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 Arctic Tern AGM
(H5) Very attractive crowded trusses of pure white Ledum type flowers with a slightly green throat. Leaves are light green and thin and narrow. A most unusual late flowering compact dwarf for May-June. Height 50-60cm 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 if planting in containers. This...
Dwarf Rhododendron Azurika
Image supplied and owned by Heinje
(H5) A profusion of bright azure-blue flowers in small trusses, flowering in April. Tiny dark green leaves on a neat compact growing and very hardy plant, raised in Northern Germany. Height 50-75cm in 10 years.
• Recommended for: small gardens and containers.• Easy to grow.• Ideal position: Sun or Semi-shade.• Habit: Compact.• Group:...
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 Silver
A wonderful dwarf plant with very early purple blue flowers in March. We love its attractive silvery blue foliage. Height 60-90cm 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 is extremely tough and likes shade.
Recommended for containers, small...
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 Crane AGM
With lovely pure creamy white flowers this pretty plant flowers in April. It is tough and very floriferous - a very popular plant that forms a neat dwarf mound. 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 if planting in containers. This is a tough plant and we think one of...
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 Elisabeth Hobbie AGM
(H5) Scarlet-red flowers with faint dark red spots in loose trusses. Flowering in April this plant is dense and compact and has wonderful rounded foliage. 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. This is a tough plant but it dislikes too much...
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 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 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 Robert Seleger
Lovely rose-purple flowers with darker edges in May. An interesting colour and flowering later than many other dwarf Rhododendrons, it has excellent foliage with pointed narrow leaves on a dense compact plant. 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 if planting in containers....
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 Scarlet Wonder AGM
Stunning bright, cardinal red wavy-edged flowers appear in loose trusses in April. This is a free-flowering plant with attractive and distinctive glossy ribbed foliage. A neat growing plant which grows wider than high. 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 if planting...
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...
Evergreen Azalea Pink Spider STANDARD
Image supplied and owned by Morley Nurseries
(H5) Spectacular form of the Spider Azalea with masses of narrow petalled flowers, pink with a white banding in May. Narrow leaves on a small bushy plant, ideal as a patio plant, but protect from the cold as it is more tender than most evergreen azaleas. Requires moist acid soils.
These Standards have a clear stem of approximately 40cm, with a head measuring...
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) Kalinka INKARHO
Now available on the Inkarho rootstock! This lovely plant is red in bud, opening to ruby pink flowers with ruffled darker edges. It fades to pale rose pink with greenish yellow spots in May. It has a compact habit and dark shiny leaves with thin brown indumentum on the underside. Height 100cm in 10 years.Plant with plenty of good ericaceous compost to aid establishment.
Ideal for containers and...
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) 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 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 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 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 Rose
Images Supplied and Owned by Roland Kersten, Fleurolex Vitroplant production srl
(H6) Clusters of three to four lightly fragrant, double 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,...
Rhododendron April Snow
Images Supplied and Owned by Roland Kersten, Fleurolex Vitroplant production srl
(H6) Clusters of three to four, double white flowers in mid-spring. This semi-evergreen shrub reaches approximately 1 meter in height and exhibits a compact, branching growth habit. Requires a sheltered position, a south-facing or west-facing aspect, in full sun or partial shade. Moist but well-drained acid soil.•...
Rhododendron arboreum cinnamomeum 'Everest Reunion'
This plant has neat trusses of pink flowers in March-April. It has distinctive cinnamon red indumentum on the underside of the large leathery leaves. R. arboreum cinnamomeum 'Everest Reunion' makes a good show in our garden and was collected by Colonel Charles Wylie, (David's uncle) who was in charge of logistics and Nepali porters on the successful 1952 Everest expedition. This selection has attractive...
Rhododendron argipeplum (EGM/Borde Hill)
(BARBATA H4-5) Fine scarlet red bell-shaped flowers in a small truss. February-April. Bristly branchlets when young. Reddish smooth and flaking bark. Indumentum under leaf. Height 80-100 cm in 10 years.
Recommended for early flower and interesting bark and foliage.
Plantsman range.
Ideal position: sheltered woodland.
Habit: tree-like.
Group: Species Rhododendron.
Subsection: Barbata.
Introduction...
Rhododendron argyrophyllum 'Chinese Silver' AGM
Red in bud, opening to excellent clear pink bell-shaped flowers, with a darker flushing. Flowering in early May argyrophyllum Chinese Silver is an excellent clone that has attractive dark green silver-backed leaves. Height 125-150cm in 10 years.
Recommended for wonderful foliage.
Easy to grow.
Ideal position: sheltered woodland.
Habit: tree-like.
Group: Species Rhododendron.
Subsection: Argyrophylla.
Introduction...
Rhododendron augustinii 'Bowood Blue'
(H5) A most beautiful shrub, with large almost blue flowers. April - May. Upright bushy habit. Some protection required for first two winters. Height 150-175cm in 10 years.
