Good to know
Our best-selling Rhododendrons, ideal for hedges, screening and large displays, growing to 125-200cm in 10 years.
Most of these plants can be described as ‘Hardy Hybrids’, the tough dense plants which are ideal for hedging and screening, or for planting within a border. Some can even be described as ‘Ironclads’ – tough plants that will withstand temperatures of below -20°C, and the coldest European winter. With care, it is possible to select varieties which flower from January until June, with flower trusses in a wide range of colours. With their dense downward pointing leaves, recent research has shown that they reflect sound waves and create some of the best natural sound barriers. They will take sun or shade, but dappled is best. Most hardy hybrids will bud up and flower as a 5 or 7.5 litre plant.
Also in this section are more tender varieties with delicate bell-shaped flowers that hang in small clusters, and sparser foliage. These are better suited to the more sheltered woodland garden, where they can add great character without creating dense plantings. Some woodland types have a more upright and open tree-like habit, so are not suited for screening purposes, but make great focal plants in the garden. Yellow and orange flowering varieties are always slower growing and more fussy, requiring excellent drainage. You won’t find these special plants in a garden centre, and they may take a year or so longer before they start flowering, but they will grow into choice long term plants.
Those flowering from December to March often flower erratically through the winter, with blooms opening in succession. This means that at least some blooms will avoid the frosts, and give some welcome flower to brighten up a winter’s day. Trees with overhead canopy can give a few degrees of frost protection to the flowers. Late flowering varieties also benefit from tree canopy to provide shade during the summer months when the sun is that much stronger.
Rhododendrons like moist acidic soil, with good drainage, and plenty of organic matter such as leaf-mould and added ericaceous compost. Plant no deeper than the top of the rootball, and dig in plenty of good ericaceous compost around the sides. For a guide to plant spacing, use the height we give in 10 years as a guide to the distance between each plant. Spacing can be closer when planting a hedge, or if you are impatient. For planning a border, spacing should be one plant per 3-4m². Give a teaspoon of slow-release feed at the 5 litre size, rising to a handful full for mature plants. Tall hybrid rhododendrons are not typically damaged by deer or rabbits. They are not recommended for container growing, which they would outgrow in a few years.
Please note: Some varieties are wider than their height. Specimen size plants (eg 80-90cm) will be measured by their largest measurement which could be the spread of the plant.
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