Rhododendron yakushimanum 'Kalinka'

The Rhododendron yakushimanum 'Kalinka' is a dwarf hybrid with a very rounded shape. It produces large flowers, each composed of more than 10 florets. The red-pink buds open into a pink colour that varies from lilac to light pink, with yellow-green spots. Highly aesthetic and floriferous, this robust variety develops beautiful dark green leaves, particularly rounded. It is highly resistant to snow and cold and can be grown in pots or small shaded beds.

Rhododendrons are plants from the Ericaceae family, just like heathers, and they prefer soils that are mostly free of limestone, with an acidic tendency, and humid climates. The Rhododendron yakushimanum 'Kalinka' is a German hybrid created by Hans Hachmann in 1983. It forms a dense bush with a rounded habit, reaching about 1m in all directions after 10 years of cultivation with a relatively slow growth. Its evergreen leaves are dark green and matte, with an elliptical shape that covers the plant well. They have a very fuzzy, reddish-brown underside. In May-June, its remarkably abundant flowering overwhelms the bush: grouped in corymbs, the rose-red flower buds open into large flowers with silky, undulating petals ranging from lilac pink to soft pink. They are adorned with a very light yellow-green spot. Over time, the flowers fade to a pale pink shade.

The yakushimanum hybrids have excellent cold resistance and withstand temperatures as low as -15°C or even -20°C. They thrive best in semi-shaded locations but can tolerate more sun if it is not intense and the soil remains moist. The Rhododendron 'Kalinka' is perfect for enhancing a shaded corner of the garden, as its flowering is generous and vibrant. It harmonizes well with plants of similar conditions, such as ferns, hostas, Pieris, Kalmias, Azaleas, Japanese Maples, or other rhododendrons of the same type, creating magnificent compositions of textures and colours in spring. For potted cultivation, it is crucial to maintain regular watering with non-limestone water and to provide fertilizers suitable for acidophilous plants.