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Rhododendron 'Fantastica' (Fantastica Rhododendron)
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© Jan Sølve Borlaug from Oslo, Norway, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Shrubs

Rhododendron 'Fantastica'

Fantastica Rhododendron

Ericaceae
Garden hybrid origin (Hans Hachmann, Germany; yakushimanum hybrid; brightest rose-red; wider-than-tall compact)

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageEvergreen
Height3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m)
Width4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 m)
Maturity8 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 8
Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesAttracts HummingbirdsContainer Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Rhododendron 'Fantastica' is an evergreen shrub reaching 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m) tall with a spread of 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 m) and a compact, dense, mounding habit wider than tall. An elepidote rhododendron (yakushimanum hybrid), it produces large, dome-shaped trusses of 12-16 funnel-shaped flowers 2.5 inches (6 cm) wide that open bright rose-red to deep pink from red buds and fade to lighter pink with a white center—the two-toned effect with red buds, bright rose-red opening flowers, and paler aging flowers creates a vivid multi-stage display. The elliptic leaves 3-5 inches (8-13 cm) long are glossy dark green above with a light tan to silvery indumentum on the undersides. Growth rate is slow to moderate. Hardy to zone 5. A Hachmann hybrid (Germany) from the yakushimanum breeding program.

Native Range

Rhododendron 'Fantastica' is a hybrid of garden origin, bred by Hans Hachmann in Germany, involving R. yakushimanum.

Suggested Uses

Planted in borders, foundation plantings, or containers at 4-5 foot (1.2-1.5 m) spacing. The brightest rose-red yakushimanum hybrid. Compact wider-than-tall. Tan indumentum. Multi-stage color from red buds through rose-red to pale pink. Not suitable for alkaline soils, full sun, or dry conditions.

How to Identify

Distinguished from 'Dreamland' and 'Elsie Watson' (also yakushimanum hybrids) by the much brighter, more saturated rose-red opening color and the red buds—these open the deepest pink of the compact yakushimanum hybrids. Distinguished from 'Double Winner' by the single (versus double) flowers and the yakushimanum indumentum. The brightest-colored yakushimanum hybrid—vivid rose-red from red buds fading to pink with white center.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 4'
Width/Spread4' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red
pink

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
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Large dome-shaped trusses of 12-16 funnel-shaped flowers 2.5 inches (6 cm), opening bright rose-red from red buds, fading to lighter pink with white center, May-June. Multi-stage color progression. Bloom duration 3-4 weeks.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Bright rose-red from red buds, fading to lighter pink with white center; funnel-shaped 2.5 inches; dome-shaped trusses of 12-16; May-Jun

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green above, light tan to silvery indumentum beneath; elliptic 3-5 inches; leathery

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade
Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range4.5 - 6.0(Acidic)
357912
Soil Types
loampeatsand
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial shade in moist, well-drained, acidic soil (pH 4.5-6.0). Hardy to zone 5. Compact wider-than-tall habit. Mulch to maintain cool moist roots. Hachmann hybrids are noted for compact form and heavy flowering.

Pruning

Deadhead spent trusses after bloom. Minimal pruning needed—compact spreading form develops naturally.

Pruning Schedule

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Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans