King Size (brachycarpum x macabeanum) x macabeanum
King Size (brachycarpum x macabeanum) x macabeanum

A variety of rhododendron belonging to the new series with enormous leaves called Green Giants. It was cultivated in Sweden by Bengt Karlsson. This variety is the result of crossing the highly frost-resistant Rhododendron brachycarpum with the low frost-resistant but large-leaved Rhododendron macabeanum. The King Size rhododendron is characterized by spectacularly large leaves, with lengths up to 30 cm and widths up to 13 cm. The average leaf measures 20 cm by 10 cm. The leaves are dark green, very glossy, and have characteristic ribbing along with a slight white coating (indumentum). Laboratory frost resistance tests have shown that it withstands temperature drops down to -20°C without damage. In the ground, it has so far survived winters with temperatures as low as -18°C. The flowers are bell-shaped, large, and creamy with dark brown interiors. Blooming is not abundant and may not occur every year. However, this variety is exceptionally attractive due to its spectacularly large foliage. The shrubs have good vigor and grow very strongly. We estimate that after 10 years, they can reach up to 2.5 meters in height and width.