Rhododendron Monsieur Marcel Ménard

The Rhododendron 'Monsieur Marcel Ménard' is a reliable botanical shrub. This French variety, dating back to 1924, remains exceptional for the dark violet colour of its large, round inflorescences, each flower delicately marked with ochre and punctuated with brown in the throat. The bush, compact and with a nice rounded habit, is adorned with particularly dark green foliage, attractive throughout the year. It will flower in April-May, creating a dazzling display in heather beds. Preferring partial shade, this fully hardy rhododendron tolerates the sun quite well if the soil remains moist.

Rhododendrons belong to the Ericaceae family, just like heathers. They are divided into 'sections', grouping certain botanical characteristics and cultural requirements. The 'Marcel Ménard' variety, obtained by hybridizers Croux et fils in 1924, is one of the darkest cultivars, both in terms of flowers and foliage.

The plant is wider than it is tall, reaching a height of about 1m (3ft) and a width of 1.20m (4ft) at maturity. Under particularly favourable conditions, this variety can grow up to 1.5m (5ft) in height. The branches are abundantly covered with narrow, evergreen foliage of a very dark, glossy green. It is a slow but vigorous and hardy growing plant. In April-May, its spectacular flowering consists of corymbs of 15 beautiful large flowers! The buds, a dark violet colour, open into flowers of a warm violet reminiscent of petunias, beautifully adorned with orange-ochre zones called 'imperial', all punctuated with brown located at the base of the petals. The flower's throat also hosts beautiful white stamens.

The Rhododendron Marcel Ménard, is ideally suited for acid, fresh, humus-rich and well-drained soil in partial shade. Quite Hardy, it will only reach its full potential in a humid and cool climate. It can be used individually or in mass plantings, especially with other ericaceous plants. It can be combined with Chinese azaleas, with their violet flowers complementing their warm tones, magnolias, andromedas (Pieris), mountain laurels (Kalmia), Japanese maples with yellow, green or purple foliage... It can also be planted in a beautiful pot on the terrace, taking care to provide it with fertilizer and rainwater (or soft water) for watering.