Rhododendron Kalinka Yak Hybrid

Rhododendron Kalinka
Rhododendron Kalinka is a semi-dwarf evergreen with deep pink to purple flowers. It suits a low maintenance mixed border in a cottage-style garden. Rhododendron Kalinka is a cultivar of Japanese Rhododendron Yakushimanum which are commonly known as ‘Yak’ hybrids. Yak Hybrids are increasingly popular in the UK thanks to the typically rounded trusses and free-flowering habit and compact neat dome-shaped form.

With its springtime glossy green rounded leaves with brown undersides, Rhododendron Kalinka is a stunning plant, but when its purple-pink flowers emerge it’s a truly beautiful rhododendron. In spring red buds open to pink bell-shaped flowers with paler centres. Up to 17 of these blooms are borne in conical trusses.The dense growth habit of this compact and neatly shaped rhododendron creates a pretty shrub that doesn’t take over the garden. 

Height And Spread of Rhododendron Kalinka
This is a compact Yak rhododendron that won’t get larger than a metre in all directions over ten years.

How Hardy Is Rhododendron Kalinka
Kalinka is hardy in most of the UK surviving frosts if the roots are well-drained. It is rarely bothered by pests. 

How To Use Rhododendron Kalinka
This rhododendron is small enough to form part of a mixed border or gravel garden and will grow well on a slope. Its profusion of bell-shaped flowers are attractive to pollinators and it’s particularly suitable for low maintenance gardens.  You can grow Kalinka in a container as a specimen bush if the container is large and well-watered, but ensure the roots do not dry out and be sure to use ericaceous compost. 

How To Care For Rhododendron Kalinka
Rhododendron Kalinka thrives in acidic soil and will struggle in alkaline conditions. Prepare the planting hole with plenty of acid-based compost and top-dress each year. If you have chalky soil its best to grow this in a container with ericaceous compost. 
Rhododendrons need dappled light, prefer shelter, and enjoy moist but well-drained humus-rich soil. Be careful to plant on the shallow side, ensuring the stem is not buried. 
Kalinka does not need pruning but you can remove dead or diseased branches in spring before the flowers. Mulch well with ericaceous compost and water until established.