Bewimperte Alpenrose, Steinrose, Almrausch

created by Alex&Sempi at 18.03.2025

Season Overview

Propagating

Planting

Harvest

J

F

M

A

M

J

A

S

O

N

D

FROM YEAR 4

Description

The bright red, funnel-shaped to bell-shaped individual flowers attract attention. Rhododendron hirsutum is known as the ciliated alpine rose. The plant bears this name because of its ciliated, hairy flowers and leaves. As a robust ornamental shrub, this wild species with the botanical name Rhododendron hirsutum cuts a fine figure in the garden. The shrub grows low to a maximum height of 45 cm and spreads to around 60 cm. A dwarf shrub for the front of a border. Rhododendron hirsutum flowers from the end of May to the end of June. In favorable weather conditions, the plant can still produce flowers in October. The delicate light red flowers unfold to a diameter of around 2 cm and are funnel-shaped. They stand like elegant bells on the compact plant. The hairs in the flower throat are interesting. The intense fragrance emanating from the flowers also draws the garden visitor's attention to them. The flowers of the ciliated alpine rose are rich in nectar and mainly attract bumblebees. The furry pollinators buzz around the rhododendron when it is in bloom. In addition to the splendor of the flowers, the foliage of the ciliated alpine rose is also impressive. The leaves are elliptical in shape and fresh green in color. The lashes on the edges are striking. This makes the dwarf shrub an interesting shrub even when viewed up close. Anyone who decides to plant this rhododendron will be fascinated by it even in winter. This is because the plant's name provides information about its most striking area of distribution: it belongs to the heather family (Ericaceae) and is native to the northern edges of the eastern Alps. The shrub grows at altitudes of 700 m to 2500 meters. Rhododendron hirsutum is therefore very hardy. It is often confused with its relatives, but it is very robust and can tolerate almost any climate. However, the plants of this species overwinter in their original locations under a layer of snow. This protects the plant from rapid damage caused by frost. In the home garden, however, it is very hardy.

Non hybrid

Not frost resistant