Rhododendron Red Eye

The 'Red Eye' Rhododendron is a tall variety, which offers stunning flowering in April-May. Its pink-fuchsia flowers with shades of mauve or purple have a brown-red to golden spot. Gathered in large clusters, they catch the eye from meters away, making this Rhododendron a remarkable attraction in the garden. A plant of the heather family, it appreciates acidic soils and dislikes limestone. It prefers partial shade, but depending on the climate, it can be planted in the sun in northern regions, provided the soil remains moist, or in shade in the south. 
  
Rhododendrons belong to the Ericaceae family, which offers us numerous ornamental plants (Erica, Enkianthus, Kalmia, Zenobia, Oxydendrum...) as well as some fruiting plants (Strawberry Tree, Blueberry...). The Rhododendron genus is vast, mainly including bushes but also trees over 10m (33ft) tall, generally evergreen but sometimes deciduous, especially in Azaleas, a horticultural term which are actually Rhododendrons from a botanical point of view. 

The 'Red Eye' Rhododendron is a hybrid obtained in the United States around 1980 by Willard & Gladys Swenson, in their nursery in Eugene (Oregon). It is a large plant, reaching about 3m (10ft) tall and 2m (7ft) wide, and will therefore find its place preferably isolated, beside large trees or in the background of an ericaceous bed. The flowering of this large Rhododendron is unquestionably its strong point, offering a dazzling spectacle in April-May. Its large clusters composed of 10 to 15 flowers form bouquets of a colour as brilliant as it is difficult to define, in shades of pink-fuchsia to purple mauve, with a centre blending red, brown and golden into a central spot. These sumptuous inflorescences, further enhanced by the dark green foliage, are eye-catching in spring. 

 
Fairly easy to grow, this variety requires a moist and acidic soil, and above all not limestone. In a neutral soil (pH around 6.5-7), it is possible to dig a hole and add ericaceous compost and leafmould to mix with the existing soil to accommodate it. In less sunny climates, it can be planted in the sun provided the soil remains moist in summer (while being well-drained to avoid water saturation in winter). But it will thrive better in partial shade in warmer climates. Once the right location is found, it will need to be watered regularly in the first years and always monitored in summer afterwards as the root system of Rhododendrons is quite shallow. It is therefore important to never let the soil dry out.  

The 'Red Eye' Rhododendron, an ericaceous plant, will find its place in partial shade in moist, humus-rich and well-drained soil, with an acidic pH. Hardy in all regions of France, it will fully thrive in a humid and moist climate. It can be used as a standalone plant or in a bed, especially with other heath plants. You can associate it with many other flowering species and by choosing staggered bloom times, you can enjoy it all year round!  The Witch Hazels will open the show, with their delicate spider-like yellow, orange or red flowers, in the middle of winter. The indispensable Camellias will follow suit in late winter, with their magnificent simple or double blooms in all colors, as the range is wide. Then our little Rhododendron will take over and transform spring into a fireworks display of colors. In May-June, the superb Kalmias, or Mountain Laurels, will ensure the spectacle, before passing the baton to Hydrangeas to bloom in summer. The summer heathers, like the Silver Knight Heather, with its silver foliage and lavender-coloured flowers, will bring joy until late in the season, preceding the varieties of Camellia sasanqua, the Autumn Camellia, which actually blooms more in winter.