Rhododendron 'Cherry Cheesecake'

Description:   In mid spring the perfectly named cherry cheesecake coloured flowers are seen. Pure white blooms with red edging around a deep burgundy blotch funnel-shaped blooms. Good compact form and shape.

Uses: Good in any shaded spot or within a woodland garden.

Climate/Position: Dappled shade preferred.

Height/Spread: 1.2-1.5 metres.

Soil Requirements: Rhododendrons prefer soils with a low pH/ peaty soil or ericaceous compost to avoid chlorosis or yellowing of the leaves.

Pruning: Generally avoid pruning. Flower stalks can be pinched out (by finger and thumb rather than secateurs) when flowering is complete.

However, older plants which need rejuvenating or are unshapely do respond well to hard pruning in early spring.

Special Requirements: Applying a mulch regularly around the plant will help moisture retention in the soil. Where plants struggle a little if not grown in soil with low pH, then Rhododendrons will always benefit from an annual feed of sequestered iron to ensure the plants do not suffer from iron deficiency which is indicated by interveinal chlorosis or yellowing of leaves between the veins.

Additional Interest: Created by Briggs Nursery in Washington is an improved version of R. "Hachmann's Charmant" which was very similar but the growth was quite leggy. This new version has more chromosomes resulting in thicker stems and leaves making it a stronger more compact form and bigger flowers that last longer.