Rhododendron 'JUNISTOLZ'

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.

Junistolz is a breathtaking rhododendron variety bred by Henry Hesse in 1997 as a cross between Spätlese and San Sebastian. It was introduced more than 10 years later - in 2011, and immediately caught plenty of attention and praise. It produces large, gorgeous flowers which open late in the season - often from early June for almost a month. They are 7-petalled (unusual for a rhododendron), beige in the centre, neon pink outward, and the margins reverse to almost white which gives the same glowing effect as on cv. CClaudine for example. The deep throat is decorated with dark crimson red dots.

Evergreen leaves are leathery, dark olive green, oval, and not very glossy. The shrub is compact and bushy, and forms a neat, uniform, domed habit. In 10 years it can be 80-90 cm tall and 100-130 cm wide.

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. Hardiness confirmed to -24°C (USDA zone 6), yet it is expected to go much lower.

Last update 05-12-2018