Dwarf Rhododendrons
These are mainly alpine varieties, and range from very tiny plants from 20cm up to around 80cm after ten years. They can be species (found in the wild) or hybrids (bred by man). Generally, they boast small leaves and mainly flower in April time. They look fabulous planted in groups of three of five and are perfect for smaller spaces and rock gardens. Our favourites this year are Cowslip’, ‘Ginny Gee’, ‘Night Sky’ and ‘Patty Bee’.
Rhododendron yakushimanum
This sought-after group of hybrids originate from Yakushima Island in Japan where they grow naturally. They produce big, showy flowers but are nice and compact, growing into mound shaped plants. Ideal for smaller gardens, near the front of the border, or in containers. The incredibly beautiful and exceptionally floriferous Rhododendron ‘Percy Wiseman’ is a particular favourite of ours for its colour changing flowers. Others include ‘Surrey Heath’, ‘Dopey’, ‘Nancy Evans’ and ‘Percy Wiseman’
Deciduous Azaleas
Deciduous, because unlike most rhododendrons, they drop their leaves in the winter, often after a fiery autumn display of red, orange or yellow foliage. Flowers can range from subtler shades of pink and white such as ‘Cannon’s Double’ and ‘Daviesii’, to the bolder yellows, oranges and purple of ‘Azaleodendron’ and ‘Anneke’. They grow best in a fairly sunny spot and are tough and fast growing and many of them (like the rare hybrid ‘Azaleodendron’) are scented.
Big Species
Otherwise known as the ‘show offs’ of the Rhododendron world! These are true Rhododendrons, originally collected from the Himalayas, Asia and America. They give great architectural structure and a ‘WOW’ factor to your garden. We love:
Few shrubs are as anticipated in the spring as Azaleas and Rhododendrons, they have a way of taking centre stage in just about any garden, so make sure you visit our large range in store now.
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