Rhododendron ‘King Size'

A hybrid variety of rhododendron from the new GREEN GIANTS series. Bred in Sweden by crossing the highly frost-resistant R. brachycarpum with the large-leafed rhododendron and low frost resistance, R. macabeanum. The obtained cultivar is characterized by spectacularly sized, shiny, dark green leaves that grow up to 30 cm in length and 13 cm in width (on average, they are 20 cm in length and 10 cm in width) and slightly covered with white short hairs. The large, bell-shaped flowers are cream colored and dark brown inside, but they do not appear every year. Strong growth, it is estimated that after 10 years of cultivation the bushes can reach 2.5 m in height and width. Laboratory frost resistance tests have shown that this variety can withstand temperature drops down to -20° C without any damage. In the ground, it has survived winters with a temperature of -18° C.

Hardiness zone: 6b -20/-18 °C

Cultivar denomination: ‘King Size’

Breeder: Bengt Karlsson, Sweden

Year of market introduction: 2024 r.

Applicant: Gospodarstwo Szkółkarskie Anna Ciepłucha-Kowalska, ul. Górna 50, 95-050 Konstantynów Łódzki, Poland