Rhododendron Anah Kruschke

Rhododendron 'Anah Kruschke' is a variety of Rhododendron ponticum with magnificent deep purple-mauve flowers. It forms a medium-sized shrub with dark green evergreen foliage that showcases its beautiful flowering. Like all ericaceous plants, it appreciates acidic soils that retain moisture, and is equally intolerant of limestone and drought. This variety is one of the most sun-tolerant, but it will also thrive in partial shade, especially in slightly warmer regions.

Rhododendrons belong to the Ericaceae family, which blesses us with numerous ornamental plants (Erica, Enkianthus, Kalmia, Zenobia, Oxydendrum...) as well as some fruit-bearing plants (Strawberry Tree, Blueberry...). The genus Rhododendron is extremely vast, mainly consisting of shrubs, but also including trees over 10m (33ft) tall, generally evergreen, but sometimes deciduous, especially in the case of Azaleas which are, botanically speaking, Rhododendrons.

Rhododendron 'Anah Kruschke' is a hybrid belonging to the group of Rhododendron ponticum, a botanical species native to the Iberian Peninsula and Turkey. It forms a shrub about 1.70m (6ft) tall, up to 2m (7ft), and 1.20m (1 and 4ft) wide, with an irregular bushy habit. Its dark green evergreen foliage, slightly glossy, provides a perfect backdrop to its magnificent flowering. In April-May, it bears clusters of deep purple mauve flowers with a dark purple spot, at the tips of the branches.

Rhododendron Anah Kruschke, a plant of ericaceous, shaly or peaty soils, will therefore feel at home in a sunny or partially shaded location, in a humus-rich and well-drained soil that does not dry out, with an acidic pH. Hardy in all regions of France, it can be used as a standalone plant or in mass plantings, especially with other ericaceous or similar plants. Plant it as a backdrop to lower shrubs, such as Enkianthus campanulatus, another uncommon Ericaceae that produces charming clusters of small campanulate flowers, at the foot of which Skimmia japonica Magic Marlot will be perfect with its edged, cream-white foliage and delicately vanilla-scented flowering. To lighten the rather dense foliage of this Rhododendron, grow it alongside one of the many beautiful Japanese Maple with delicately cut leaves. And to your add even more flowers to your summer, nothing beats a beautiful Hydrangea to support 'Anah Gruschke'...