Rhododendron Scarlet Wonder

Rhododendron 'Scarlet Wonder' is a small-sized hybrid with large red flowers, an evergreen bush that is quite hardy and can tolerate sun and even heat in moist soil. With its large brilliant flowers of an uncompromising cardinal red, it is perfect for bringing life to the garden in spring.  Its dark green and satin-like, evergreen foliage is interesting even outside of the flowering period. This popular variety, one of the best in its category, has been awarded in England by the RHS for its ornamental qualities and performance in the garden. Stunning in an ericaceous bed or in a large container, in partial shade or even in full sun!

Rhododendrons are plants from the heather family, preferring mostly limestone-free soil, with an acidic tendency, and humid climates. 'Scarlet Wonder' naturally forms a dense, rounded and spreading bush, just over a metre in height and width after many years but its growth is rather slow. It generally reaches 70-80 cm (28-32in) in height and 1 m (3ft) in width at the age of 10. Its evergreen leaves are very dark green with a satin finish, elliptical in shape and cover the plant well. They have a very velvety underside. In May, its remarkably abundant flowering submerges the bush: grouped in loose corymbs of 4 to 7 beautiful large campanulate flowers with wavy edges. Their bright red colour is enhanced by the shiny texture of the petals.  

Rhododendron 'Scarlet Wonder' is a brilliant bush, hardy down to -15°C or even -20°C and easy to grow as long as the conditions suit it, in terms of soil and climate. Even though they prefer partial shade, hybrid Rhododendrons with large flowers can tolerate the sun as long as it's not scorching and their base remains cool. "Scarlet Wonder", with its generous and resplendent flowering, will elegantly adorn a small shaded area of the garden, terrace, or balcony. It can be planted, for example, alongside Ferns, blue or variegated Hostas, Pieris, Heathers, Kalmias, Azaleas, Japanese Maples, or other dwarf rhododendrons to create stunning patchworks of textures and colours in spring. Growing in a container requires regular watering with non-limestone water and specific fertilizer for ericaceous plants.