In 2013, a group of nine domestic varieties of large-flowered rhododendrons bred by Jan CiepłuchaThis collection is called the Royal Rhododendrons, and individual varieties were named after Polish rulers: Bolesław the Brave , Casimir the Great, Casimir the Restorer, Władysław Jagiełło, Władysław Łokietek, Jan III Sobieski, Zygmunt III Vasa, Queen Jadwiga and Queen Bona.
Three of them were reported in 2014.by Gospodarstwo Ogrodnicze Ciepłucha to the competition of plants for novelties of the international exhibition "Green is Life". The variation of 'Władysław Jagiełło' won the bronze medal. The great advantage of Polish varieties is high frost resistance (down to -30 ° C).This feature was obtained, among other things, thanks to the use of Finnish varieties that are extremely frost-resistant in breeding work.
Royal Rhododendrons are also distinguished by attractive flower colors, dense habit, nice leaf appearance, abundant flowering and high resistance to diseases. Besides, they create large and nicely colored flowers.
The most recommended rhododendrons from this group
Rhododendron 'Władysław Jagiełło' is a compact shrub with a slow growth rate, it grows up to 1-1.2 m in height. It has elongated, intensely dark green leathery leaves. Large, bell-shaped, lush red flowers develop in May and are gathered in top spherical inflorescences.Although no Finnish rhododendrons were used to obtain this variety, the shrubs are distinguished by high frost resistance.
Rhododendron 'Królowa Jadwiga' is a shrub with a dense hemispherical habit, reaching 1.8-2 m in height. Oval leaves, up to 12 cm long, leathery, dark green, dull. Bell-shaped flowers with attractively framed petals, pink and white with a red-burgundy eye on the upper petal.The flowers are gathered in top dome-shaped inflorescences.This rhododendron blooms in May, flowering lasts from 2 to 3 weeks depending on the weather.
Rhododendron 'Kazimierz Odnowiciel' is a variety that grows quickly and strongly, reaching 2-2.2 m in height. R. catawbiense of the cultivar 'Grandiflorum' is on par with the growth rate. Leaves elongated, up to 14 cm long, leathery, dark green, slightly shiny. Flowers very large, broad-bellied, pink-violet, gathered in top spherical inflorescences.Flowers strongly open after unfolding, almost white in the center with a large light brown pattern on the upper petal, creating an attractive eye.This rhododendron blooms in May.
