Rhododendron Sappho

The Rhododendron 'Sappho' is a very old hybrid still highly appreciated for its highly contrasting flowers. As wide as it is tall, this medium-sized bush is adorned with beautiful white flowers adorned with a violet speckling, grouped in 8 to 10 in large and decorative bunches. The dark green foliage particularly enhances these superb inflorescences, creating a charming decorative scene in spring. This Rhododendron will brighten up any semi-shaded area and will thrive in acidic and cool soil. 

Rhododendrons are plants of the Ericaceae family, which includes about a hundred genera, such as popular heathers, blueberries or strawberry trees, and lesser-known plants such as the Kalmias with their superb flowering, the Enkianthus with their delicate bell-shaped flowers or the Oxydendrum with their flamboyant autumn colours. These plants mostly prefer acidic soils devoid of chalk, and humid climates.

This 'Sappho' hybrid was created by the famous English breeder Anthony Waterer, in honour of whom a spirea was named. This ancient variety, the heritage of which is unknown, was obtained within the Knap Hill nurseries during the second half of the 19th century. After more than 150 years, it remains perfectly contemporary due to its astonishing flowering, which lasts for about 3 weeks in May-June. The slightly wrinkled white flowers have a violet speckling punctuated with darker spots, which are adorned with a bouquet of 10 curved stamens at their tips. These flowers are grouped in 8, 10 or even 12, in corymbs at the ends of the branches. These large bouquets are particularly highlighted by the dark mass of foliage, consisting of acuminate elliptical leaves (with pointed tips) that are quite long (about 10cm (3.9in)). These evergreen leaves form a slight V that allows rainwater to drain well.

This slow-growing Rhododendron reaches about 2m (6.6ft) in height at maturity, and 1.60m (3.3ft) in width. Like many of its counterparts, it prefers acidic or neutral soil (enriched with ericaceous compost in this case), but definitely not chalk. A semi-shaded exposure will protect it from the intense rays of the sun and maintain a certain atmospheric humidity that it needs. The soil should not dry out in summer, but should be well-drained for the winter. A mulch made of pine bark will be welcome to maintain some moisture above the roots.

The Rhododendron 'Sappho' is a flowering plant which is perfectly hardy, down to -20°C/-25°C (-4/-13°F). Although they prefer a semi-shaded exposure, hybrid Rhododendrons can tolerate morning sun as long as it is not scorching and their base remains cool. This shrub can be planted in isolation, at the edge of large trees, or in a mass planting. Its romantic appearance, due to the delightfully old-fashioned charm of its bicoloured flowers, will perfectly complement clumps of Hostas with their decorative foliage, as well as heathers and Pieris with their delicate bell-shaped flowers. A beautiful Japanese Maple 'Bloodgood' with its red foliage would create a tasteful contrast with the dark mass of the Rhododendron. The small Japanese Azalea 'Gilbert Mullie' with its charming and delicate pink flowers will look good in front of our Rhododendron 'Sappho', as well as Skimmias.