Rhododendron Kabarett

The Rhododendron 'Kabarett' is a fairly recent hybrid that is particularly ornamental: the bush, with a regular and natural habit and adorned with beautiful dark and shiny foliage, offers spring flowering that is as abundant as it is attractive: it is covered with clusters of large frilled flowers in a slightly mauve pink, enhanced at the throat by a beautiful dark red macule. Decorative throughout the year, this hardy bush can be grown both in the ground and in pots on the terrace. 'Rhodos', as spectacular as they are exclusive, only thrive in acidic, rich, moist but well-drained soil and in humid climates.

Rhododendrons are plants of the Ericaceae family, just like heathers, preferring soils devoid of limestone, tending to be acidic, and humid climates. Obtained in Germany by Hachmann in 1997, Rhododendron Kabarett (sometimes marketed under the name 'Hachmann's Kabarett') is one of the best in the category of large mauve-flowered Rhododendrons. It forms a regular bush with a rounded habit, reaching approximately 1.50 m (5 ft) in all directions at maturity. Its growth is rather slow, generally reaching 1.20 m (4 ft) in height at the age of 10. Its large evergreen leaves are elliptical in shape and cover the plant well. Dark green and glossy on the upper side, they show a lighter and fuzzy underside. At the end of May or beginning of June, for about 3 weeks, remarkably abundant flowering submerges the bush: grouped in large rounded corymbs of at least 9 units, beautiful large funnel-shaped flowers open in mauve-pink, fading to mauve at full bloom. Each one is marked with a superb crimson to burgundy spot on the largest petals. The petals of 'Kabarett' are frilled at the edges, opening to long pale mauve stamens.

Rhododendron 'Kabarett' is a flowering plant that is quite hardy, down to -15°C (5°F) or even -20°C (1°F). Although they prefer a semi-shaded exposure, hybrid Rhododendrons can withstand the morning sun as long as it is not scorching and their base remains cool. "Kabarett", with its abundant and dainty flowering, will easily improve a small semi-shaded area of the garden, in the company of ferns, hostas, Pieris, heathers, Kalmias, Azaleas, Japanese Maples, or other rhododendrons from the same group to create superb patchworks of textures and colours in spring. Large rhododendrons can be used to create magnificent hedges, alone or with camellias or mimosas (in mild climates), for example. Growing in pots is possible, but it requires regular watering with non-limestone water and regular application of specific fertilizers for acid-loving plants.