Rhododendron Rwain

Rhododendron 'Rwain' is a magnificent hybrid variety selected in France by Marc Colombel in 1999, too rare in cultivation considering its numerous qualities. In spring, this bush is covered with large gloriously tricoloured frilly flowers, combining bright coral pink, creamy white, and soft yellow. Vigorous and highly floriferous, the plant is adorned with abundant evergreen foliage that is attractive all year round. It is a hardy specimen with mid-early flowering. 'Rhodos', as spectacular as they are exclusive, only thrive in acidic, rich, moist, but well-drained soil and under humid climates.

Rhododendrons are plants of the ericaceae family, just like heathers. The cultivar Rwain (triploid) is the result of cross-breeding between the varieties 'Kernéostic' and 'Lem's Monarch'. The name Rwain, which may seem enigmatic, is an acronym for Rhododendron Without An Important Name. It forms a large, well-branched bush with a dense habit, often wider than it is tall, reaching approximately 1.50m (5ft) in height at the age of 10 years, under good growing conditions in open ground. According to certain sources, the bush is capable of reaching a height of 2.2m (7ft) in the long term. Its growth is rather slow. Its large leaves are elliptical in shape, dark green and glossy on the upper side, showing a lighter and velvety underside. They remain throughout winter. Around mid-May, for approximately 3 weeks, large flowers with a diameter of 10cm (4in), in the shape of a funnel and composed of highly undulated petals, bloom at the end of the branches in large spherical bouquets or corymbs, grouping several flower buds. The heart of the flower, yellow in colour, is adorned with long golden stamens. The petals range from bright coral pink to maize yellow, creamy yellow, and creamy white.

The Rhododendron 'Rwain' is a hardy plant, up to -15°C (5°F). Although they prefer partial shade, hybrid Rhododendrons can tolerate morning sun as long as it is not scorching and their base remains moist. "Rwain", with its vigour and remarkable flowering, will easily adorn a partially shaded area of the garden, alongside ferns, hostas, Pieris, Japanese Azaleas, or other rhododendrons from the same group, to create superb patchworks of textures and colours in spring.