Rhododendron yakushimanum Koichiro Wada

Rhododendron yakushimanum Koichiro Wada is an exceptional old variety, highly appreciated by enthusiasts of "yak rhodo" or yakushimanum hybrids. It forms a compact and rounded small bush, with very ornamental flowering and foliage. Its young elliptical leaves are covered with a silvery down before turning dark green, while the undersides of the leaves are also covered with a down of brownish hairs. Its flowering in May resembles the flowering of apple trees: the pink flower buds open into white bells tinged with pale pink. This lovely and robust rhododendron has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in England. It is perfect for adorning a small shaded space in the garden with its bright flowers, whether in a flowerbed, border, or container.

Rhododendrons are plants of the Ericaceae family, like heathers, preferring predominantly limestone-free soils, with an acidic tendency and humid climates. The Rhododendron yakushimanum Koichiro Wada was imported by L. de Rothschild in 1934 from K. Wada in Japan. It forms a dense bush with a rounded habit, reaching about 80 cm in height and 1 m in width after 10 years. Its growth is rather slow. Its small, evergreen, and leathery leaves are shiny dark green and elliptical in shape, providing good coverage of the plant. They have a very downy reddish-brown underside. The upper side of the young leaves is covered with a silvery down. Flowering takes place in May. Grouped in corymbs, the pink flower buds open into large 10 cm wide flowers, with white bells and a pale pink wash.

Like all yakushimanum hybrids, the Rhododendron Koichiro Wada is hardy down to -15°C, and even -20°C. Although they prefer partial shade, these hybrids can tolerate sun as long as it is not scorching (morning sun) and their base remains cool. With its abundant and clear flowering, Koichiro Wada easily adorns a small, slightly shaded space in the garden, alongside ferns, blue or variegated hostas, Pieris, Azaleas, Japanese Maples, or other rhododendrons from the same group to create superb patchworks of textures and colours in spring. In shades of white and pink, also consider Kalmia latifolia. Growing in containers requires regular watering with non-limestone water, as well as specific fertiliser for ericaceous plants.