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 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 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 AGM
(SALUENENSIA H6) A real dwarf gem with flatish crimson-purple flowers held above the foliage in May and June. Deep green shiny leaves forming a low mounded shrub. 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 if planting in containers.
Recommended for containers, rock...
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 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 hippophaeoides YU 13845
Striking frost-hardy and showy pale lavender blue flowers appear above green narrow foliage in April-May. This is selected for its neat upright habit. In the wild, R. hippophaeoides is often found in boggy ground. Height 40-50cm in 10 years. Collected by Chinese botanist Te-tsun Yu from Yunnan in 1938-1939.
Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so do avoid reflected heat...
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 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 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 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 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 Seta
(H5) Pale pink tubular bell shaped flowers in March-April. The effect is almost two tone, ivory white in the centre with a deeper edging. Floriferous small flowers on a plant of upright habit. Dark green small ovate or elliptic leaves, with a dull upper surface, and with golden brown scales below. Height 75-100cm in 10 years.
Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so do...
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 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...
Dwarf Rhododendron Wren AGM
Attractive clear yellow flowers in early May. This is a very free flowering plant often completely smothering the foliage. It has a low spreading habit with dark shiny foliage which turns bronzy red in winter. 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....
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) 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) 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 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 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 arizelum var. rubicosum (Second's)
Please note these have been reduced as they are not first grade, they have crinkled and or marked leaves. Please see 2nd photo for representation.
Lovely pink flowers with a dark crimson blotch. Flowering in April this plant makes a small tree with dark green leaves (up to 22cm long) and a thick fawn indumentum on the underside. Height 150-180cm in 10 years. Big leaf Rhododendron species have great...
Rhododendron Astrid
Lovely deep pink flowers with white throat, fading to pale pink. Flowering in May - June and has good glossy dark green foliage. Height 100-120cm in 10 years.
Ideal for containers and small gardens.
Easy to grow.
Group: yakushimanum.
Parentage: Fantastica x Hachmanns' Feuerschein.
Hybridization date: pre 2000 (1976)
Bred by: Hans Hachmann. Origin: Germany.
Habit: Compact bushy.
Ideal position:...
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 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 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....