Rhododendron Lisetta

The Rhododendron haematodes Lisetta is a dwarf bush with evergreen foliage, attractive with its beautiful red floral robe, unfailing during its 3-week flowering period in May. This variety, which blooms very abundantly, bears funnel-shaped flowers with fringed edges, of a pure and deep red. Its foliage is unique, quite large, dark green and shiny. Very hardy, it can be planted in any non-calcareous, humus-bearing and moist soil, in partial shade.

The Rhododendrons belong to the Ericaceae family, which blesses us with numerous ornamental plants (Erica, Enkianthus, Kalmia, Zenobia, Oxydendrum) as well as some fruit plants (Strawberry Tree, Blueberry). The genus Rhododendron is extremely vast, mainly comprising bushes, but also trees over 10m (33ft) high, generally evergreen but sometimes deciduous, especially among the Azaleas which are, botanically speaking, actually Rhododendrons. The Rhododendron haematodes Lisetta is the result of a cross-breeding between R. haematodes x R. repens. It forms a dense spreading bush, wider than tall, 70cm (28in) high and 1.10m (4ft) wide when fully grown. Its evergreen dark green leaves are elliptical in shape, slender and leathery with prominent veins. During the month of May, this dwarf bush is literally covered in pure red flowers. The flowers are grouped in tight terminal corymbs. A special moment in your garden.

Hardy up to -24°C (-11.2°F), the Rhododendron haematodes Lisetta enjoys a partial shade exposure. With slow growth, this acid-loving heathland bush thrives in cool, humus-bearing and well-drained soil. It can be used as a standalone or in mass plantings, at the edge of woodlands, in Japanese gardens, in borders, especially with other acid-loving plants. When combined with Kalmias, Azaleas, Pieris or other rhododendrons from the same group, it creates superb patchworks of textures and colours in spring. Growing it in a container requires regular watering with non-calcareous water and specific fertilization for acid-loving plants.