Rhododendron varieties overview: 15 rare, old species and new hybrids

table of contents

Rhododendron varieties
New hybrids
Varieties from A - D
Varieties from G - M
Ancient species
Varieties from B - K
Varieties from P - U
Rare varieties
Varieties from G - K
Varieties from L - R

The genus rhododendron belongs to the heather family, which have the botanical name Ericaceae. There are countless species worldwide that are still divided into different types. The geographical distribution of these plants is just as diverse. In the gardens of the local latitudes, rhododendrons have become popular because of the wide range of colors of the flowers, which is the result of constant cultivations. In addition to the breathtaking display of flowers, the distinctive foliage, good winter hardiness and compact growth are important.

Rhododendron varieties

New hybrids

Most of the varieties from the specialist trade are hybrids, which have emerged from old species over the course of time through crossings and breeding. The aim of breeding rhododendrons is to inherit beneficial properties that are valued by gardeners. This includes sufficient frost resistance for the local winters, dense growth and lush inflorescences. Many of the culture forms common today come from Southeast Asia. Due to their origin, these varieties prefer moist and highly humic soil with slightly acidic conditions. Furthermore, most rhododendrons thrive better in partially shaded to shady light conditions.

Varieties from A - D

Aureolin

The attractive hybrid Aureolin is new on the market and has quite small flowers that change color over the course of the flowering period. However, the colorful spectacle can only be admired for a relatively short time. On the other hand, the strongly growing foliage remains well beyond the flowering period and is extremely hardy. The plant only reaches its full height after ten years.

The flower color changes from carmine red to light yellow
The flowering period is from mid-May to early June
Dark green and frost hardy foliage
Grows broad and rounded
Grows up to 1.3 m high and 1.8 m wide

Cherry Kiss

The hybrid Cherry Kiss has extremely large flowers for a rhododendron and enchants with its strong flower color. The very light and cream-colored anthers, which stand out strongly against the dark flower color, are very noticeable. The foliage grows thick and shiny. Cherry Kiss only reaches its full height after ten years.

Dark red and bright flowers
Medium to dark green foliage with frost-hardy properties
Flowering begins in mid-May and continues until early June
Broad and upright growth
Grows up to 1.20 m high and 1.50 m wide

Diana

The hybrid Diana convinces with bright flowers, the color of which becomes steadily stronger from the center to the edge. What is new is a fine, rust-red speckle, which can be seen on the upper petals in the interior. If the weather is favorable, the flowering period lasts about a month. The plant grows moderately and forms a closed crown. This rhododendron reaches its full height within ten years.

Forms salmon pink flowers
Flowering begins at the end of May and continues until the end of June
Medium green leaves with a slight curvature
The plant is sufficiently hardy
Stems are colored reddish
Crown is broad and spherical
Becomes about four feet high and five feet wide

Varieties from G - M

Golden Everest

This strain changes color from the time the buds form until the flowers open. This differently colored border gradually disappears as it blooms, while the actual bloom shines in color for a longer period of time. In favorable weather conditions, this rhododendron can bloom for almost a month. The foliage has a satin gloss and forms an attractive frame for the flowers. Golden Everest is one of the rather weak-growing Varieties and only reaches its full height after many years. Therefore, it is well suited for gardens with limited space.

Forms orange-red buds
Then these develop into golden yellow inflorescences
The flowers are surrounded by a reddish border
The flowering period lasts from late May to late June
Medium green foliage with good winter hardiness
Grows wide and upright
Height about 80 cm and width about 90 cm

Julia

The flowering time of the Julia variety does not last very long. However, the developed flower pile looks particularly lush, as the petals are laid out in double rows. For this purpose, the edges of the leaves are slightly rolled up. This rhododendron grows relatively weak and remains stocky even with age.

Flowering time from mid-May to early June
Makes pink-rose to salmon-orange flowers
Foliage is dark green and shiny
Round and compact growth
Becomes about 90 cm high and 100 cm wide

Metallica

The Metallica variety enchants with extremely voluminous inflorescences, which are composed of many individual flowers. The striking foliage forms a very nice contrast to the intense flower color, which is a striking splash of color in the garden. This hybrid grows very strong and upright, which is why it is also suitable for creating hedges.

