Rhododendron Winsome

Short Description
Bright cerise pink bell flowers cover the bush mid spring. Compact growing. 1.2m

While R. Winsome is often sold as a lower growing variety, given sufficient time it will grow over 2 metres and over 2 metres wide. The flowers are not stunning compared to other varieties, but it is the mass of flowers which cover the plant in season, along with its tight dense growth and form which make it a popular choice.

More Information
Parentage: R. Huming Bird x R. griersonianum
Breeder: Lord Aberconway, 1939
Award of Merit (A.M) Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) 1950

R. Winsome is a variety that has been around for about 80 years and done the test of time. The flowers are not spectacular in themselves, but in season the flowers smother the plant and the mass effect creates an impact. It is an easy-care Rhododendron, a tight grower never needing pruning, and stays relatively free of pests. It is also a variety that is easy to propagate.

Cultivation
The number one requirement to grow good Rhododendrons is quality top soil. Avoid clay and sand like soils.

When planting dig a hole wider than seems necessary so the soil will be soft and friable around the root ball. The roots of Rhododendrons are like fine filaments and will struggle in solid hard packed ground. For this reason, Rhododendrons planted in a lawn area may struggle especially in a dry season. After planting water in well to settle in and to remove air pockets. It is a good idea to cover the soil surface around the plant with humis to retain moisture - though do not use lawn clippings.

After planting and one good watering it should not be necessary to do any more watering, except in drought like conditions. Do not water every day, and even worse, several times per day.

Rhododendrons can be susceptible to mites and a few other pests. For best results spray with an insecticide in spring to keep new growth clean and vibrant. An alternative to insecticide is to use summer oil, or even a bit of dish wash liquid well diluted in water. Apply using a sprayer, or even a watering can with a rosette.

After flowering is finished remove dead flower heads to tidy up the plant. While old flower heads will fall off by themselves over time, removing dead heads will improve the appearance.