Rhododendron (x) impeditum Ramapo

Rhododendron impeditum 'Ramapo' is a compact bush adorned with evergreen leaves, shiny and grey-green with a bluish hue. This spring variety will surprise you with its superb flowering in shades of mauve to lavender. It thrives in the sun in cooler regions, or in partial shade. An acidic and moist soil is essential for successful cultivation. Forming a low and spreading bush, this graceful little rhododendron is perfect for small gardens. Very hardy, it can also be grown in a container to decorate a terrace.

Rhododendrons are plants from the Ericaceae family, which includes a hundred genera, many of which are widespread in our gardens. Heathers, Kalmia, Andromeda, Leucothoe, Oxydendrum or Gaultheria are precious in ornamental beds, while Arbutus and especially Blueberries delight us with their fruits. In the vast majority, these are plants that prefer soils devoid of limestone, with an acidic tendency and humid climates.

Resembling an Azalea in its foliage and flowering, Rhododendron impeditum 'Ramapo' forms a dense and spreading bush, 60cm (24in) high and 1m (3ft) wide at maturity. Its small evergreen leaves have a beautiful glossy appearance and range in colour from green to blue and grey. Elliptical in shape, they are slender and leathery, with a fairly prominent central vein.
During the months of April and May, this bush flowers in clusters of 3 to 6 flowers, sometimes more, in shades of lavender to pink-mauve. This magnificent display lasts for about 3 weeks. Very hardy down to around -24°C, this Rhododendron impeditum 'Ramapo' shows slow growth.

The 'Ramapo' Rhododendron will be ideal in a border, in a pot, or even as a standalone plant in a small garden. For planting in a container, choose a pot made of terracotta or "double skin" if it is a plastic model. This insulating layer of air will prevent the substrate from overheating in summer, which can be detrimental to the roots. Also, remember to water very regularly in this case, as container cultivation is more stressful than in open ground.
In beds, this miniature Rhododendron will occupy the foreground, in front of taller plants of the heath family, such as the beautiful Kalmias, or Mountain Laurels, with their beautiful dark green foliage and lovely small flowers in May-June. It will also thrive in the light shade of an Oxydendrum arboreum, whose summer flowering in long clusters of white bells and dazzling autumn foliage will provide a spectacle for much of the year. And to ensure flowers all year round, complete this picture with an Autumn Camellia like the magnificent Camellia sasanqua Yuletide, whose bright red flowers with yellow stamens will enchant you from November to January...