Rudais rododendrs

Origin. The selection of Richard Kondratovics at the University of Latvia. The crossing performed in 1978. The cultivar selected in 1990, but certified in 2005. The parents of the cultivar are ‘Ex-5’ and Rhododendron luteum Sweet.

Morphology. A dormant shrub with a wide crown shape. Within 10 years reaches 1.5 m in height and 1.8 m width. Leaves green above, light green beneath, elliptical, large, up to 15 cm long and up to 5 cm wide. Flowers tubular funnel-shaped, 8 cm in diameter, buttercup-yellow, slightly corrugated, fragrant. Arranged in large round inflorescences containing up to 17 flowers. Blooms in May - June.

Ecology. A fully hardy cultivar. Thrives in a sunny place, in wet, acidic, light, permeable sandy loam or sandy soil rich in humus, with the soil reaction pH 4.5 – 5.5. When new plantings are created, it is recommended to mulch the area around the beds with acidic peat, bark mulch or other material of organic origin.

Importance. A very ornamental cultivar of rhododendrons. Suitable for both individual and city plantations. Fits well for planting as solitary plants and in large groups in mixed beds together with other species of the Ericaceae or conifer species and their ornamental forms.