Rhododendron 'ABRAXAS'

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.

Abraxas is a rhododendron dichroanthum (bicoloured) cross which, as the name suggests, produces glossy flowers combining two colours - rich red on the outward petals, and golden orange in the throat. Upper lip is decorated with bronze dotting. Flowers are broadly campanulate and appear from about mid May for 2-3 weeks. Evergreen leaves are leathery, broadly elliptic, almost flat, and matte. Abraxas exhibits a very compact habit, growing slowly into a mounded, dense shrub 50-60 cm tall, and twice as wide in 10 years. Bred by Hans Hachmann, Germany.

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 -23°C (USDA zone 6).

Last update 05-12-2018