Rhododendron Lilly Bell Magic

The Rhododendron Lilly Bell 'Magic' is a variety from the 'Lilly Bell' series, with flowers of intense colour and fragrance. The plant is particularly frost-resistant, as it is hardy up to -35°C (1°F). It is a bush of modest size, with dark green, glossy, round evergreen foliage, covered in April and May with purple flowers loved by butterflies and bees. It can be planted in pots, borders, or flower beds in full sun or partial shade.

The Rhododendron Lilly Bell Magic belongs to the ericaceae family. The Lilly Bell series was introduced by the German nursery Hellwig in 2015. It consists of dwarf selections of existing species, which are Rhododendron campylogynum, R. keleticum, R. repens, R. ludolwi, and R. impeditum. These wild species have in common their dwarf stature, reaching a maximum height of 60 cm (24in), originating from China, and having foliage and flowering similar to azaleas.

The cultivar Lilly Bell 'Magic' forms a clump of dense, small foliage, reaching a height of 60 to 80 cm (24 to 32in) with a similar width at maturity. The round foliage is evergreen dark green, creating a beautiful contrast with the flowers. The flowering begins in April and lasts for several weeks. The individual funnel-shaped flowers are wide open, with an intense violet colour. The flowers are followed in autumn by decorative brownish capsules that open in a star shape. It is frost-resistant up to -35°C (1°F).

The Rhododendron Lilly Bell Magic® tolerates full sun or partial shade. It requires an acidic, fertile, well-drained substrate or moist soil. Plant it in pots, borders, or flower beds in the garden. Combine it with other plants that prefer acidic or neutral soil, such as small azaleas, ferns, hostas, Corydalis, and colorful Heuchera in partial shade. Growing it in containers requires regular watering with non-limestone water and specific fertilisers for acid-loving plants.