Rhododendron Lilly Bell Pearl

The Rhododendron campylogynum Lilly Bell 'Pearl' is a miniature cultivar that resembles an azalea with its flowers and foliage. It produces a profusion of widely open flowers covering the plant in a soft lilac pink, slightly sprinkled with purple-red, from late April to early June. This new generation plant forms a naturally rounded and compact small clump. It can be grown in a pot or as a border plant, in full sun or partial shade.

The Rhododendron campylogynum Lilly Bell 'Pearl' belongs to the ericaceae family. It is derived from the botanical species Rhododendron campylogynum. 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 all share their dwarf habit, reaching a maximum height of 60 cm (24in) and foliage and flowering similar to azaleas.

The 'Pearl' cultivar forms a clump of small, dense foliage with a neat cushion-like habit, reaching 30 cm (12in) in height and 60 cm (24in) in width at maturity. The elliptical foliage is evergreen and dark green. The flowering begins in April and lasts for several weeks. The funnel-shaped flowers are widely open, with fringed edges and red dots on the lilac-pink flowers. They are followed in autumn by decorative brownish capsules that open in a star shape. This cultivar is hardy down to -23°C (1°F).

The Rhododendron Lilly Bell 'Pearl' tolerates full sun or partial shade and even shade, although it may flower less profusely. It requires an acid, fertile, well-drained substrate or moist soil. It can be used in containers or pots, as a border plant in the garden, or as ground cover. Combine it with plants that prefer acidic or neutral soil, such as small azaleas, ferns, hostas, Corydalis, and colourful Heucheras in partial shade. Regular watering with non-limestone water and specific fertilisers for acid-loving plants are required when grown in containers.