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Rhododendron Lilly Bell Pearl

Rhododendron campylogynum var. myrtilloides Lilly Bell® Pearl
Rhododendron

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A highly floriferous cultivar from a series of miniature rhododendrons, forming neat, low-maintenance cushions, perfect for pots and borders, even in the sun. It has evergreen, dark green foliage, beautifully contrasted with a flowering of lilac pink azalea. It is very hardy and versatile and requires acidic, moist to, damp, and light soil. Ideally, the base should be mulched.

Flower size

5 cm

Height at maturity

30 cm

Spread at maturity

60 cm

Exposure

Sun, Partial shade, Shade

Hardiness

Hardy down to -18°C

Soil moisture

Moist soil

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Best planting time March, October

Recommended planting time February to May, September to October

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Flowering time April to June

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Description

The Rhododendron campylogynum Lilly Bell 'Pearl' is a miniature cultivar that resembles an azalea with its flowers and foliage. It produces a profusion of widely open flowers covering the plant in a soft lilac pink, slightly sprinkled with purple-red, from late April to early June. This new generation plant forms a naturally rounded and compact small clump. It can be grown in a pot or as a border plant, in full sun or partial shade.

The Rhododendron campylogynum Lilly Bell 'Pearl' belongs to the ericaceae family. It is derived from the botanical species Rhododendron campylogynum. 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 all share their dwarf habit, reaching a maximum height of 60 cm (24in) and foliage and flowering similar to azaleas.

The 'Pearl' cultivar forms a clump of small, dense foliage with a neat cushion-like habit, reaching 30 cm (12in) in height and 60 cm (24in) in width at maturity. The elliptical foliage is evergreen and dark green. The flowering begins in April and lasts for several weeks. The funnel-shaped flowers are widely open, with fringed edges and red dots on the lilac-pink flowers. They are followed in autumn by decorative brownish capsules that open in a star shape. This cultivar is hardy down to -23°C (1°F).

The Rhododendron Lilly Bell 'Pearl' tolerates full sun or partial shade and even shade, although it may flower less profusely. It requires an acid, fertile, well-drained substrate or moist soil. It can be used in containers or pots, as a border plant in the garden, or as ground cover. Combine it with plants that prefer acidic or neutral soil, such as small azaleas, ferns, hostas, Corydalis, and colourful Heucheras in partial shade. Regular watering with non-limestone water and specific fertilisers for acid-loving plants are required when grown in containers.

Plant habit

Height at maturity 30 cm

Spread at maturity 60 cm

Habit Irregular, bushy

Growth rate slow

Flowering

Flower colour pink

Flowering time April to June

Inflorescence Corymb

Flower size 5 cm

Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen

Foliage colour dark green

Botanical data

Genus

Rhododendron

Species

campylogynum var. myrtilloides

Cultivar

Lilly Bell® Pearl

Family

Ericaceae

Other common names

Rhododendron

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Planting and care

Plant the Rhododendron Lilly Bell Pearl in full sun or partial shade, protected from cold and drying winds, in a humus-bearing and light soil, with a tendency towards acidity (pH between 4.5 and 6). The soil should never dry out without being waterlogged. This variety dislikes heatwaves and dry atmospheres; it is a plant for a humid and cool climate. Like all plants of acid peat soil, it does not tolerate limestone soils, drought, heatwaves, or heavy soils saturated with water in winter. If the soil remains moist in summer, this rhododendron will also tolerate exposure to non-burning sun.

This dwarf variety can be grown anywhere, from full sun to complete shade, ensuring it is always well-covered with mulch. The roots are shallow and spread out to the sides for nutrients. Never plant them too deeply. The ideal mix is compost with light garden soil.

Maintenance consists of cutting off faded summer flowers and removing dead branches. Azaleas and Rhododendrons can sometimes be attacked by weevils that eat the edges of leaves and rootlets and by the famous "rhododendron lace bug", which often does not cause significant damage. Effective biological solutions are available today against weevils. Yellowing leaves (chlorosis) in Rhododendrons indicates poor assimilation of iron in the soil and causes premature plant death. While limestone (from the soil or watering water) is usually the cause, poorly drained soil or a deep planting hole can also explain the phenomenon.

Planting period

Best planting time March, October

Recommended planting time February to May, September to October

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Shaded rockery, Woodland edge

Type of use Edge of border, Container, Greenhouse

Hardiness Hardy down to -18°C (USDA zone 7a) Show map

Ease of cultivation Amateur

Planting density 1 per m2

Exposure Sun, Partial shade, Shade

Soil pH Acidic

Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)