This is one of Lord Lansdowne's favourite augustinii clones from his spectacular Rhododendron collection at Bowood House. We are privileged to be the first nursery to offer this selection. It is a superb blue colour and...
Rhododendron Autumn Joy (Herbstfreude)
Picture owned by and supplied by Tomma, Schroeder Rhododendron
(H6) Delicate rosy-white flowers with blackberry red spotting in the upper lobe of each flower a full truss is made up of 16 flowers and measures approximately 11cm across. An interesting variety which flowers most years in September, and again in May - giving two bites of the cherry! This is a broadly upright plant with light green foliage....
Rhododendron Avalanche
Stunning large trusses of pure white flowers with a delightful rose blotch in the centre. A super early variety that flowers March to April. This plant forms a large woodland plant which has very attractive young growth. Height 180cm plus in 10 years.
Recommended for: Fabulous early blooms.
Easy to grow.
Ideal position: Sheltered woodland.
Habit: Dense.
Group: Hybrid.
Parentage:...
Rhododendron Award
What a great plant! It has fragrant pinky white flowers that have a light yellow flare which open subtly to almost pure white with green spots. It forms a wide ball shaped truss in May. The foliage has fabulous bronzey young growth. Height 150-180cm in 10 years.This plant stole the show at our gold medal winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show exhibit in 2009. It proved very popular at the show and we absolutely...
Rhododendron Azurro INKARHO
Now available on the Inkarho rootstock! Distinctive frilly edged purple flowers with a darker blotch. This stunner flowers in late May to early June. It is a very tough plant with a great compact habit. We are very keen on this plant because it has proven to be even more reliable than it's parent, Purple Splendour. Height 150cm in 10 years.Plant with plenty of good ericaceous compost to aid establishment.
Recommended...
Rhododendron Barbarella
(H5) Lovely orange, pink, red and yellow colour flowers during May. An outstanding compact yakushimanum hybrid with nice glossy foliage. Height 50-75cm in 10 years.
• Ideal for containers and small gardens.• Easy to grow.• Group: yakushimanum.• Parentage: Lampion x (viscidifolium x wardii).• Hybridization date: pre 2000 (1984).• Bred by: Hans Hachmann. Origin: German.•...
Rhododendron Beau Brummell
Flowering late in June, this plant has excellent late scarlet red, waxy flowers with darker speckling. It is certainly eye-catching and the flowers form a spectacular ball-shaped truss and lovely matt green foliage. It will perform best in light shade. Height 150-180cm in 10 years.It certainly ranks as one of our favourites and is ideal for hedging and screening.
Recommended for: Hedging/screening...
Rhododendron Belami
Stunning pale pink flowers with prominent red speckled blotch on the upper lobe. A dense ball type truss of 12 flowers, each being funnel shaped measuring 50-60 x 80-96mm - a real gem. Starting in mid May, the flowers open pale pink with a darker blotch, but quickly change to white with the striking red blotch. This is a tough award winning plant with dark green foliage from Hachmann in Northern Germany....
Rhododendron Belkanto INKARHO
(H6) Yellow orange buds opening to pale yellow flowers with wavy edges, tinged pale yellowish-pink with green spotting on the upper lobe, in a ball-shaped truss of 14-17. May flowering. Medium green slightly curved foliage, on a plant with a broad compact habit, and growing to a height of 125-150cm in 10 years.
• Recommended for: Neat habit, yellow flowers• Easy to grow.• Ideal position:...
Rhododendron Bellini INKARHO
Image supplied and owned by Heinje Nurseries
Now available on the Inkarho rootstock! This is a good tough yellow from Northern Germany, starting in pink and fading to a pale creamy yellow with dark red markings on the upper lobe, flowering in mid May. Height 125-150cm in 10 years.Plant with plenty of good ericaceous compost to aid establishment.
Recommended for: Tough and reliable variety.
Easy...
Rhododendron Bibiani
Gorgeous dark crimson flowers with maroon spots flowering in April/May. This is a vigorous plant with dark glossy foliage. Height 180cm in 10 years.
Recommended for: earlier flowers and great foliage.
Easy to grow.
Ideal position: Most garden situations, dappled shade.
Habit: Dense.
Group: Hybrid.
Parentage: 'Moser's Maroon' X arboreum.
Hybridization date: pre 1950 (1934).
Bred by: L. de...
Rhododendron Black Magic
This is an amazing free flowering plant with the darkest red flowers and deep green upright foliage. In our opinion it is one of the best deep red Rhododendrons and one of our favourites. Height 140-160cm in 10 years. It will take a fair amount of sun, but the flowers won't last so long. Dappled shade is best, but not recommended for deep shade.
Recommended for: gorgeous red flowers.
Easy to...