Rhododendron Fantastica Yak Hybrid

Rhododendron Fantastica
Rhododendron Fantastica is a semi-dwarf evergreen rhododendron with two-tone pink blooms in late spring. It Is a spectacular specimen plant in a mixed border. 

Rhododendron Fantastica is one of the Yak Hybrids originating from the Japanese Rhododendron Yakushimanum. These hybrids have rounded full trusses and are quite free flowering. They form nice, dome-shaped plants and are slow growing. Fantastica has bell-shaped deep pink flowers that emerge as dark pink buds in late spring. These exquisite flowers often show spots of greens and yellows and are paler pink at the throat.  Blooms pale as they mature finishing on maturity with a white centre. The flowers are borne in rounded trusses of up to 20 blooms and look truly magnificent. Fantastica’s foliage is dark evergreen with a tan underside. The shrub grows in a dome and tends to spread out growing low to the soil. 

Height And Spread of Rhododendron Fantastica
This is a low growing shrub that will reach a maximum of 1.5 metres in height and spread. Fantastica is one of the smaller rhododendrons that doesn’t outgrow its welcome. 

How Hardy Is Rhododendron Fantastica
Rhododendron Fantastica is hardy in the UK if its roots are well-drained. It is rarely bothered by pests. 

How To Use Rhododendron Fantastica
This is a good choice for an informal low maintenance garden. Its 1.5-metre height makes it perfect for a mixed border or island beds. The pretty pink of its luxurious blooms suit a cottage style garden and as rhododendrons grow well in drained spaces it would suit a bank or slope.  You can grow rhododendron in a large well-watered container to brighten the patio too but make sure to plant is in ericaceous compost. 

How To Care For Rhododendron Fantastica
Rhododendrons need acidic soil as they are prone to iron deficiency in alkaline conditions. This causes the leaves to turn yellow. Put plenty of ericaceous compost in the planting hole and top-dress each year to ensure sufficient iron supplies. If you have chalky soil its best to plant Fantasica in a large well-watered container of ericaceous compost.  Fantastica enjoys partial shade, shelter from harsh winds, and shallow planting so ensure the stem is not buried. 
There’s no need to prune this stunning dwarf rhododendron as it naturally grows in a pleasing domed shape.