Rhododendron yakusimanum ‘Crete’
Unsuspectingly unique with plenty of character and glamor during the spring, you will not be disappointed. Its classic rhododendron foliage features dark green leaves which remain thin and narrow throughout the winter months. Once spring comes and the sun starts warming your garden up, all the other springtime blooming shrubs will take off, but what you will be most excited for and enamored by is this Rhododendron. Unlike anything you’ve seen, its deep rose flower buds waiting to bloom all this time finally open with drastic flair. Bright shell pink flowers with bright pink stamen tips show themselves in large clusters which contrast so beautifully against the wall of dark green leaves. To best showcase its character and flair, plant between trees to blend the foliage together and be wowed during the spring. Because of its smaller rounded nature reaching around 4 feet high and 5 feet wide, its practical for filling gaps along houses, hedging and adds a beautiful blended texture to any landscape application. It's also very low maintenance making it very easy to take care of besides the recommended soil and watering care.
Be sure to use a well drained soil medium when planting Rhododendron as they prefer less watering than you might think. In clay soil we prefer planting with pine bark soil conditioner for Camellia, Rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, Azalea.