Rhododendron ponticum Roseum

The Rhododendron ponticum 'Roseum' is a variety of Black Sea Rhodendendron with beautiful pink flowering. It is a plant of large development, capable of reaching the size of a small tree under favourable conditions. This Pontic Rhododendron forms an imposing mass of vegetation in all seasons with its dark green evergreen foliage. It is a very structured subject for a mass of ericaceous plants, with which it shares its requirements. An acidic or neutral, moist yet well-drained soil, and a semi-shaded exposure are favourable to its growth.

The Rhododendrons are plants of the Ericaceae family, which includes about a hundred genera, such as popular heathers, blueberries or strawberry trees, and others less known such as the beautiful flowering Kalmias, the delicate bell-shaped Enkianthus or the vibrant autumn colours of Oxydendrum. These plants prefer acid soils devoid of chalk, and humid climates.

The Rhododendron ponticum is a botanical species with large development originating from the Iberian Peninsula (southwest Spain and southern Portugal) as well as Turkey. Its distribution range extends to Georgia and Lebanon. It is present on the shores of the Black Sea, where it is endangered and in Portugal where efforts are being made to reintroduce it. In its original regions, the Pontic Rhododendron grows in wooded and often mountainous areas, up to 2,500m (8,202ft) in altitude. Introduced to the United Kingdom and Europe where it has been frequently planted in gardens, parks, and even directly in forests to promote game, the Rhododendron ponticum type has naturalized to the point of being classified today as a non-native invasive species harmful to local flora and fauna. This phenomenon is mainly observed in acidic soils and mild and humid climates such as those found in Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, Normandy, Aveyron, Charentes. This species has been crossed with others to produce some of our most beautiful and resistant rhododendrons, without invasive characteristics.

'Roseum' is a form with pink flowers that is just as vigorous as the species. Its generous pink to purplish-pink flowering is imbued with romantic charm. and occurs in May-June. At the end of the branches, clusters of 10 to 15 trumpet-shaped flowers measuring 5cm (2 in) in diameter appear. Devoid of fragrance the flowers are still nectar-rich, attracting bees. After pollination, woody capsules form containing a multitude of fine seeds dispersed by the wind. The dark green leaves measure from 10 to 15cm (3.9 to 5.9in) long and persist throughout winter. When planted in a bright exposure, this shrub adopts a dense habit, while in a shaded situation it will be slightly gangly, giving it a more wild appearance. The low branches of this Rhododendron root when they touch the ground, through a phenomenon of spontaneous layering. It will reach a height of about 4 to 5m (13.1 to 16.4ft) and a width of 3.5m (11.5ft) when fully grown. While it prefers acidic and sandy soils (pH between 4 and 6), the 'Roseum' Pontic Rhododendron is relatively tolerant and will accept loamy or neutral soils. Highly resistant to cold (down to -15°C or 5°F), it also tolerates heat well but dislikes dry soils, especially when young. Its root system remains shallow and doesn't like competition from other plants.

This splendid Rhododendron ponticum Roseum is undeniably a beautiful semi-shade shrub. It can be used in the back of a border, in the company of other ericaceous plants that will be enhanced by its dark foliage. A beautiful Hamamelis 'Jelena' with its orange winter spider-shaped flowers and its shimmering autumn-coloured foliage will be a perfect neighbour for this Rhododendron. The Japanese Andromeda, of medium size, with its white bell-shaped flowers and its red young shoots, will be a good candidate to plant in front of the Rhododendron, as well as the numerous varieties of Kalmia (mountain laurel). And at their feet, a carpet of 'Boskoop' heathers will bring brightness to the border with their golden foliage.