Rhododendron Anne Frank
€22.00
Description
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Anne Frank Rhododendron
- Botanical Name: Rhododendron ‘Anne Frank’
- Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
- Mature Height: 1.5-2m
- Mature Spread: 1.5-2m
- Flowering Period: May-June
- Flower Colour: Deep red with darker spotting
- Foliage: Dark green, glossy evergreen leaves
- Hardiness: RHS H4 (hardy in most of UK and Ireland)
- Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, acidic soil
- Aspect: Partial shade to dappled sunlight
- Maintenance: Low to moderate
Description
Named in honour of the courageous young diarist, Rhododendron ‘Anne Frank’ brings profound beauty and remembrance to British gardens with its striking deep red blooms that seem to glow against the emerald backdrop of our countryside. This compact evergreen shrub creates a powerful focal point, its rich crimson flowers adorned with distinctive dark spotting that adds depth and character to late spring displays.
The lustrous dark green foliage provides year-round structure and elegance, forming a perfect canvas for the spectacular May blooms that emerge in generous clusters. Each flower opens to reveal velvety petals in the deepest shade of red, creating a dramatic contrast that draws the eye and stirs the heart. The compact, rounded growth habit makes this rhododendron ideal for smaller Irish gardens where space is precious but impact is essential.
Hardy and resilient in Irish conditions, ‘Anne Frank’ thrives in the dappled light beneath mature trees or in woodland garden settings where the soil remains naturally acidic and moisture-retentive. This remarkable variety combines the classic elegance of rhododendrons with exceptional garden performance, establishing itself as a cherished addition to any thoughtfully designed landscape.
Plant alongside Pieris, Camellia, and Hosta for a sophisticated woodland border, or pair with white-flowering azaleas to create a memorial garden of profound beauty. The deep red blooms complement the soft pink tones of Rhododendron ‘Pink Pearl’ beautifully, while ferns and astilbe provide textural contrast in the understory.
Caragh’s Garden Notebook
Plant in autumn or early spring in well-prepared, acidic soil enriched with ericaceous compost. Space 1.5-2m apart to allow for mature spread. Mulch annually with pine needles or bark chips to maintain soil acidity and moisture levels. The ideal pH range is 4.5-6.0.
For container growing, use ericaceous compost and ensure excellent drainage whilst maintaining consistent moisture. Feed with rhododendron fertiliser in early spring and again after flowering. Deadhead spent blooms promptly to encourage next year’s flower production.
Water deeply during dry spells, particularly in the first two years after planting. Avoid overhead watering which can damage the delicate blooms. Light pruning immediately after flowering helps maintain shape, though this variety naturally forms an attractive rounded habit with minimal intervention.
Additional information
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