Rhododendron yakushimanum Silberwolke

Rhododendron 'Silberwolke' is a fairly recent and particularly floriferous hybrid, derived from the Japanese species yakushimanum, which has bequeathed it a compact habit. Its flowering in May-June is a delight for the eyes: clusters of purple-pink buds open into wavy pale pink flowers, becoming almost white over time. The evergreen dark green foliage adorns its branches, whose stout architecture evokes Japanese art. A bright and romantic variety, awarded by the RHS in England in 2005, perfect for easily dressing a small shaded area of the garden.

Rhododendrons are plants of the Ericaceae family, just like heathers, preferring predominantly limestone-free, acidic soils and humid climates. Rhododendron yakushimanum 'Silberwolke' forms a dense bush with a rounded habit of approximately 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) in all directions at maturity. Its growth is rather slow, usually reaching 90 cm (35.4 in) at the age of 10. Its persistent leaves are dark green and matt, elliptical in shape and cover the plant well. They have a very fuzzy, reddish-brown underside. In May-June, its remarkably abundant flowering overwhelms the plant: grouped in corymbs, purple-pink floral buds open into large flowers with silky, undulating petals in a soft pink border. They are adorned with a very light yellow-green macule, as if sprinkled with gold powder. Over time, the flowers fade to a very soft white-pink hue.

Like all yakushimanum hybrids, affectionately nicknamed "yak rhodos" by specialists, Rhododendron 'Silberwolke' is quite hardy down to -15 °C (5 °F) or even -20 °C (-4 °F). Although they prefer a semi-shaded exposure, these hybrids can tolerate the sun as long as it is not scorching and their base remains cool. 'Silberwolke', with its abundant and bright flowering, will easily dress a small shaded area of the garden, in the company of ferns, blue or variegated hostas, Pieris, heathers, Kalmias, Azaleas and Japanese Maples, or other rhododendrons from the same group to create superb patchworks of textures and colours in spring. Growing in containers requires regular watering with non-limestone water and specific fertiliser for acid-loving plants.