Rhododendron XXL

Rhododendron 'XXL' is a recent hybrid that stands out from all other varieties due to its long flowering period and the size of its inflorescences. Its huge clusters of large frilled bicoloured flowers, with a wide white throat, bordered with bright carmine pink, bloom for at least 4 weeks in April-May, engulfing its dark green foliage. Spectacular when in bloom, this compact evergreen bush with slow growth is well suited for small spaces and container gardening. In shade or partial shade, it will enhance many other ericaceous plants. 

Rhododendrons are plants belonging to the Ericaceae family, just like heathers, preferring in the vast majority of cases lime-free soils, with an acidic tendency, and humid climates. Rhododendron 'XXL' is a Belgian variety resulting from over 10 years of hybridization and selection, recently introduced to the horticultural market. It belongs to the selection of hardy large-flowered rhododendron hybrids. Its habit is dense, rounded, well-branched, as wide as it is tall. At maturity, its average dimensions will rarely exceed 1.50 m (5 ft) in all directions. Its growth is slow, so it will rarely exceed 1.20 m (4 ft) at the age of 10. Its foliage, evergreen, is quite unusual and dense, arranged in clusters on the branches. It consists of evergreen oval, leathery, smooth leaves, of dark green colour with a matte finish. Flowering generally occurs in April-May, but it can start earlier in mild climates. It lasts on average a week longer than that of other varieties and its opulence truly overwhelms the bush: grouped in huge round clusters, very large funnel-shaped flowers bloom. The flower bud has an intense carmine red hue, then opens up into a thick-textured bicoloured corolla, with a wide white throat contrasting wonderfully with a frilled border of bright carmine pink that fades over time.  

Rhododendron 'XXL' deserves a prominent place in the garden, or on the terrace and balcony, planted in a carefully chosen large pot. With its extraordinary and highly vibrant flowering, this variety brings a real novelty to these exclusively acid and moist soil shrubs, allowing it to catch the eye in semi-shaded spaces. It can be planted alone, standing out in a bed of ferns, blue or variegated hostas. It pairs well with Pieris, Heathers, Kalmias, Skimmia, Azaleas and Japanese Maples, as well as other rhododendrons from the same group to create superb patchworks of textures and colours that evolve throughout the year. Growing it in containers requires regular watering with non-lime water and specific fertilizer for ericaceous plants. 

Large rhododendrons can also be used to create magnificent hedges, alone or with camellias or mimosas (in mild climates), for example.