Rhododendron Hybride 'Professor Wolters'

The Rhododendron Hybride 'Professor Wolters' may be assigned to the family of Ericaceae. These hybrids, which are created by targeted intersection of various rhododendron species, are characterized by their extraordinary flower colors and robust growth features. The 'Professor Wolters' variety is a particularly popular representative of these hybrids, which is widespread in Europe and especially in Germany.

Morphological characteristics

The 'Professor Wolters' hybrid is a medium-sized, evergreen shrub that reaches a height of about 1.5 to 2 meters. It shows a compact and even growth that is very much appreciated in gardens and parks. The shrub has a dense branch and forms a wide, rounded crown that gains volume over the years.

The leaves of the 'Professor Wolters' hybrid are dark green, leather-like and shiny, as is typical for many types of rhododendron. They are shaped to elliptical and reach a length of 10 to 15 cm. These evergreen leaves give the plant an appealing appearance outside of the flowering period.

The flowers of the Rhododendron Hybride 'Professor Wolters' are particularly striking. They appear in late spring, usually in May or June, and are characterized by a pink to purple color. The flowers are funnel -shaped and appear in dense umbels that can include up to 20 flowers. Each single flower has a diameter of about 6 to 8 cm and often shows a darker drawing inside. These color contrasts make the 'Professor Wolters' variety particularly attractive.

Origin and history of breeding

The Rhododendron Hybride 'Professor Wolters' was bred in the 20th century by the intersection of various rhododendron species. Such hybrids are developed in a targeted manner to combine the positive properties of different parent plants, such as floral splendor, frost hardness and resistance to diseases. This variety is particularly known for its resistance to cold and its flowering.

Location claims and care

Like most rhododendron hybrids, 'Professor Wolters' prefers acidic, humus-rich and well-permeable soils. The optimal pH value for growth is between 4.5 and 6.0. Waterlogging should be avoided because it can lead to root rot. This variety thrives best in partially shady to shady locations, although it can thrive in sunnier places even if the floor is kept sufficiently moist.

Another important care of the 'Professor Wolters' hybrid is the right irrigation. In dry phases, especially during flowering, the plant should be watered regularly, whereby calcareous water should be avoided, as this could salt the soil and negatively influence the pH.

Ideally, fertilization should take place in spring before flowering with a special rhododendron fertilizer, which is tailored to the nutrient needs of these plants. A regular pruning is not absolutely necessary for the 'Professor Wolters' hybrid, since the plant naturally has a compact growth shape. Only dead or sick shoots should be removed to obtain the vitality of the plant.

Use and aesthetics

The Rhododendron Hybride 'Professor Wolters' is often used in gardens and public parks due to its magnificent flowers and robust nature. It is suitable both as a solitaire plant, where it comes into its own due to its impressive flower, as well as as part of hedges or mixed plantings. It looks particularly attractive in combination with other rhododendron hybrids or with perennials and ornamental grasses that share the shady location.

In addition to its role as an ornamental plant, the 'Professor Wolters' hybrid also has an ecological benefit. It offers insects, especially bees and butterflies, a valuable source of food during flowering.