Rhododendron yakushimanum Sneezy

Rhododendron yakushimanum 'Sneezy' is a compact hybrid that offers magnificent purple-pink flowering. Forming a bush with a compact habit of about 1m (3ft) in diameter, its shiny dark green evergreen foliage highlights its abundant flowering. This variety was awarded by the highly esteemed RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) in 2012 for its many qualities. Growing in full sun or partial shade in moist soil, it is an excellent choice for a small garden as well as for container planting. This very hardy,  compact Rhododendron only dislikes limestone and drought. 

Rhododendrons are plants belonging to the Ericaceae family, which includes hundreds of genera, many of which are common in our gardens. Heather, Kalmia, Andromeda, Leucothoe, Oxydendrum, and Gaultheria are valuable 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. 

Rhododendron yakushimanum 'Sneezy' was obtained in England in 1972 by the breeder J. Waterer. It is the result of the crossbreeding between a R. Yakushimanum (a dwarf Rhododendron from Japan) and the variety 'Doncaster' (a Rhododendron with red flowers that can reach 2m (7ft) in height). It forms a dense bush with a rounded habit, reaching approximately 1.00m (3ft) to 1.50m (5ft) in all directions at maturity. Its growth is slow, generally reaching 80cm (32in) at the age of 10. Its shiny dark green evergreen leaves are elongated and elliptical in shape, covering the plant well. Flowering occurs in April-May. Grouped in corymbs of 12 to 16, the red-pink to purple flower buds open into large funnel-shaped flowers. These then turn into a slightly paler pink, and since the buds do not all open at the same time but are staggered, the visual effect of this range of colours is simply superb. This Rhododendron thrives in acidic and moist, or even damp, ericaceous soil. It tolerates full sun as long as the soil remains moist in summer, which can be helped by mulching with bark at its base. 

Like all yakushimanum hybrids, affectionately nicknamed "yak rhodos" by specialists, the Rhododendron 'Sneezy' is very hardy down to -20°C (1°F). Although they prefer partial shade, these hybrids can tolerate the sun as long as it is not scorching (morning sun), and their base remains moist. 'Sneezy', with its abundant and brightly coloured flowers, will easily adorn a small, slightly shaded space in the garden, accompanied by ferns such as Matteuccia struthiopteris, or Ostrich Fern, with its beautiful intricate fronds. Blue or variegated Hostas, Pieris, Japanese Maples, or other Rhododendrons will create stunning patchworks of textures and colours in spring. Growing in containers requires regular watering with lime-free water, as well as specific fertilizer for ericaceous plants.