Rhododendron Burletta

Rhododendron 'Burletta' is a delightful compact variety with slow growth, perfectly suited for small gardens or container gardening. Ornamental both in terms of its flowering and foliage, it produces an abundance of trumpet-shaped, bright red flowers in spring, eye-catching in the garden. The evergreen leaves are dark green on top and dark red-purple underneath and remain decorative throughout the year. It is sensitive to limestone and drought. It thrives in acidic, humus-bearing, moist soil and light shade, and can be grown in containers.

Rhododendrons are members of the Ericaceae family, which includes many ornamental genera. Rhododendron neriiflorum is native to China, Tibet, and Myanmar (Burma). This species forms a medium-sized bush, ranging from 1.50m to 2m and more, with decorative bark. Growing at altitudes of 2000 to 3500m, it produces red flowers and has lanceolate to elliptical leaves (more or less elongated and narrow in shape).
The horticultural variety 'Burletta' was developed by the German breeder Hans Hachmann, who obtained it in 1994. More compact than the species, with slow growth, 'Burletta' eventually forms a bush 55 to 75cm in height, with a spread of 90cm to 1.30m. This small spreading bush has particularly ornamental evergreen foliage. The elliptical leaves, mucronate (slightly pointed at the tip), are relatively small, measuring about 5 to 8cm in length and 2 to 4cm in width. Arranged alternately on the branches, they are carried by petioles of 1.5 to 2.5cm. They are easily recognisable by their dual colouring, a beautiful glossy dark green on the upper side, and a surprising dark reddish-purple, tending towards burgundy red on the lower side. This uniqueness gives the foliage a distinctive and ornamental character.
Around mid-April, sometimes earlier depending on the year, campanulate flowers appear, in the form of open trumpets, measuring 5cm in diameter and grouped in clusters of 5 to 10 or 12 at the ends of the branches. Blooming for approximately 3 weeks, their bright red colour against the dark backdrop of the foliage creates a beautiful scene.
Hardy down to -20°C/-22°C, this Rhododendron can be slightly sensitive to frost when placed in poor growing conditions.

Rhododendron 'Burletta' is a true gem for the garden. While many varieties are mainly valued for their flowering, it adds the interest of truly decorative foliage. You can easily integrate it into a bed of acid-loving plants alongside other ornamental bushes that will allow you to enjoy stunning blooms throughout the seasons. Camellias offer an incredible choice of flowers with multiple patterns and colours, blooming in autumn (Camellia sasanqua) and winter. As spring approaches, the large white star-shaped blooms of Magnolia stellata will make a big impression, preceding the red fireworks of 'Burletta'. Cornus kousa Cappuccino, a Japanese Dogwood with foliage that varies with the seasons, will bridge the gap to summer with its large white bracts as graceful as butterflies, followed by highly decorative fuchsia pink berries. And for summer, Hydrangeas, available in various species and varieties, will offer you an abundance of flowers.