ROSES FLASH SALE: Up to 40% off around a hundred rose bushes!

Rhododendron ponticum Kokardia

Rhododendron x ponticum Kokardia®
Rhododendron

Be the first to leave a review

Why not try an alternative variety in stock?

Rhododendron keleticum
Rhododendron keleticum
Dispatched on 25 Sept
From 11,90 € • 2L/3L pot
Rhododendron groenlandicum Helma
Rhododendron groenlandicum Helma
Collector's item
20
From 20,50 € • 2L/3L pot
Azalea Knaphill Arneson Gem
Azalea Knaphill Arneson Gem
4
34,50 € • 4L/5L pot
Rhododendron occidentale Anneke - Western Azalea
Rhododendron occidentale Anneke - Western Az…
Exclusive
4
From 29,50 € • 4L/5L pot
Rhododendron ludlowii Lilly Bell Sun
Rhododendron ludlowii Lilly Bell Sun
9
From 18,50 € • 3L/4L pot
Azalea japonica Star Style White
Azalea japonica Star Style White
Not to be missed!
21
From 34,50 € • 3L/4L pot
Azalea mollis Klondyke
Azalea mollis Klondyke
Value-for-money
1
29,50 € • 4L/5L pot
Rhododendron russatum Lauretta
Rhododendron russatum Lauretta
7
From 14,90 € • 2L/3L pot
Chinese Azalea Sommerduft
Chinese Azalea Sommerduft
2
From 31,50 € • 4L/5L pot
View all →

This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

More information

This Rhododendron forms a compact bush with a rounded habit, but over the years it can reach a height of 3m (10ft). It is covered with abundant flowering in May-June. Its flowers, gathered in clusters, then form pretty mauve bouquets with Bordeaux-coloured hearts at the ends of the branches. With good resistance to cold, this Rhododendron prefers partial shade and, imperatively, non-limestone soil. A plant of acidic and moist soil, it also prefers well-drained soils.
Height at maturity
1.20 m
Spread at maturity
1 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -20.5°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
plantfit-full

Would this plant suit my garden?

Set up your Plantfit profile →

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering time May to June
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Description

The Rhododendron 'Kokardia' is a variety of relatively slow growth, with a compact and rounded habit during its first ten years, which can eventually become a small tree after many years under favourable conditions. It blooms in May-June with a beautiful mauve flowering with a Bordeaux-coloured heart, which is quite charming. Its beautiful evergreen dark green foliage highlights its abundant flowering. A plant that thrives in acidic soil and is sensitive to limestone. It prefers partial shade, but depending on the climate, it can be planted in full sun in northern regions, provided that the soil remains slightly moist.

The Rhododendrons belong to the Ericaceae family, which offers us many ornamental plants (Erica, Enkianthus, Kalmia, Zenobia, Oxydendrum...) as well as some fruit-bearing plants (Strawberry tree, Blueberry...). The genus Rhododendron is vast, mainly comprising shrubs but also trees over 10 metres (33 feet) high, generally evergreen, but sometimes deciduous, especially in the case of Azaleas, which are botanically considered Rhododendrons.

The Rhododendron Kokardia is a hybrid obtained in 1978 by the German breeder Hachmann, a specialist in the genus who has created numerous varieties. The family nursery is still active in Barmstedt, north of Hamburg, one of the largest nursery areas in Europe. It is a slow to medium-growing shrub that forms a beautiful, compact, rounded dome of 1.2 metres (4 feet) in height and 1 metre (3 feet) in spread in 10 years. But it continues to grow for many more years, reaching a height of 3 metres (10 feet) in adulthood. Therefore, it is not really suitable for small gardens...
'Kokardia' produces large inflorescences in May-June for about 3 weeks, consisting of clusters of large mauve-lilac flowers, with a well-marked Bordeaux-coloured blotch. Its foliage, evergreen in winter, is medium to dark green, which beautifully complements the flowering.

Its spectacular flowering alone justifies planting this Kokardia variety as a focal point, but its relatively short duration means it's wise to combine it with other shrubs with staggered flowering within a varied flowerbed. In this case, it is important to leave enough space for it to develop properly. Quite Hardy, it thrives in a humid and cool climate. You can combine it with many other acid-loving plants and choose staggered flowering. For the beginning of the year, for example, choose a Corylopsis with fragrant yellow flowers that appear before the leaves on bare wood, preceding the flowering of "Kokardia". From June onwards, a Magnolia grandiflora will take over from our Rhododendron to provide a spectacle with beautiful fragrant white flowers. There are several varieties of different sizes that can suit the available space in each garden. And to extend the summer, a Hydrangea paniculata will be perfectly suitable.

Report an error about the product description

Rhododendron: planting, growing and care
Family sheet
by Virginie T. 15 min.
Rhododendron: planting, growing and care
Read article

Rhododendron ponticum Kokardia in pictures

Rhododendron ponticum Kokardia (Flowering) Flowering
Rhododendron ponticum Kokardia (Plant habit) Plant habit

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.20 m
Spread at maturity 1 m
Habit irregular, bushy
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour mauve
Flowering time May to June
Inflorescence Cluster

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour dark green
Product reference • 1001921

Planting and care

Plant the Rhododendron 'Kokardia' in a semi-shaded position, or a sunnier position in cooler areas, protected from cold and drying winds, in slightly moist, humus-rich and light soil, with a tendency towards acidity. Like all plants of the heather family, it does not tolerate limestone soils or heavy soils saturated with water in winter. Dig a hole three times larger than the pot volume. Soak the root ball in non-limestone water and plant the bush at the neck level, in a mixture composed of leaf compost, gravel or pumice, and loam. Water generously and keep the soil moist in summer.
Azaleas and Rhododendrons have a shallow and relatively compact root system. As a result, they are sensitive to prolonged periods of drought. That is why it is advisable to enrich the soil with humus beforehand and to water abundantly 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) at planting. Apply a mulch of shredded pine bark at the base of the bush every spring to retain soil moisture while maintaining an acidic pH.

Maintenance involves removing faded flowers in summer and pruning out any dead branches. Azaleas and Rhododendrons can sometimes be attacked by weevils that eat the edge of the leaves and the rootlets, as well as the famous "rhododendron beetle" which does not often cause severe damage. Yellowing of the leaves (chlorosis) in Rhododendrons indicates poor assimilation of iron from the soil and can lead to premature death of the plant. While limestone is generally the cause, poorly drained soil or a deeply planted root ball can also explain the phenomenon.

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Shaded rockery, Woodland edge
Type of use Border, Free-standing, Hedge
Hardiness Hardy down to -20.5°C (USDA zone 6b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Acidic
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, rich and well-drained

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

Planting & care advice

This item has not been reviewed yet - be the first to leave a review about it.

Leave a review →

Recently viewed products

Haven't found what you were looking for?

Let's find plants fitting with your garden!