Rhododendron 'CLAUDINE'

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.

Like a glowing neon sign. This is how Claudine rhododendron shines when in full bloom. It has 6-7 cm large, bright pink flowers with gently frilled margins that are surprisingly lighter that the petals which outlines their beauty even more. It grows strong and wider than tall. Hybridized by Hans Hachmann in 1987 and awarded silver medal at Buga in Düsseldorf in the same year.

For richer flowering and growth 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 leaf-mould. Very hardy to -27 or -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 10-02-2009