Rhododendron impeditum 13cm pot

A wonderfully compact species rhododendron, R. impeditum forms a low, dense mound of tiny, aromatic grey-green leaves, studded in spring with an abundance of small, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of purple, violet or rose-lavender. The scale of the whole plant — foliage and flower alike — gives it a delicate, almost alpine character quite different from the large-leaved rhododendrons most people picture.

Native to the high mountains of Sichuan and Yunnan in China, this slow-growing evergreen typically reaches around 60cm in height and spread, making it ideally suited to rockeries, troughs, raised beds, or the front of a smaller border where larger rhododendrons would simply overwhelm the space. It prefers moist, well-drained, acidic (ericaceous) soil in dappled shade, with protection from strong afternoon sun which can scorch the fine foliage. Avoid heavy clay unless well amended with organic matter, and plant slightly proud of the soil surface to guard against root rot. Fully hardy, it needs no winter protection once established.

Each plant is hand-selected before dispatch.