Rhododendron Fantastica AGM STANDARD

Stunning red flowers with a paler centre fading to an attractive pink in May. We think this is one of Hachmann's best hybrids and one of our favourites and now available as a Standard. It has lovely dark foliage which contrasts well with the flowers. It has a clear stem of 60cm with a head of 30-40cm.  

Best to prune into shape after flowering. Always provide a stake to support the stem.

• Ideal for containers and small gardens.
• Easy to grow.
• Group: yakushimanum.
• Parentage: 'Mars' (s) X yakushimanum 'Koichiro Wada'
• Hybridization date: pre 2000 (1968)
• Bred by Hans Hachmann. Origin: German.
• Habit: Compact bushy.
• Ideal position: Dappled shade.
• Ideal soil: pH 4.5 to 6.0
• RHS Hardiness Rating: H7.
• How we usually propagate this plant: Graft.
• Awards: RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Good to know

Standard Rhododendrons (grown on a stem) were popular during the first half of the twentieth century, and are now finding renewed interest. We grow a limited range of rhododendrons and azaleas as standards, grown on a single straight stem of various heights. These are ideal for patio pots or formal situations (and better looking than a Bay tree!).

Please note: Standards require a good stake throughout their life to prevent wind damage. Taller standards are suitable for growing in the ground, but only short standards should be grown in pots, so that they are not blown over in high winds. If growing in containers, repot into a slightly larger pot every 3 years, using a good ericaceous compost.

For further advice, For further advice, see here

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

Delivery & Returns

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