bred by Hans Hachmann in 1967.

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. Very hardy to about -27°C (USDA zone 5b), possibly a lot more.

Last update 27-10-2015