Rhododendron Rocket

Rhododendron 'Rocket' is an old bush with bright pink flowers that is widely planted in gardens, as well as in large pots to adorn terraces and balconies. Naturally compact and vigorous, this medium-sized bush is covered with beautiful evergreen foliage of a glossy bronze-green colour. It blooms abundantly in spring, and sometimes again in autumn depending on the climate. Its large frilly flowers of vibrant pink will bring life to shaded areas from the first warm days. 'Rhodos', as spectacular as they are exclusive, only thrive in acidic, rich, moist but well-drained soil. 

Rhododendrons are plants of the Ericaceae family, just like heathers, preferring for the most part soils devoid of limestone, tending to be acidic, and humid climates. Derived from the hybridization of the variety 'Cunningham's White' and a red R. catawbiense seedling, Rhododendron 'Rocket' remains to this day one of the most popular cultivars. It forms a dense bush with a rounded habit, reaching approximately 1.50 m (5 ft) in height and 1.20 m (4 ft) in width at maturity. Its growth is rather slow, generally reaching 1.20 m (4 ft) in height at the age of 10. Its large evergreen leaves are elliptical in shape and cover the plant well. They are glossy bronze-green on the upper side and show a lighter and fuzzy underside. In May, for about 3 weeks, a remarkably abundant flowering submerges the bush: grouped in large, rounded corymbs of 9 units, beautiful large funnel-shaped flowers in bud red-pink open to pure and vibrant pink, with a deeper hue on the edges and a lighter shade in the throat. The petals of 'Rocket' are highly frilly on the edges, opening to long pink stamens. 

Rhododendron 'Rocket' is a flowering plant and quite hardy, down to -15°C or even -20°C. Although they prefer partial shade, hybrid Rhododendrons can tolerate morning sun as long as it is not scorching and their base remains moist. "Rocket", with its abundant and vibrant flowering, will easily adorn a small shaded space in the garden, alongside ferns, hostas, Pieris, heathers, Kalmias, Azaleas, Japanese Maples, or other rhododendrons from the same group to create stunning patchworks of textures and colours in spring. Large rhododendrons can be used to create magnificent hedges, alone or with camellias or mimosa (in mild climates). Cultivating in pots requires regular watering with lime-free water and specific fertilizers for acid-loving plants.