Millais Nurseries
Rhododendrons
Rhododendrons originate mainly from the Himalayas where about 600 different Rhododendron species can be found. These range from those in the Tender section at lower elevations around 2500 metres. Big Leaved Species with their massive leaves up to 75cm long, grow in conifer forests around 3000metres. Further up the mountains as the tree line thins towards 3500m, a wide range of interesting Species and Small Leaved Rhododendrons can be found sheltering amongst Juniper and alpine meadows. Above 3500m, Dwarf Rhododendrons grow in alpine conditions with snow cover for much of the year.
From these humble beginnings, plant breeders have developed more and more exotic hybrids over the past 100 years, with about 20,000 registered varieties. We have selected the best, and these Tall and Compact hybrids are perfect for any garden situation.
Dwarf Rhododendron anthopogon 'Betty Graham'
(POGONANTHUM (H6) Deep rose pink daphne-like flowers, which have been described as having the texture of limp tisue paper. It flowers in April - May. The oval to elliptic leaves are aromatic when rubbed and have overlapping scales on the undersides. Height up to 40cm in 10 years.
A choice selected clone with an Award of Merit in 1969.
Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much...
Dwarf Rhododendron Baden Baden AGM
Wonderful deep cherry red waxy textured flowers with some spotting and veining, in April. A very floriferous little plant bred by Hobbie and named after the German town. Leaves are dark green and distinctive, being pointed and twisted. This plant prefers to grow in cooler locations rather than hot sunny positions. Its habit is wider than tall, with a height of 40-60cm in 10 years.
Dwarf Rhododendrons...
Dwarf Rhododendron Bengal
(H5) Bright dark scarlet-red trumpet shaped flowers in a loose truss of 4-5 flowers. April flowering. Dark green leaves on a low compact spreading plant. A tough plant from Hobbie, Northern Germany. Height 25-50cm in 10 years.
• Recommended for: small gardens.• Easy to grow.• Ideal position: Some sun, away from heat.• Habit: Low, Compact, Spreading.• Group: Dwarf Rhododendron...
Dwarf Rhododendron Bloombux INKARHO
(H6) A wonderful flowering alternative to troublesome box hedging! Lots of clusters of soft pink flowers in June. The plant responds well to trimming after flowering. Height 50-75cm in 10 years. Easy to grow in most soils.
This superb new variety was raised by the INKARHO syndicate as 'Microhirs3' with PBR Plant Breeders Rights. It is suitable for growing on most garden soils, from very acidic...
Dwarf Rhododendron Bloombux Magenta INKARHO
(H6) A wonderful flowering alternative to troublesome box hedging! Lots of clusters of pink flowers in June. The plant responds well to trimming after flowering. Height 50-75cm in 10 years. Easy to grow in most soils.
This superb new variety was raised by the INKARHO syndicate as 'Microhirs3' with PBR Plant Breeders Rights. It is suitable for growing on most garden soils, from very acidic up...
Dwarf Rhododendron Blue Tit
Image supplied and owned by Osberton Nurseries
(H6) Trusses of grey-blue flowers in April. Yellowish-green young leaves turning to a mid-green as they mature. A neat compact variety which prefers a sheltered position in full sun to partial shade. Height 75-100cm in years. Requires moist acid soil.
Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun, but they hate too much heat, so do avoid reflected heat from...
Dwarf Rhododendron calostrotum 'Gigha' AGM
calostrotum Gigha has beautiful and interesting rose-crimson flat saucer shaped flowers which stand above the wonderful silver-grey foliage in April-May. A lovely free flowering and neat plant. Height 30-40cm in 10 years. Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so do avoid reflected heat from South facing walls and patios. This plant needs care, so it's not recommended for...
Dwarf Rhododendron calostrotum keleticum (Rock 58) AGM
This is a real dwarf gem with lovely flatish crimson purple flowers held above the foliage in May/June. It has deep green shiny leaves forming a low mounded shrub and we believe that Rock 58 (R58) is the finest form of this subspecies. Height up to 30cm in 10 years. Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so do avoid reflected heat from South facing walls and patios, particularly...
