Rhododendron repens Lilly Bell Love

The Rhododendron repens Lilly Bell 'Love' is a graceful small bush with a compact habit, with small elliptical shiny leaves, which are semi-evergreen. In April and May, it is covered with bright red bell-shaped flowers with a darker centre, which attract many insects. This recent cultivar, which does not require pruning, can be planted in the sun or partial shade in a fertile, cool to moist, light and rather acidic soil.

The Rhododendron repens Lilly Bell 'Love' belongs to the Ericaceae family. It comes from the Rhododendron repens botanical species. 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 being dwarf, with a maximum height of 60 cm (24in), originating from China, and having foliage and flowering similar to azaleas.

The 'Love' cultivar forms a dense cushion-like tuft of small leaves, reaching 60 cm (24in) in height and width at maturity. The elliptical foliage of this variety is semi-evergreen dark green, creating a beautiful contrast with the flowers. The flowering begins in April and lasts for a few weeks. The individual funnel-shaped flowers are widely open, with a red colour and a darker centre. It is tolerant to frost up to -20°C (1°F).

The Rhododendron Lilly Bell® 'Love' can tolerate full sun or partial shade. Plant it in a sheltered spot. It requires an acidic, fertile, well-drained substrate or soil that stays cool to moist. It can be planted in a pot or container, in the garden border or as a 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. Growing it in a container requires regular watering with non-limestone water and specific fertilisers for plants that prefer acidic soil.