Rhododendron ludlowii Lilly Bell Sun

The Rhododendron ludlowii Lilly Bell 'Sun' is a miniature cultivar with pale yellow flowers, perfect for pots and containers. It forms a dense, rounded, neat clump adorned with petite, ovate foliage, producing beautiful azalea flowering in May and June. The flowers are fragrant in this variety and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. A low-maintenance, new-generation plant that can also be planted as a border in full sun or partial shade.

The Rhododendron ludlowii Lilly Bell 'Sun' belongs to the ericaceae family. It is derived from the botanical species Rhododendron ludlowii. The Lilly Bell® series was introduced by the German nursery Hellwig in 2015. It is composed of dwarf selections of different species: Rhododendron campylogynum, R. keleticum, R. repens, R. ludolwi, and R. impeditum. These wild rhododendrons have in common a maximum height of about 60 cm (24in), originating from China, and a flowering similar to azaleas.

The 'Sun' cultivar forms a clump of dense, cushion-like foliage, reaching a height of 40 cm (16in) and a width of 60 cm (24in) at maturity. Its evergreen leaves are small, leathery, ovate, and medium green, turning bronze in winter. In mid-spring, the rhododendron is covered with pale yellow, widely campanulate flowers. The abundant inflorescences shine in a light yellow and emit a sweet fragrance. It is hardy to temperatures as low as -23°C (1°F).

The Rhododendron Lilly Bell 'Sun' tolerates full sun, partial shade, and even shade, although it may flower less profusely in the latter. It requires an acidic, fertile, well-drained substrate or moist soil. Plant it in containers, pots, borders, or as a ground cover. Pair it with plants that prefer acidic or neutral soil, such as small azaleas, ferns, hostas, Corydalis, and colourful Heuchera in partial shade. Container cultivation requires regular watering with non-limestone water and specific fertilisers for acid-loving plants.