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Rhododendron yakushimanum Sneezy

Rhododendron yakushimanum Sneezy
Yakushima Rhododendron, Yakushimanum Rhododendron

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The Sneezy yakushimanum Rhododendron is a superb variety that forms a low bush with a rounded habit, which is covered in a purple-pink flowers in April-May. Its evergreen foliage, with a shiny dark green colour, highlights its large inflorescences. This hardy bush should be planted in an ericaceous bed or a large container, in full sun or partial shade. It prefers moist to wet soils and is sensitive to limestone and drought.
Height at maturity
1 m
Spread at maturity
1 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -20.5°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to October
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Flowering time April to May
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Description

Rhododendron yakushimanum 'Sneezy' is a compact hybrid that offers magnificent purple-pink flowering. Forming a bush with a compact habit of about 1m (3ft) in diameter, its shiny dark green evergreen foliage highlights its abundant flowering. This variety was awarded by the highly esteemed RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) in 2012 for its many qualities. Growing in full sun or partial shade in moist soil, it is an excellent choice for a small garden as well as for container planting. This very hardy,  compact Rhododendron only dislikes limestone and drought. 

Rhododendrons are plants belonging to the Ericaceae family, which includes hundreds of genera, many of which are common in our gardens. Heather, Kalmia, Andromeda, Leucothoe, Oxydendrum, and Gaultheria are valuable in ornamental beds, while Arbutus and especially Blueberries delight us with their fruits. In the vast majority, these are plants that prefer soils devoid of limestone, with an acidic tendency and humid climates. 

Rhododendron yakushimanum 'Sneezy' was obtained in England in 1972 by the breeder J. Waterer. It is the result of the crossbreeding between a R. Yakushimanum (a dwarf Rhododendron from Japan) and the variety 'Doncaster' (a Rhododendron with red flowers that can reach 2m (7ft) in height). It forms a dense bush with a rounded habit, reaching approximately 1.00m (3ft) to 1.50m (5ft) in all directions at maturity. Its growth is slow, generally reaching 80cm (32in) at the age of 10. Its shiny dark green evergreen leaves are elongated and elliptical in shape, covering the plant well. Flowering occurs in April-May. Grouped in corymbs of 12 to 16, the red-pink to purple flower buds open into large funnel-shaped flowers. These then turn into a slightly paler pink, and since the buds do not all open at the same time but are staggered, the visual effect of this range of colours is simply superb. This Rhododendron thrives in acidic and moist, or even damp, ericaceous soil. It tolerates full sun as long as the soil remains moist in summer, which can be helped by mulching with bark at its base. 

Like all yakushimanum hybrids, affectionately nicknamed "yak rhodos" by specialists, the Rhododendron 'Sneezy' is very hardy down to -20°C (1°F). Although they prefer partial shade, these hybrids can tolerate the sun as long as it is not scorching (morning sun), and their base remains moist. 'Sneezy', with its abundant and brightly coloured flowers, will easily adorn a small, slightly shaded space in the garden, accompanied by ferns such as Matteuccia struthiopteris, or Ostrich Fern, with its beautiful intricate fronds. Blue or variegated Hostas, Pieris, Japanese Maples, or other Rhododendrons will create stunning patchworks of textures and colours in spring. Growing in containers requires regular watering with lime-free water, as well as specific fertilizer for ericaceous plants. 

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Rhododendron: planting, growing and care
Family sheet
by Virginie T. 15 min.
Rhododendron: planting, growing and care
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Rhododendron yakushimanum Sneezy in pictures

Rhododendron yakushimanum Sneezy (Flowering) Flowering
Rhododendron yakushimanum Sneezy (Foliage) Foliage
Rhododendron yakushimanum Sneezy (Plant habit) Plant habit

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1 m
Spread at maturity 1 m
Habit ball, spherical
Growth rate slow

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time April to May
Inflorescence Corymb

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour dark green
Product reference • 1001991

Planting and care

Plant Rhododendron yakushimanum 'Sneezy' in a sunny to semi-shaded position, protected from cold and drying winds, in a moist, humus-rich, and light soil with an acidic tendency (pH between 4.5 and 6). Like all ericaceous plants, it does not tolerate alkaline soils, nor drought, heatwaves, or heavy waterlogged soils in winter. If the soil remains moist in summer, this rhododendron can also tolerate exposure to non-scorching sunlight. 

Dig a hole three times larger than the pot volume. Soak the root ball in lime-free water for fifteen minutes and plant the bush at collar level in a mixture composed of leaf compost, gravel or pumice, and loam. Water generously and keep the soil moist in summer. Rhododendrons have a shallow root system, so they are susceptible to long dry periods. That's why it is recommended to have humus-rich soil and abundant watering during dry periods. Furthermore, their 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 preserving an acidic pH. 

Maintenance consists of removing faded flowers in summer and removing 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. Effective biological solutions now exist against weevils. Yellowing of the leaves (chlorosis) in Rhododendrons indicates poor assimilation of iron from the soil and can lead to premature death of the plant. While limestone (from the soil or irrigation water) is often 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 October

Intended location

Suitable for Shaded rockery, Woodland edge
Type of use Border, Edge of border, Container
Hardiness Hardy down to -20.5°C (USDA zone 6b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Acidic
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, rich and well-drained

Care

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

Planting & care advice

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