Dwarf Rhododendron Carmen AGM
Stunning waxy dark red flowers in loose trusses in April. It has small glossy green leaves and we believe is one of the deepest red dwarfs available. Slow growing with a height 40cm and spread of 50cm in 10 years. Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so do avoid reflected heat from South facing walls and patios, particularly if planting in containers. This variety does...
Dwarf Rhododendron Cream Crest
Lovely bright creamy yellow flowers in April. With a dense compact spreading habit this plant has great glossy deep green foliage. The flowers may need protection from spring frosts. Height 40-50cm in 10 years. Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so do avoid reflected heat from South facing walls and patios, particularly if planting in containers.
Recommended for...
Dwarf Rhododendron Egret AGM
Masses of pretty dainty white bell-shaped flowers in April. The flowers stand up high above the glossy mid green foliage. This is a compact neat growing plant, best in some sun to flower freely. Height 30-45cm in 10 years. Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so do avoid reflected heat from South facing walls and patios, particularly if planting in containers. One of...
Dwarf Rhododendron ferrugineum
Known as the pink 'Alpenrose' from Central Europe. This plant has lovely deep crimson-pink flowers in June. Useful for it's late flowering and hardiness. It will not tolerate high temperatures and needs good drainage. Height 40cm in 10 years. Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so do avoid reflected heat from South facing walls and patios, particularly if planting in...
Dwarf Rhododendron Gertrud Schale
(H5) Large waxy scarlet red flowers, in small trusses during April. Deep green leaves on a compact spreading plant, and one of the hardiest 'repens' hybrids, bred by D.G. Hobbie in Northern Germany. Height 25-50cm in 10 years.
Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so avoid reflected heat from South facing walls and patios, particularly if planting in containers.
Also...
Dwarf Rhododendron Gristede AGM
Stunning clusters of violet blue funnel-shaped flowers in April. This lovely plant has good shiny green winter's particularly hardy and easy to grow. Height 60-80cm in 10 years.
Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so do avoid reflected heat from South facing walls and patios, particularly if planting in containers. We love this plant and think it is one the best blue...
Dwarf Rhododendron Lavendula
(H5) Large deep lavender frilly flowers with darker spots, flowering in April. Dark green, highly scented, leaves turn bronze in winter. Very tough compact growing plant bred in Northern Germany. Height 50-75cm in 10 years. Requires moist acid soil.
• Recommended for: small gardens.• Easy to grow.• Ideal position: Sun or partial shade.• Habit: Shrub.• Group: Dwarf Rhododendron...
Dwarf Rhododendron Leni
(H5) This plant has dainty Clusters of mauve-pink flowers in April/May. This is a compact mound forming variety with dark green small leaves. Height and spread is 75-90cm in 10 years, making this an excellent plant for either the front of big boarders or as a feature in smaller gardens or larger containers for the patio.
Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so do avoid...
Dwarf Rhododendron lepidostylum
(TRICHOCLADA H5) Bright yellow flowers in June, which are sometimes partially hidden by stunning new blue-green young bristly foliage. A wonderful foliage shrub from Yunnan. Height 40-60cm in 10 years.
Dwarf Rhododendron Maricee
(H5) Cream buds open to white long-lasting daphne-like flowers. April. Tiny, narrow leaves on a dense, compact plant. An easy and satisfactory plant to grow. Height 30-40cm in 10 years.
Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so do avoid reflected heat from South facing walls and patios.
Recommended for rock gardens and front of borders.
Plantsman range.
Ideal position:...
Dwarf Rhododendron Patty Bee AGM
Large lemon yellow trumpet-shaped flowers in lax trusses of 6. Probably the best dwarf yellow available flowering in April. A compact plant with bronzy-plum winter foliage. Height 25-50cm in 10 years. Raised by that true Rhododendron enthusiast Warren Berg on the Olympic peninsula in Washington State, USA. Warren was a retired airline pilot and keen bee keeper who trekked in China with Ted and Romy...
