Rhododendron Jingle Bells

Rhododendron 'Jingle Bells' is a sought-after bush known for its robustness and the richness of its spring flowering in various shades of peach-apricot. It has a rounded and compact habit, almost as wide as it is tall.

Resulting from the crossing of several species, it is a rhododendron with medium-sized, elliptical leaves of a beautiful bright green colour. With moderate size, reaching a maximum height and width of 1.5 metres (5 feet), its round and harmonious growth and its elegant evergreen foliage give it a presence in the garden all year round. However, it is in April-May that it stands out thanks to its exceptionally generous flowering in warm and bright colours. The bell-shaped flowers are grouped in 8 to 10 at the end of the numerous stems. Bright red when in bud, they open into a rare pure apricot shade that lightens towards yellow as they bloom, creating a beautiful harmony of colours on the bush.

The Rhododendron 'Jingle Bells' is an easy and robust variety, hardy down to -15°C (5°F). It prefers a semi-shaded exposure. With slow growth, this acid-loving bush enjoys moist, humus-rich and well-drained soils.

This compact bush will be ideal at the edge of a border or in a container. Its colour blends well with the warm tones of Chinese azaleas, the colourful young shoots of Pieris, and the red-purple and garnet colours, such as the foliage of the Japanese maple 'Atropurpureum' or the flowers of Loropetalum chinense 'Fire Dance'. For a contemporary-inspired scene or a minimalist garden style, it is best to combine it with white flowers and foliage, such as the white Bleeding Heart and the foliage of the copper fern (Dryopteris erythrosora). For a perfect harmony that will set the tone, consider the lesser-known Gordon's currant (Ribes gordonianum) for a guaranteed effect!