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Rhododendron x impeditum Gristede

Rhododendron x impeditum Gristede
Rhododendron nain

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A small bush with small evergreen dark green leaves. In April-May, its spectacular flowering turns it into a bright mauve-purple ball, which attracts attention from metres away, despite its small size. A plant for acid soil, this Rhododendron does not tolerate limestone or drought. With adequate hardiness, it thrives in partial shade in damp conditions, but protected from cold and drying winds. A recommended variety for a not too harsh climate to brighten up spring.
Height at maturity
1 m
Spread at maturity
1.20 m
Exposure
Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -15°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Flowering time April to May
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Description

Rhododendron 'Gristede' is a charming small bush with a compact habit, forming a rounded shrub adorned with small pointed leaves, of a shiny dark green. Its spring flowering is stunning when the bush is completely covered with clusters of mauve violet flowers. This heathland plant obviously does not tolerate limestone or drought. It will thrive in a semi-shaded position, in acidic soil, which is slightly moist. Moderately hardy, this small Rhododendron will be perfect as an edging plant to form the first layer of vegetation in a flowerbed.

Rhododendrons are members of the Ericaceae family, which includes many 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), among which Azaleas are found. Azalea is a horticultural name, as botanically these plants are actually Rhododendrons.

Rhododendron 'Gristede' is a horticultural variety probably derived from Rhododendron impeditum, a dwarf species 60 cm (24in) tall with blue-violet flowers. Gristede has a slightly larger development, reaching approximately 1 m (3ft) in height and 1.20 m (4ft) in spread at maturity. It forms a more or less spherical cushion with beautiful shiny dark green foliage, consisting of small lanceolate leaves, evergreen in winter. Its main attraction lies obviously in its abundant flowering in shades of mauve violet to lavender lilac, which is more easily admired than defined by words! With a slow growth rate, this rhododendron grows about 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3in) per year. Its hardiness can be considered adequate, tolerating temperatures down to -15°C (5°F), but it will suffer beyond that. In regions with very cold winters, 'Blue Tit' is preferred, which looks very similar but has better hardiness.

With its small size and well-disciplined ball-shaped habit, Rhododendron 'Gristede' will be ideal as an edging plant in a field of heathland plants. To create beautiful layers of vegetation, Andromeda with Polium-like leaves could be planted at its base, a dwarf bush with fine foliage reminiscent of rosemary that stands out nicely against the dark green background of our small Rhododendron. Skimmia japonica Pink Dwarf, a dwarf variety with pale pink spring flowering, will accompany the Andromeda in the foreground, while the charming Pieris with their bell-shaped flowers will grow alongside the Rhododendron without hindering its development, as will the superb Mountain Laurels (Kalmia) with their vibrant flowers.

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Rhododendron: planting, growing and care
Family sheet
by Virginie T. 15 min.
Rhododendron: planting, growing and care
Read article

Rhododendron x impeditum Gristede in pictures

Rhododendron x impeditum Gristede (Foliage) Foliage

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1 m
Spread at maturity 1.20 m
Habit irregular, bushy
Growth rate slow

Flowering

Flower colour violet
Flowering time April to May
Inflorescence Cluster

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour dark green
Product reference • 1001911

Planting and care

Plant the Rhododendron 'Gristede' in a semi-shaded position, protected from cold and drying winds, in a damp, humus-rich, and light soil with an acidic tendency. Like all plants in the heath family, it does not tolerate limestone soils or heavy soils saturated with water in winter. Dig a hole three times larger than the pot. Soak the root ball in non-calcareous water and plant the shrub at the level of the collar, in a mixture composed of 1/4 compost, humus, gravel or pumice, and loam. Water generously and keep the soil moist in summer.

Azaleas and Rhododendrons have a shallow and relatively limited root system. Therefore, they are sensitive to long periods of drought. That is why it is recommended to enrich the soil with humus beforehand and water abundantly with non-calcareous water during dry periods. In addition, this root system is not very strong, which is why it is essential to lighten heavy soils with draining materials (gravel, pumice, clay pellets) when planting. Apply a mulch of shredded pine bark around the base of the bush every spring to maintain soil moisture while keeping an acidic pH.

Maintenance involves removing old faded flowers in summer using pruning shears and clearing the plant of dead branches. Azaleas and Rhododendrons can sometimes be attacked by weevils that eat the edges of leaves and rootlets, as well as the infamous "rhododendron beetle" which does not often cause significant damage. Yellowing of the leaves (chlorosis) in Rhododendrons indicates poor iron assimilation in the soil and can lead to the premature death of the plant. While limestone is generally the cause, poorly-drained soil or deeply planted root balls can also explain the phenomenon.

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Shaded rockery, Woodland edge
Type of use Border, Edge of border
Hardiness Hardy down to -15°C (USDA zone 7b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Exposure Partial shade
Soil pH Acidic
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Humus rich and well-drained

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

Planting & care advice

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