Our plant of the month this May is an acid loving, woodland dweller. Few shrubs are as widely anticipated each season as the Rhododendron.
Why choose a Rhododendron?
From the Ancient Greek “Rose Tree”, there are over 1,024 species of Rhododendron. Their most captivating feature is the abundant clusters of large, often trumpet-shaped flowers that appear in spring and early summer. The sheer volume and vibrancy of the blooms create a stunning visual display.
Rhododendrons also come in an extensive palette of colours, including shades of purple, pink, white, lilac, orange, yellow, and red, with some varieties displaying bi-coloured blooms.
Many rhododendron varieties are evergreen, providing a welcome splash of green and structural interest to the garden even during the winter months. The leaves themselves can be quite attractive, varying in size, shape, and texture, sometimes with interesting undersides.
Rhododendron plants range from low-growing groundcovers and compact shrubs to taller, more tree-like forms. This variety allows them to be used in numerous landscaping applications, from borders and foundation plantings to woodland gardens and hedges.
We stock many varieties so the flowering period can be quite long, however, most flower in April to early June, peaking in May.
How to grow Rhododendrons
- Most Rhododendrons require acid soils and light, dappled shade. The best time to plant is autumn or spring.
- Rhododendrons don’t require much pruning other than the removal of dead wood and deadheading of flowers that have gone over.
- Many rhododendron varieties are quite hardy and can withstand colder temperatures, making them suitable for a wide range of climates.
- Rhododendrons prefer it wet. Even on acidic soils they are harder to grow in dry areas or areas with low rainfall.
- Where possible use rainwater for watering rhododendrons. Tap water (especially in hard water areas contains too much calcium and neutralises soil acidity).
Which Rhododendron is best for my garden?
A dense, evergreen shrub growing to 1.8m, with broad, mid-green foliage and producing upright trusses of very large, hot pink, bell-shaped flowers with ruffled edges in late spring and early summer.
An elegant variety with large white ruffled blooms that are edged in cherry. It has green evergreen foliage. The narrow leaves remain green throughout the winter and grows to 1.8m
This distinct variety of Rhododendron has narrow dark green leaves with a burgundy tint. The flowers are deep purple in bud opening to bright pink bell-shaped flowers from late spring to early summer.
A small, evergreen shrub to a height of 1.75m with dark green leaves and bears large, deep red trumpet-shaped flowers from mid to late spring
Rhododendron ‘Virginia Richards’
A rounded, bushy, evergreen shrub growing to 2m tall with glossy, green leaves. It bears funnel-shaped flowers in spring in large, globular trusses. Each flower opens rosy pink aging to pale orange and yellow with reddish spots
A slow-growing shrub with large, dark green leaves growing to around 1.5m high. Blooming late spring to early summer with a profusion of pale pink, trumpet shaped flowers with a vibrant pink edge.
Lime tolerant varieties due to their rootstock (Inkarho):
Inkarho rootstock Rhododendron were created in Germany over twenty years ago and have revolutionised Rhododendron sales as this variety will grow in neutral soil. They have been featured in several recent RHS Chelsea gardens and are gaining in popularity. They also make a great alternative to Box hedging which can suffer greatly from Box caterpillar blight.
Rhododendron Bloombux (‘Microhirs3’)
A compact, evergreen shrub renowned for its abundant, long-lasting blooms and attractive foliage. It produces clusters of soft, pastel pink flowers that emerge in mid to late spring, creating a vibrant display.
Rhododendron Bloombux Magenta (‘Microhirs9’)
A great contender as an alternative to box hedging with beautiful magenta-pink flowers. This compact, evergreen Rhododendron can be grown along the front of a border or used to line a partially shaded pathway. It tolerates sol of a neutral pH and can also be grown in a pot.
Rhododendron Lilac Fragrant Hedge (syn. Lilac Dufthecke)
Ideal for hedging and screening with fragrant, lilac flowers. Neat compact growth to 1.5m.
Rhododendron White Fragrant Hedge (syn. White Dufthecke)
A rounded shrub with dark green evergreen leaves and clusters of funnel-shaped, fragrant white flowers in spring.
Where to see Rhododendrons
- The Big Plant Nursery
- Rhododendron Dell at Kew Gardens
- Scotney Castle, Kent
- The Isabella Plantation, Richmond
- Lydney Park Spring Gardens, Gloucestershire
- Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, West Sussex
- Reuthe’s, the lost gardens of Sevenoaks, Kent
