Rhododendron Gertrud Schale

(H5) Large waxy scarlet red flowers, in small trusses during April. Deep green leaves on a compact spreading plant, and one of the hardiest 'repens' hybrids, bred by D.G. Hobbie in Northern Germany. Height 25-50cm in 10 years.

Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so avoid reflected heat from South facing walls and patios, particularly if planting in containers.

Also known as Rhododendron 'Gertrude Schale'.

• Recommended for: small gardens.
• Easy to grow.
• Ideal position: Some sun, away from heat.
• Habit: Low growing & compact.
• Group: Dwarf Rhododendron hybrid.
• Parentage: ‘Prometheus’ (s) X forrestii Repens Group.
• Hybridization date: pre 2000 (1951).
• Bred by: D. Hobbie. Origin: Germany.
• Ideal soil: pH 4.5 to 6.
• RHS Hardiness Rating: H5.
• How we usually propagate this plant: Cutting.

Customer Reviews

By Martin Wright on 12th October 2021

"All three perfect plants very happy with them all"

By MirandaWatts on 6th January 2021

"Wonderfully healthy plant, exactly as described, looking beautiful and incredibly well packed, so that it arrived in perfect condition. I'm delighted."

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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