Rhododendron impeditum Lilly Bell Night

The Rhododendron impeditum Lilly Bell 'Night' is a miniature cultivar, in cushion form, completely covered with funnel-shaped flowers of a deep violet blue, from late April to June. A generous flowering that attracts many insects. This latest generation variety naturally forms a small rounded and compact shrub, without pruning. It can be planted in a pot or as a border, ideally in partial shade.

Rhododendron impeditum Lilly Bell 'Night' belongs to the ericaceae family. The Lilly Bell series was introduced by the German nursery Hellwig in 2015. It consists of dwarf selections of existing species, which are Rhododendron campylogynum, R. keleticum, R. repens, R. ludolwi, and R. impeditum. These wild species have in common that they are dwarf, reaching a maximum height of 60 cm (24in), originating from China, and have foliage and flowering similar to azaleas.

The 'Night' cultivar forms a shrub of small dense foliage, in a neat cushion, 40 cm (16in) tall and 60 cm (24in) wide at maturity. The foliage is evergreen, dark green, in beautiful contrast with the flowers. Flowering begins in April and lasts for many weeks. The individual funnel-shaped flowers are widely open, in a blue-violet colour. It is resistant to frost up to -23°C (1°F).

Rhododendron Lilly Bell 'Night' prefers partial shade, but it tolerates shade where it is less floriferous. It requires an acidic, fertile, and well-drained substrate or soil that remains moist. Plant it in a planter or pot, as well as in the garden border as ground cover. Pair it with other plants that prefer acidic or neutral soil, such as small Azaleas, ferns, hostas, Corydalis, and colourful Heucheras in partial shade. Cultivating it in a container requires regular watering with non-limestone water, as well as specific fertiliser for acid-loving plants.