Rhododendron Gartendirektor Rieger

Rhododendron williamsianum Gartendirektor Rieger is a magnificent hybrid variety awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in England. Let's first mention its evergreen foliage, rounded and slightly curved, with yellow-green petioles that turn red in the sun, and beautiful reddish-copper young shoots on a reddish wood. The bush forms a compact dome. In May, a profusion of flesh-pink buds open into white campanulate flowers, washed with pale pink to salmon pink, with slightly undulate edges, widely open on a macule speckled with red. This vigorous variety appreciates some sun to flower well. It is a hardy selection, with a mid-early flowering. 'Rhodos', as spectacular as they are exclusive, only thrive in acidic, rich, moist, well-drained soil, and under humid climates.

Rhododendrons are plants of the Ericaceae family, like heathers. The cultivar Gartendirektor Rieger is the result of cross-breeding between the Adriaan Koster variety and the botanical species Rhododendron williamsianum, from which it inherited several characteristics. It forms a large, ramified bush with a dense, dome-shaped habit, wider than it is tall, reaching approximately 1.40 m in height and 1.70 m in spread at the age of 10, under good growing conditions, in open ground. Its leaves are oval in shape, quite rounded, dark green and glossy, with yellow-green petioles that turn red in shaded areas. They persist throughout winter. In May, for approximately three weeks, large clusters or spherical corymbs of pinkish flowers bloom at the end of the branches. They open into clusters of 4 to 9 flowers, with undulate-edged petals. The petals are white, and on the upper petal, a speckled red macule adds a beautiful touch.

Rhododendron williamsianum Gartendirektor Rieger is a hardy plant down to -20°C. Although they generally prefer partial shade, this one appreciates a bit more sun, while still avoiding the hottest hours. With its exquisite flowering, it brightens up a slightly shaded area of the garden, alongside plants with pink, white, purple, or blue flowers. Paired with Kalmias, Azaleas, Pieris, or other rhododendrons from the same group, it allows for the creation of superb patchworks of textures and colours in spring. Also consider pairing it with Japanese Maples or Ferns and Japanese Anemones.