Blitz Rhododendron

Red in the garden is often not real – it’s just a dark pink. But the Blitz Rhododendron gives you the real-deal, a brilliant true scarlet red of intense beauty. The large clusters of bell-shaped bright red flowers are fantastic, and the bush itself, broad, dense and low, looks terrific the rest of the year too. Look beneath the leaves at the colorful tan hairy coating found there. As a feature plant, or for foreground interest, this plant cannot be improved on, and it is one of the very best red-flowering rhododendrons in existence.

• A fireball of true scarlet red blooms
• Dense foliage forming a broad, low bush
• A highlight of the May garden
• Best grown in acidic soil with morning sun
• No pruning is advised – just dead-head spent flowers

You can plant the Blitz Rhododendron in morning sun with afternoon shade – it is more sun tolerant than most other red hybrids. Grow it in soil that is acidic, with a pH value no higher than 6.5, and preferably lower. The soil should be well-drained but moist, and it should be rich in lime-free organic additives, like rotted leaves, crushed pine needles or peat moss. Normally untroubled by deer, rabbits, pests or diseases, once established in a suitable spot this plant is trouble-free. Deadhead young plants by removing the flower truss just above the first leaves. Never prune or trim, beyond removing any dead twigs.