Rhododendron ponticum Variegatum

Rhododendron ponticum 'Variegatum' is a lovely form with green leaves edged in cream of the Rhododendron ponticum, of which it is a mutation. Less vigorous than the species but equally hardy, this evergreen bush is adorned with large clusters of mauve flowers speckled with orange in late spring that perfectly complement its long variegated leaves. Perfect for brightening up shaded areas of the garden, it is robust, floriferous, and easy to grow in acidic, neutral, or even slightly alkaline, fertile, well-drained but moist soil. It finds its place in a hedge or in a large shrub border, ideally in the understorey or in the morning sun.  

Rhododendrons are plants of the heath family, just like heathers, preferring predominantly lime-free, acidic soils and humid climates. Rhododendron ponticum is a botanic species with extensive growth originating from the Iberian Peninsula (southwest Spain and southern Portugal) as well as Turkey. Its distribution range extends as far as Georgia and Lebanon. It is found along the shores of the Black Sea, where it is also endangered, and survives only as a relic population in Portugal, where attempts are being made to reintroduce it. In its native regions, Rhododendron ponticum grows in wooded and often mountainous areas, up to an altitude of 2,500 metres (8000ft).

Rhododendron ponticum 'Variegatum' (or 'Variegata'), less vigorous and much less invasive, was selected in 1837 at the Lefèvre nursery in Ghent, Belgium. This variety forms a beautiful rounded and branching shrub, rather spreading at maturity, not exceeding 2.5 to 3 metres (8 - 10ft) in height and 2 to 2.5 metres (7  - 8ft) in width under favourable conditions. Its habit will be denser when the plant is exposed to light. Its branches bear long evergreen leaves that are oblong or lanceolate, measuring up to 10cm (3.9in) in length. They are a shiny dark grey-green, strongly and irregularly edged in white cream. The abundant flowering occurs in May-June, and can extend until the end of summer depending on the climate. It only occurs on plants aged 10 to 12 years. At the tips of the branches appear clusters of 10 to 15 trumpet-shaped flowers, 5cm (2in) in diameter, in shades of mauve to lavender pink. The throat of the flowers is speckled with yellow-orange. This non-fragrant flowering, however, is nectar-rich and attracts bumblebees. After pollination, woody capsules form, containing a multitude of fine seeds dispersed by the wind. The lower branches of this Rhododendron root when they touch the ground, through a phenomenon of spontaneous layering. While it prefers acidic and sandy soils (pH between 4 and 6), Rhododendron ponticum 'Variegatum' is relatively tolerant and will accept loamy, neutral, or even slightly alkaline soils (pH 7.5). Very resistant to cold (down to -18°C), it tolerates heat (up to 40°C). However, it dreads dry soils, especially when young. Its root system remains shallow and fears competition from other plants.

This splendid variegated rhododendron is undoubtedly a very beautiful semi-shade shrub. As it is relatively tolerant of soil and climate, it will adapt to any well-drained, properly prepared soil enriched with heather soil and coarse sand. Rhododendron ponticum 'Variegatum' can be used in the back of a border or in a medium-sized hedge, in the company of other heathland plants or more classically with beautiful evergreen shrubs, whether variegated or not, such as Eleagnus ebbingei, Portuguese Laurel, large Photinia, or even Viburnum rhytidophyllum, for example. It can be combined with magnolias and Japanese maples with green or purple foliage...

Introduced to the United Kingdom and Europe, where it was frequently planted in gardens, parks, and even directly in forests to encourage the presence of game, the typical (or sometimes hybrid) Rhododendron ponticum has become naturalized to the point of being classified today among invasive species that are harmful to local flora and fauna. This phenomenon is mainly observed in acidic soils and mild, humid climates, such as those found in Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, Normandy, Aveyron, and Charentes. Rhododendron ponticum has been crossed with other species to produce some of our most beautiful and resistant rhododendrons, but without the invasive character.