Dwarf Rhododendron Peter Bee
(H6) Lovely funnel shaped pale yellow flowers, green in bud. Fine pale green narrow leaves. Flowering in April. A choice compact growing plant, raised by Warren Berg in America, and named by Peter Cox, Scotland. Height 25-50 cm in 10 years.
Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so do avoid reflected heat from South facing walls and patios, particularly if planting...
Dwarf Rhododendron Princess Anne AGM
Superb compact dwarf with small clear yellow flowers tinged green that appear in trusses of 4 to 10. This plant forms a free flowering mound in April/May on a plant with fresh green leaves, turning bronzey red in autumn with good winter foliage. Height 40-60cm in 10 years. Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so do avoid reflected heat from South facing walls and patios,...
Dwarf Rhododendron Ramapo AGM
An exceptionally hardy American hybrid that we have nick-named Rambo on the nursery! It has good violet blue flowers in April, and attractive blue-green leaves all growing season. It is so tough it will take full sun. Height 40-60cm in 10 years.
Unusually for a dwarf variety this plant is heat tolerant. It is a tough plant that we are rather fond of.
Recommended for containers, small gardens and...
Dwarf Rhododendron russatum (Blue Black form) AGM
Striking deep violet flowers in April-May. This particular clone has been specially selected for its really deep coloured flowers and always gets lots of attention. An excellent garden shrub with small glossy scaly leaves and a compact mounding habit. Height 40-60cm in 10 years. Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so do avoid reflected heat from South facing walls and...
Dwarf Rhododendron Sacko
Excellent deep electric blue-purple flowers, freely produced in rounded trusses in April. This plant is a tough, neat and compact grower with good clean glossy foliage. Height 30-50cm in 10 years. Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so do avoid reflected heat from South facing walls and patios, particularly if planting in containers. This is a tough and easy plant and...
Dwarf Rhododendron Sarled AGM
(H6) Light pink buds open to creamy-white long-lasting daphne-like flowers in May. Tiny, narrow leaves on a dense, compact plant. An easy and pleasing plant to grow, but avoid full sun. Height 30-50cm in 10 years.
Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so do avoid reflected heat from South facing walls and patios, particularly if planting in containers.
• Recommended...
Dwarf Rhododendron Shamrock
Image supplied and owned by Osberton Nurseries
(H6) Trusses holding between 5 to 9 funnel shaped pale-yellow flowers in April/May. A neat compact variety with a spreading habit great for front of boarders or pots. Prefers a sheltered position in full sun to partial shade. Height & width 50-75cm in years. Requires moist acid soil.
Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun, but they hate too much...
Dwarf Rhododendron Snipe
Pretty pale pink flowers shaded pale violet and purple, with magenta spotting, paling towards white after a couple of weeks, flowering in April. This is a very free-flowering plant with pale green leaves on a dense compact grower. Height 40-60cm in 10 years. Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so do avoid reflected heat from South facing walls and patios, particularly...
Dwarf Rhododendron Songbird
Beautiful clusters of up to 20 intense deep violet blue flowers in April-May, which are particularly striking. This dense compact plant also features good looking deep-green glossy leaves. Free-flowering, and often produces some flowers to welcome in the autumn. Height 30-50cm in 10 years. Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so do avoid reflected heat from South facing...
Dwarf Rhododendron Tree Creeper
A recent introduction with pink buds opening to stunning cream flowers with pink edges in trusses of 2 to 4 in April. This is a super compact and very free flowering plant. Height 30-40cm in 10 years. Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so do avoid reflected heat from South facing walls and patios, particularly if planting in containers. The flowers on this plant last...
Dwarf Rhododendron Wee Bee AGM
Red buds open to pretty rose pink tubular flowers, deeper pink on the outside, with red spotting in April. This is a superb low mounded plant with good foliage and a neat habit. In our opinion this is easily one of the best deep pink dwarf Rhododendrons. Height 30-50cm in 10 years. Raised by Warren Berg in Washington State USA, who was also a keen bee keeper! (See also Ginny Gee and Patty Bee). ...
