Rhododendron 'Lampion'

The name ’Lampion’ refres to Chinese lanterns, and this hybrid can truly shine like a lantern when it is covered with light-red blossoms. The decorative red brown buds open in early June as strong red which fade to pink within few days, as typically with Yak hybrids.

'Lampion' is a cross between 'Bad Eilsen' and the Yak Rhododendron R. degronianum subsp. yakushimanum, produced by Hans Hachmann, the German hybridizer of so many hybrids.

'Lampion' is tighter and lower-growing than the Yak Rhododendron, and although it is not especially hardy it has survived under snow cover beside the path through the Alppiruusulaakso (Rhododendron Valley).