Rhododendron Germania

Rhododendron 'Germania' is an old hybrid obtained in Germany, still widely planted in our gardens, but also in large pots to decorate patios and balconies. It naturally forms a large round shrub with dense vegetation, and in spring it is covered with large frilly flowers in a deep pink that bring the garden to life even in the early days of spring. Decorative throughout the year, this evergreen shrub is cultivated in ericaceous soil, in partial shade or even in the morning sun if the soil remains damp.  A reliable choice!

Rhododendrons are plants in the Ericaceae family, just like heathers, and they prefer soils without limestone, with an acidic tendency, and wet climates. Derived from the hybridisation of the varieties 'Anton Van Velie' and 'Catherine Van Tol', Rhododendron 'Germania' was obtained in Germany in 1979 and remains one of the most popular cultivars to this day. It forms a dense, rounded, slightly spreading bush, reaching an average height of 1.5 metres (5 feet) with a 2-metre (7 feet) spread at maturity. It grows rather slowly, generally reaching 1 metre (3 feet) in height with a 1.2-metre (4 feet) spread at 10 years old. Its large, dark green glossy evergreen leaves are elliptical in shape and cover the plant well. They have a very fuzzy underside. From April to June, depending on the region, for about 3 weeks, a remarkably abundant flowering submerges the bush, with 12 to 19 funnel-shaped flowers grouped in corymbs, starting as red-pink buds and opening in a palette of very bright pink tones, deeper at the edges and lighter in the throat. The petals of 'Germania' have frilly edges and open to reveal pink stamens.

Rhododendron 'Germania' is a flowering plant that is very hardy, tolerating temperatures down to -15°C (5°F). Although they prefer partial shade, hybrid rhododendrons can withstand the morning sun as long as it is not too intense and their roots remain damp. 'Germania', with its abundant and vibrant flowering, will easily decorate a small shaded space in the garden, alongside ferns, blue or variegated hostas, Pieris, heathers, Kalmias, Azaleas, Japanese Maples, or other rhododendrons from the same group to create stunning patchworks of textures and colours in spring. Rhododendrons can also be used to create beautiful hedges, on their own, or with camellias or mimosas (in mild climates), for example. Cultivating them in pots requires regular watering with non-calcareous water and specific fertilizer for plants in ericaceous soil.