Rhododendron 'Hellikki'

Developed by Dr. Peter Tigerstedt at the University of Helsinki, Finland and further tested by the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 'Hellikki,' like other Finnish introductions, proved itself to be quite hardy: to -29 F. A brilliant parade of color will march through your garden via large trusses of wavy-edged, violet-red to dark purple flowers in late spring to early summer. These hummingbird-attracting blooms will even appear on young plants. Yellow indumnetum covers buds and new foliage, persisting on the undersides of mature leaves.

The multi-stemmed habit of this dense evergreen takes on a more or less rounded form, and its somewhat course texture means it makes a lovely contrast to plants with finer foliage. With an upright habit and a promise of alluring late-spring color, this rhododendron is sure to become a popular selection for foundation plantings from one side of the country to the other.

'Hellikki' is a relatively low-maintenance shrub and only needs to be pruned after flowering. It does need well-drained, highly acidic, organic soil and likes plenty of peat moss when it's planted. This rhodo is somewhat leggy, with an average clearance of about 1 foot from the ground. It tends to grow pretty slowly, eventually reaching a size of 5' x 5.' Treat it well, and this lovely shrub could very well live for 40 years or more!

Plant in full sun to partial shade and provide evenly moist, well-drained soil. Do not allow it to be in standing water! Consider putting down a thick mulch in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder areas. It's wonderful in a mass planting or as an accent. Zones 4-8.