Dwarf Rhododendron charitopes Ssp. tsangpoense

(H5) Bright pinky-purple bell shaped flowers, usually with darker spots, flowering May-June. Large yellow and brown scales on undersides of leaves. Smooth brown flakey bark. Height 25-50cm in 10 years.

Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so do avoid reflected heat from South facing walls and patios. This plant needs plenty of light to avoid the plant getting leggy with age.

• Recommended for rock gardens and front of borders.
• Ideal position: needs careful site selection to give good ventilation and light, avoid too much heat.
• Habit: dense.
• Group: Dwarf Rhododendron.
• Subsection: Glauca.
• Introduction date: pre 1950 (1924).
• Species distribution: Burma, Yunnan.
• Approximate altitude: 3,150-4,250m
• Ideal soil: pH 4.5 to 6.0
• RHS Hardiness Rating: H5.
• How we usually propagate this plant: Cutting.

The Basics

Ideal soil

Acidic soil, good organic content, pH 4.5-6.0. Inkarho range of rhododendrons will tolerate soils up to pH7.5

Sun or Shade

Light dappled shade is best for most varieties.

Shelter

Refer to hardiness rating. Give young plants protection.

Site Selection

Avoid close to trees, roots, invasive weeds, walls, hot patios, dry banks and waterlogged soils. Do not use weed matting or stone mulch.

Plant spacing

Use the height shown in 10 years as a guide to the distance between each plant. Allow room for plant to fill out. If planting closer for instant impact, be prepared to move plants after a few years.

Compost

• 3 litre pot, dig in 10-20 litres of ericaceous compost.
• 7.5 litre pot, dig in 20-30 litres of ericaceous compost.
• 70-80cm specimen, dig in 60 litres of ericaceous compost.
• 100-120cm specimen, dig in 120 litres of ericaceous compost.

Planting depth

Plant high in the ground, with the top of the rootball visible.

Feeding

Slow-release ericaceous feed recommended in March and straight after flowering.

Mulch

Recommended every few years.

Water

The key ingredient! Keep moist all season, especially the critical time at end of June for flower bud initiation. Tap water is better than no water. Heavy dose at least once per week in dry weather.

Drainage

Ensure good drainage in winter, especially with yellow flowering varieties. Avoid waterlogged sites.

Pruning

Rhododendrons and Camellias: Not normally required. Tidy wayward shoots after flowering.

Evergreen azaleas and Bloombux can be clipped into a low hedge.

Magnolias and Acers: Formative pruning when young to shape into a tree or bush.

Deadheading

Remove old flower-heads, particularly on young or weak plants.

For further advice see here

Size Guide

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