Rhododendron loderi King George

Rhododendron 'King George' is a true shade star in spring. This old variety, awarded in England in 1968, remains exceptional for its vigour and hardiness, but also and above all for its spring flowering, as sumptuous as it is fragrant. On this almost tree-like variety, the size of an adult, pink bouquets bloom in April-May, opening into almost white flowers diffusing a sweet fragrance in calm weather. The bush has a wide habit and is adorned with attractive dark green foliage all year round. It will create a dazzling display in ericaceous beds exposed to shade or partial shade.

Rhododendrons belong to the heath family, just like heathers. They are divided into 'sections', grouping certain botanical characteristics and cultural requirements.

The 'King George' variety is part of the 'loderi' hybrid cultivars. This group originates from Rhododendron x loderi, resulting from the cross-breeding of an exceptionally hardy and fragrant R. fortunei form and an exceptional R. griffithianum form. The result is an exceptional plant, combining the tree-like habit of its 2 parents, peeling bark in shades of pink and cinnamon, beautiful emerald green foliage, and large fragrant flowers in shades of pink and white. Loderi Rhododendrons are exceptional, and the 'King George' cultivar is no exception to the rule.

'King George' is almost shrub-like, taller than it is wide. It reaches a height of about 1.7m (6ft) and a width of 1.2m (4ft) at maturity. Under particularly favourable conditions, the bush can reach a height of up to 1.9m (6ft). The branches are abundantly covered with persistent oval foliage, with a glossy emerald green colour. It is a rather slow-growing plant, but very vigorous and hardy. In April-May, its spectacular flowering begins with the appearance of large clusters of bright pink buds. These inflorescences are corymbs that bear many large and fragrant flowers. The pink buds open into delicately pink flowers, becoming almost white, marked with green at the throat. The shape of the flowers, funnel-shaped, resembles that of petunias. The throat of the flower also features beautiful yellow-green stamens.

Rhododendron King George, a large shrub for ericaceous, schist or peat soil, will find its place in shade or partial shade in a moist, humus-rich and well-drained soil with an acidic pH. Hardy in much of Europe, it will only reach its full potential in a humid and cool climate. It can be used as a standalone plant, in a hedge or in a large shrub bed, especially with other heath plants. It can be combined with Chinese azaleas, with their pastel flowers complementing their warm tones, magnolias, andromedas (Pieris), mountain laurels (Kalmia), and Japanese maples with yellow, green or purple foliage... It can also be planted in a very large pot on the terrace, taking care to provide it with fertilizer and rainwater (or soft water) for watering.