Rhododendron keleticum (rh.calostrotum ssp. keleticum)

Rhododendrons are reliable, beautifully flowering, evergreen shrubs of variable origin: S.W. China, Himalayas, Northern America, and even Europe. The original species were hybridized several times for better performance so in the 1950´s there were more than 10,000 cultivars registered, and the number keeps increasing.

Keleticum is a sought-after species of dwarf rhododendron from Tibet and SW China. It has deep lilac-pink to bright purple, small flowers on long-ish stalks, and 5-10 mm long, dark green, glossy leaves. It belongs to dwarf, prostrate growing rhododendrons forming cushion-like groundcovers. They are highly valued in Japanese-style gardens where they are called living stones. It blooms later than many hybrids and once it starts flowering it offers a stunning show of hundreds of flowers for which the leaves are barely visible. No pruning recommended. Slow grower.

Grow this dwarf type in any location from full sun to full shade, just make sure it is always well mulched. The roots are shallow, spreading to sides in search for nutrients. Never plant them too deep. The soil has to be acidic (pH 4.5-5.5), rich in humus, cool and always moist. Ideal soil mixture is peat with lime-free, light garden soil topped with leaf-mould. Fully hardy to min. -24°C (USDA zone 6), possibly more.

Last update 03-02-2011