Rhododendron (Yakushimanum) 'FANTASTICA'

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.

Fantastica tells it all in its name. A truly fantastic combination of white flowers with neon-bright pink margins. It is a yakushimanum sport, growing slowly and very compact, flowering reliably and abundantly every year. It likes full sun.

For richer flowering and growth dead-head where possible. Rhododendrons are low-maintenance shrubs that will perform superbly provided you plant them well. They mostly prefer bright to dappled shade or partial shade (partial sun). Morning sunlight is their killer, same as deep shade. The roots are shallow, spreading to sides in search for nutrients. Never plant them too deep. Adult plants withstand direct mid-day and afternoon sun if their roots are always moist, they can even handle temporary water-logging. Fertilizing is not recommended, however, you can always use a special flower encourager. Fully hardy to min. -27°C (USDA zone 5b).