Flowering period from late May to late June
Inflorescence is made up of 14 to 21 individual flowers
Flowers are light purple with large and dark purple eyes
Dark green foliage with good winter hardiness
Maximum height about 1.40 m and width 1.60 m

Ancient species

Various types of rhododendrons have been cultivated in Germany and Europe for several centuries. Due to their natural occurrence in the local latitudes, these are well adapted to the local conditions and are therefore extremely hardy. Both small and large-flowered options are available.

Varieties from B - K

Lashed alpine rose

The lashed alpine rose is also very old and originated in 1753. Their heyday begins relatively late for rhododendrons.

Flowering period from June to July
The flower color is pale pink, rarely white
Shrub-like habit
Grows up to 1.00 m
Extremely hardy

Caucasus

The species Caucasus is particularly old and dates from 1788. This rhododendron impresses with its light flower color and compact growth.

Flowering time from April to May
Creamy white to yellow flowers, rarely pale pink
Shrub-like habit
Grows from 30 cm to 100 cm
Extremely hardy

Varieties from P - U

Pontic rhododendron

This type of rhododendron is also very old and dates back to 1762. The plant can reach enormous proportions, which must be taken into account when choosing the right location. There are beautiful variations in the flower colors that shine strongly.

Flowering time from May to June
Flower color can be either pale pink, purple, or purple
Shrub to tree-like habit
Can grow up to 8 m
Extremely hardy

Simonkai

This species became known from 1851 and grows rather weakly. This is why Simonkai is well suited for manageable gardens.

Flowering time in May
The flower color is pink
Shrub-like habit
Grows up to 60 cm high
Extremely hardy

Reluctant rhododendron

This rhododendron species dates back to 1885 and can reach tree-like dimensions. Therefore, it needs a lot of space in its location in the garden. However, both the site and weather conditions must be right for strong growth.

Flowering period from June to July
White flower color that overflows into pink
Shrub to tree-like habit
Can grow up to 7 m
Extremely hardy

Rare varieties

Some of the rhododendron varieties are quite rare in this country because they come from foreign countries. Some of them are not or only partially winter hardy and therefore only suitable for indoor culture. However, some of the varieties continued to be bred for decades and in this way have been made suitable for the local conditions of the local regions. These include above all Yakushimanum varieties, which grow in Japan at extreme altitudes. Thanks to a felt hair on the young shoots, which serves as protection from the sun and cold, these varieties can withstand both strong sunlight and low temperatures.

Varieties from G - K

Gold topaz

The gold topaz is one of the deciduous rhododendrons that shed their leaves in autumn after they had previously turned brightly colored. In this way, the variety offers variety in the garden landscape over the course of the year. The developed inflorescences are rich and colorful. Gold topaz prefers sunny to partially shaded locations in the garden.

Flowering period from late May to late June
Bright yellow and trumpet-shaped single flowers
Rather elongated leaves, glossy and dark green
Upright and broad growth
Grows up to 1.50 m high and 1 m wide

Kalinka

Due to its home on sunny mountain slopes, this variety adapts perfectly to the prevailing conditions in Europe. This rhododendron also serves as a planting for graves and beautifies every rock garden. Unlike most hybrids, this variety prefers sunny to partially shaded locations.

The flowering period begins in mid-May
Flowers are deep pink and slightly darker at the edge
Slightly shiny and dark green foliage
Round and compact habit
Maximum size about 1.20 m and width 1.60 m

Varieties from L - R

Luisella

The Luisella variety belongs to the group of dwarf rhododendrons, which score points with their compact growth and small flowers. Therefore this is ideal for the Bucket keeping on the balcony and terrace. In addition, Luisella is a beautiful ornament for the house entrance, rock garden, Japanese garden and also serves as a grave plant. In these locations, the variety prefers sunny to partially shaded conditions.

Flowering time from mid to late May
Makes purple-blue and trumpet-shaped single flowers
Leaves are small and elongated with a gray-green color
Grows slowly and stockily
Only about 40 cm high and wide

Red Jack

Red Jack is one of the large-flowered rhododendrons and can reach tree-like heights. Many individual flowers grow on the inflorescences and give them voluminous proportions. Therefore, this variety needs a lot of space in the garden, with sunny to partially shaded conditions.