Rhododendron Boddaertianum
Rhododendron Boddaertianum
Rhododendron campanulatum x arboreum Boddaertianum
Rhododendron
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Description
Rhododendron x Boddaertianum, sometimes marketed as 'Gloire d'Anvers', is an old hybrid that has been cultivated for a long time in gardens where it is appreciated for its beautiful early white flowering speckled with red. It is not uncommon for this variety to be in bloom in March-April, which has earned it its other name, the Easter Rhododendron. Vigorous and of good stature, it shows good resistance to heat and sun, a quality not so common in these plants. With its lush aspect that could almost be called exotic, this large rhododendron can create a superb screen at the back of flower beds or majestic evergreen hedges.
Rhododendrons are plants of the Ericaceae family, like heathers, preferring mostly limestone-free, acid soils and wet climates. Rhododendron 'Boddaertianum', despite its Latin-sounding name, is a hybrid obtained in Belgium in 1860. It is the result of cross-breeding between Rhododendron arboreum ssp arboreum, not very hardy, originating from the lower altitudes of the Himalayas, and R. campanulatum ssp campanulatum, native to the cold regions of the high mountains of Kashmir and Sikkim in India. It is characterised by better resistance to sun and heat and its stature.
'Boddaertianum' forms a large bush with a slightly upright rounded habit higher than wide. Its growth is relatively fast, reaching an average height of 3m (10ft) and a width of 2.5m (8ft) at the age of 10 in good conditions. The branches are abundantly covered with beautiful evergreen foliage of a dark matte green. The leaves are narrow and pointed elliptical. The abundant flowering usually takes place in April-May. The large funnel-shaped flowers are grouped in large spherical clusters, sometimes up to 20. The colour of the buds is soft pink, then they open to white with red speckles in the centre. This acid-loving shrub will find its place in partial shade in a damp, humus-rich, well-drained soil with an acidic pH. Rhododendron Boddaertianum is hardy in many regions of France, to -12/-15°C (10.4/5°F) for short periods, but its early flowering is susceptible to late frosts.
Rhododendron 'Boddaertianum' is certainly not the most cold-resistant, but its almost tree-like habit makes it one of the most spectacular, especially when it blooms with its large white flowers in early spring, ahead of most other varieties. It can be used as a specimen or in a mass planting, of course in the company of other acid-loving plants. It can be paired with narrow and conical conifers for contrast, Chinese azaleas, which complement and temper its warm tones, magnolias, andromedas (Pieris), mountain laurels (Kalmia), green or purple Japanese maples...
Rhododendron Boddaertianum in pictures
Plant habit
Flowering
Foliage
Botanical data
Rhododendron
campanulatum x arboreum
Boddaertianum
Ericaceae
Rhododendron
Cultivar or hybrid
Planting and care
Plant Rhododendron 'Boddaertianum' , a plant that appreciates well-drained but moist soils and is sensitive to severe frosts below -12/-15°C (10.4/5°F) if not protected by snow. Place it in a sunny, non-scorching position or in partial shade, sheltered from cold and drying winds to preserve its early flowering. Plant it in a damp, humus-rich, and light soil with an acidic tendency. Like all heath plants, it does not tolerate calcareous or alkaline soils, nor heavy soils that are waterlogged in winter. Dig a hole three times larger than the pot. Soak the root ball in non-calcareous water and plant the shrub at the level of the collar, in a mixture composed of 1/4 compost, humus, gravel or pumice, and loam. Water generously and keep the soil moist in summer.
Azaleas and Rhododendrons have a shallow and relatively limited root system. Therefore, they are sensitive to long periods of drought. That is why it is recommended to enrich the soil with humus beforehand and water abundantly with non-calcareous water during dry periods. In addition, this root system is not very strong, which is why it is essential to lighten heavy soils with draining materials (gravel, pumice, clay pellets) when planting. Apply a mulch of shredded pine bark around the base of the bush every spring to maintain soil moisture while keeping an acidic pH.
Maintenance involves removing old faded flowers in summer using pruning shears and clearing the plant of dead branches. Azaleas and Rhododendrons can sometimes be attacked by weevils that eat the edges of leaves and rootlets, as well as the infamous "rhododendron beetle" which does not often cause significant damage. Yellowing of the leaves (chlorosis) in Rhododendrons indicates poor iron assimilation in the soil and can lead to the premature death of the plant. While limestone is generally the cause, poorly-drained soil or deeply planted root balls can also explain the phenomenon.
Planting period
Intended location
Care
Planting & care advice
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Hardiness is the lowest winter temperature a plant can endure without suffering serious damage or even dying. However, hardiness is affected by location (a sheltered area, such as a patio), protection (winter cover) and soil type (hardiness is improved by well-drained soil).
The flowering period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions located in USDA zone 8 (France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, etc.)
It will vary according to where you live:- In zones 9 to 10 (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), flowering will occur about 2 to 4 weeks earlier.
- In zones 6 to 7 (Germany, Poland, Slovenia, and lower mountainous regions), flowering will be delayed by 2 to 3 weeks.
- In zone 5 (Central Europe, Scandinavia), blooming will be delayed by 3 to 5 weeks.
In temperate climates, pruning of spring-flowering shrubs (forsythia, spireas, etc.) should be done just after flowering.
Pruning of summer-flowering shrubs (Indian Lilac, Perovskia, etc.) can be done in winter or spring.
In cold regions as well as with frost-sensitive plants, avoid pruning too early when severe frosts may still occur.
The planting period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions located in USDA zone 8 (France, United Kingdom, Ireland, Netherlands).
It will vary according to where you live:
- In Mediterranean zones (Marseille, Madrid, Milan, etc.), autumn and winter are the best planting periods.
- In continental zones (Strasbourg, Munich, Vienna, etc.), delay planting by 2 to 3 weeks in spring and bring it forward by 2 to 4 weeks in autumn.
- In mountainous regions (the Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathians, etc.), it is best to plant in late spring (May-June) or late summer (August-September).
The harvesting period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions in USDA zone 8 (France, England, Ireland, the Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...) fruit and vegetable harvests are likely to be delayed by 3-4 weeks.
In warmer areas (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), harvesting will probably take place earlier, depending on weather conditions.
The sowing periods indicated on our website apply to countries and regions within USDA Zone 8 (France, UK, Ireland, Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...), delay any outdoor sowing by 3-4 weeks, or sow under glass.
In warmer climes (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), bring outdoor sowing forward by a few weeks.
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