Dwarf Rhododendron williamsianum AGM
Wonderful shell pink bell shaped flowers in loose trusses in April - May. This is a delightful dwarf shrub with small orbicular (rounded) leaves that are particularly distinctive. The leaves are bronze when young. It grows into a super dome shaped mound. Height and spread 30-40cm in 10 years. Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so do avoid reflected heat from South facing...
Hybrid Rhododendron Collection (4 x 5 litre plants)
Picture for example only. Please see descriptions below.
This is a lovely collection of 5 litre sized Rhododendrons that will grow to 1.5 - 1.75 metres in 10 years. We have grown these plants in 5 litre pots here on our nursery and they are about 40cm in size, and nice and bushy. They are first grade plants and look great now, and will soon grow to make a wonderful colourful addition to your garden....
Rhododendron 'Dame Edith Sitwell'
(MADDENIA H4) Lily-shaped fragrant white flowers, tinged pink, with yellowish centre. Beautiful in April-May. Height 75-100cm in 10 years. Thought to be a selection of R. lindleyi, R. Dame Edith Sitwell is a plant for very sheltered gardens, or cool conservatories where its scent will fill the air. Needs a well drained compost. Hard prune straight after flowering to maintain shape and prevent legginess.
It...
Rhododendron (yak) Anuschka INKARHO
Now available on the Inkarho rootstock! Striking bright red buds open to gorgeous rosey pink flowers in late May. A lovely very hardy yakushimanum hybrid that has attractive dark green foliage. Height 75-100cm in 10 years. Plant with plenty of good ericaceous compost to aid establishment.
Recommended for: Tough and reliable variety.
Easy to grow.
Ideal position: Most garden situations.
Habit:...
Rhododendron (yak) Laura INKARHO
Good pure yellow flowers without any markings on a compact and neat growing yakushimanum hybrid flowering in May. Raised in Germany this is a tough plant that will take any UK weather. Yellow yakushimanum varieties are rare, but this variety is certainly worth a try. Height 100-125cm in 10 years. As with all yellow Rhododendrons, this plant does need good drainage (but not dry conditions!). Plant...
Rhododendron (yak) Lupinenberg Laguna INKARHO
(H6) Now available on the Inkarho rootstock! Purple buds open to deep mauve flowers with green yellow speckling, in late May. An excellent neat and compact growing plant, and one of the deepest mauve yakushimanum hybrids. Bred in Northern Germany, and very hardy to -20°C. Height 75-100cm in 10 years.
Also known as Bohlken's Lupinenberg Laguna.
Lupinenberg translates to 'Lupin Mountain'. Developed...
Rhododendron (yak) Red Star (Bohlkens Roter Stern) INKARHO
(H6) Deep red buds opening to rich red flowers with a lighter centre in mid May.This lovely compact variety has deep matt green leaves and grows to be 90 – 125cm in 10 years. Plant with a good ericaceous compost. Requires moist free draining soil.
• Easy to grow.• Ideal position: Most garden situations• Habit: Dense.• Group: Hybrid.• Parentage: Anushka x Collective...
Rhododendron (yak) Schneekrone AGM INKARHO
Now available on the Inkarho rootstock! Beautiful white flowers tinged soft pink and spotted ruby red, in a ball shaped truss. Flowering in May we think this is one of the best white yaks (compact Rhododendrons) for cold climates. Height 80-100cm in 10 years.
The English translation is Snow Crown, and it certainly has a majestic flower!
Plant with plenty of good ericaceous compost to aid establishment.
Recommended...
Rhododendron Actress
(H3) Scented white flowers, stained red on the outside about 3 flowers per truss in April. Tender, so plant in sheltered spot or cool greenhouse. Prune hard after flowering. Height 75-100cm in 10 years.
