Rhododendron x impeditum Blue Tit

Rhododendron 'Blue Tit' is a charming small evergreen bush with a compact habit, forming a rounded plant covered with small pointed dark green leaves. Its spring flowering is breathtaking when the bush is completely covered with clusters of lavender blue flowers. This heathland plant obviously cannot tolerate limestone, drought, or scorching summers. It will thrive in a semi-shaded position, in acidic, slightly moist soil. Very hardy, this small Rhododendron is an excellent choice for a small garden that it will illuminate with its exuberant flowering.

Rhododendrons are members of the Ericaceae family, which includes numerous ornamental genera (Kalmia, Leucothoe, Erica, Calluna, Oxydendrum, Gaultheria, Pieris...) as well as some small fruits (Vaccinium: blueberry, Arbutus: strawberry tree, Arctostaphyllos uva-ursi: bearberry). The genus Rhododendron is very rich in species (about a thousand), including Azaleas (horticultural name, at the botanical level, they are actually Rhododendrons). It therefore includes evergreen and deciduous species, from miniature bushes to 15m (49ft) tall trees in their natural habitat, and with flowerings that cover almost the entire range of plant colours thanks to the multiple horticultural varieties available on the market.

Rhododendron 'Blue Tit' is a horticultural hybrid resulting from a cross-breeding between R. impeditum, a dwarf species 60 cm (24in) tall with blue-violet flowers, and R. augustinii, also with blue-mauve flowers but more vigorous. 'Blue Tit' is an intermediate form between its two parents, medium-sized, 80-90 cm (32-35in) tall and wide and with flowers in shades of blue, mauve, and lavender. Its flowering in clusters of 3 to 5 bell-shaped flowers, 5 to 6 cm (2in) long, is extraordinary in its exuberance, covering almost the entire foliage. Its small evergreen leaves, shiny dark green in colour, are elliptical in shape, slender, and tough with a prominent central vein. Very Hardy up to -20 °C, this Rhododendron prefers a semi-shaded position.

Rhododendron 'Blue Tit' will be ideal in a border of heathland plants and similar species. You can associate it with numerous other flowering species, and by choosing staggered flowerings, you can enjoy them all year round! Hamamelis will open the show with their delicate spider-like yellow, orange, or red flowers in the middle of winter. The unmissable Camellias will follow suit at the end of winter, with their magnificent single or double flowerings in all colours, such is the wide range. Then our little Rhododendron and other varieties will take care of transforming spring into a fireworks display of colours. In May-June, the superb Kalmias will provide the spectacle, before passing the baton to the Hydrangeas to bloom in summer. Summer heathers, such as the flamboyant Calluna vulgaris 'Bonita', will keep the fire burning until late in the season, before giving way to the varieties of Camellia sasanqua, the autumn Camellia, which actually blooms more in winter.