Rhododendron makinoi 'MAKIYAK'

Makino rhododendron originates in Honshu, Japan, where it grows in the mountains at an altitude of 200-700 m asl. Until recently, it was classified as a yakushimanum subspecies but is now considered a unique species. It was named in honour of the Japanese botanist T. Makinoi who was the first to describe it in the early 20th century. The rhododendron possibly has the narrowest leaves among all evergreen species and is renowned for its compact and low growth, as well as its good tolerance of full sun.

Makiyak is a Makino rhododendron that offers broadly bell-shaped flowers, which open from deep pink buds to light pink, almost white flowers. It starts blooming in the second half of May and, among other varieties of this special species, is popular for its abundant flowering, which is not always a given. The evergreen leaves are narrow and distinctly elongated, slightly curled down at margins, 8-10 cm long, and only 1.5-2.5 cm wide, dark green, and glossy, with newly emerging leaves featuring a striking silver-grey coating that protects them from drying out under intense spring sun. This is not a disease and should not be rubbed off. Like all its relatives, it is characterized by its compact, mounding, and slow growth, ensuring very beautiful and dense plants with a touch an exotic touch to beds with evergreen shrubs.

In good, constantly moist soil, it can tolerate full sun all day. For better appearance, it is recommended to carefully deadhead spent flowers after flowering. The roots are shallow, fibrous and fine, and continue to spread horizontally just under the surface, seeking nutrients, so it should never be planted too deep. Rhododendrons like moisture but cannot stand in waterlogged soil – the soil must be well-drained, acidic, nutrient-rich, cool, and constantly moist. The ideal mixture for the roots is peat mixed with light, lime-free garden soil, topped with old leaves or fine bark. You can feed it with special rhododendron or heather plant fertilizers. Hardy to at least -28 °C. (USDA zone 5).

Last update 15-02-2025.