Rhododendron "Parisienne"

[Lars S]

I have just been offered a plant of R "parisienne" by a friend. I think itīs from seed that he collected in Ireland. He grows it in a green-house though and as it seems  to be a cross between R burmanica and R valentinianum (?) I guess it can be problems with the hardiness outside here in Stockholm (USDA-zone 6 largely). Maybe John Weagle or someone with a similar climate can tell ?

Lars

[Lesley Cox]

If your plant is from seed it likely won't be true though would be interesting in any case. As to hardiness, I am in Zone 9 so it's hardy here but it flowers in NZ barely out of winter, say late July/August and while I've not noticed frosted flowers, they could well be damaged in Zone 6.

[Lars S]

Thankīs Lesley,
Youīre right of course, it wonīt be a true Parisienne coming from seed.

My friend tells me that his plants blooms in the green-house in February/March and thatīs usually the coldest part of winter here. Iīm pretty sure that  it wonīt bloom that early outside though but we can get hard frosts well into May. Anyway, Iīll never know if I donīt try ...

[johnw]

I have just been offered a plant of R "parisienne" by a friend. I think itīs from seed that he collected in Ireland. He grows it in a green-house though and as it seems  to be a cross between R burmanica and R valentinianum (?) I guess it can be problems with the hardiness outside here in Stockholm (USDA-zone 6 largely). Maybe John Weagle or someone with a similar climate can tell ?

Lars

Lars - I have been surprised before but think a cross involving those two species is suitable for Zone 8 or better.  I think -7 to -10c might be its absolute limit.  A good cool house plant in your climate I'm sure.

johnw

[Maggi Young]

R. valentianum will survive out here..... just!

[Lars S]

OK, John and and Maggi. Since valentinianum and burmanica are listed as zone 9 plants in my books I guess the chances for "Parisienne" are slim.
Maybe I could put it in my garage during winter. Temperatures doesnīt go much below zero there but on the other hand thereīs not much light 

[Lesley Cox]

Knock some holes in the roof and put in skylights?

[Lars S]

Donīt tempt me