This plant was recommended to us by Jim Gardiner, former Curator at Wisley, and Vice President of the RHS, who grew this at his house and kindly gave us some cuttings.
Raised by General Eric Harrison...
Rhododendron Albatross Townhill
Very beautiful and scented pastel pink flowers with a yellowish centre. This stunning plant flowers in June and has an open habit which is treelike. The leaves are held for only one year. Height 180cm in 10 years. This plant is best in light wooded shade and it does need some shelter.
Recommended for: Later flowering and scent.
Plantsman range.
Ideal position: Sheltered woodland, dappled shade.
Habit:...
Rhododendron Albert Schweitzer AGM
Lovely deep pink buds open to rosy-pink flowers with a dark reddish blotch in late May. This is a tough and hardy variety with an upright habit. It is named after Albert Schweitzer, the missionary working in Africa. Height 150-180cm in 10 years. This is a great tough plant that is ideal for hedging and screening.
Recommended for: Hedging/screening, tough variety.
Easy to grow.
Ideal position:...
Rhododendron ambiguum 'Jane Banks'
Clear primrose yellow flowers with greenish spots on the upper lobes in April - May. It is a tough, close growing shrub with a bushy upright habit and attractive small glossy leaves with glaucous scaly underside. A delightful plant that can be pruned hard after flowering. Height 100-120cm in 10 years.
R. ambiguum Jane Banks is a good clone raised at Hergest Croft Gardens in Herefordshire, which was...
Rhododendron Anastasia
This plant has beautiful rosey pink frilly flowers with a paler centre and greenish yellow markings. Flowering in May to June this a tough plant that consistently performs well. Originally registered as 'Hachmann's Anastasia'. Height 140-160cm in 10 years.
Recommended for: reliable and tough with pretty flowers.
Easy to grow.
Ideal position: Most garden situations.
Habit:...
Rhododendron Angelo
(H4-5) What a stunning plant with huge trusses of scented pale pink flowers in June. This is a vigorous plant with an open, treelike habit which performs best in sheltered woodland and shaded gardens. Height 180cm in 10 years.
Recommended for: Later flowering and scent.
Plantsman range.
Ideal position: Sheltered woodland, dappled shade.
Habit: Treelike.
Group: Hybrid Rhododendron.
Parentage:...
Rhododendron annae
Lovely white open bell shaped flowers, usually with purple spotting, appear in May - June. This plant has interesting dark green narrow leaves and outstanding young foliage. A bushy upright plant that is one of our favourites. Height 125-150cm in 10 years.
Recommended for lovely habit and foliage.
Easy to grow.
Ideal position: sheltered woodland.
Habit: upright.
Group: Species Rhododendron.
Subsection:...
Rhododendron Apricot Belle
(H5) Another interesting hybrid raised by the late Ted Millais who succeeded in breeding this R. cinnabarinum xanthocodon hybrid which is resistant to the powdery mildew and is hardier than previous clones. The buds are a deep apricot colour, opening to attractive creamy bell shaped flowers in May. Interesting glaucous foliage on a bushy plant about 75-100cm in 10 years.
Recommended for: Its interesting...
Rhododendron Apricot Fantasy
Outstanding and glowing light orange flowers in a perfect truss during mid May. A flower that really grabs your attention, so unfortunately we often sell out early! This plant has an upright habit with good glossy foliage. One of our favourites. Height 140-160cm in 10 years.
Recommended for: Stunning flower!
Easy to grow.
Ideal position: Most garden situations.
Habit: Dense.
Group: Hybrid.
Parentage:...
Rhododendron April Reign
Images Supplied and Owned by Roland Kersten, Fleurolex Vitroplant production srl
(H6) Clusters of three to four lightly fragrant, double light pink flowers in mid-spring. This semi-evergreen shrub reaches approximately 1 meter in height and exhibits a compact, branching growth habit. It features small, elliptic deep green leaves that develop a reddish-bronze hue in autumn. Requires a sheltered position,...