Rhododendron ungernii Rachel Foster

**** Launched at Chelsea Flower Show 2019****

(H5) Pale pink bell shaped flowers in a domed truss, flushed purplish pink towards the wavy edges, and with greenish flecks on the upper lobes. The tall candelabroid umbel is composed of 12-30 separate flowers. Late flowering during June to August, so best in light dappled shade to preserve the blooms. Dense dark green foliage with whitish fawn indumentum on the undersides of the leaves, and distinctive whitish tomentum on young branchlets, which form a fairly compact to erect bush. Height 125-150cm in 10 years, rarely reaching up to 6 metres at maturity.

The trusses are smaller than usual for this species, with smaller and darker stamens and style.

Epithet: The species was named for Baron F. von Ungern-Sternberg (1800-1868) Professor at Dorpat. This selection was named for the Head Gardener at Exbury Gardens.

• Recommended for interesting foliage.
• Easy to grow.
• Ideal position: sheltered woodland, away from direct sun.
• Habit: Shrub.
• Group: Species Rhododendron.
• Subsection: Ponticum Group
• Species distribution: NE Turkey, Georgia, Russia
• Species introduction: pre 1900 (1886)
• Approximate altitude: 850-2,000m.
• Ideal soil: pH 4.5 to 6.
• RHS Hardiness Rating: H5.

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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