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.
Compact Rhodo Collection (4 x 3 litre plants)
Picture for example only. Please see descriptions below.
This is a lovely collection of 4 compact growing Rhododendrons that compliment each other and are suitable for containers, smaller gardens or for the front of a border. They are all tough and hardy plants that will grow well throughout the UK.We grow these plants in 3L pots and we normally sell them for £18.95 each. They are 20-30cm tall...
Compact Rhododendron Foliage Collection (4 x 3 litre plants)
Picture for example only. Please see descriptions below.
This is a lovely collection of 4 compact growing Rhododendrons each one has been selected for its interesting foliage, giving you the customer more than one season of interest. Once the plants have flowered, they will start to produce new shoots, most have wonderful indumentum (fluff) on the lower surface of the leaves and tomentum on the upper...
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 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 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 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 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 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 Phalarope
This sister seedling to rhododendron Snipe has very pale pink, almost white flowers with a violet hue in late March/April. This is a very free-flowering plant with pale green leaves with a dense cmpact 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 patios, particularly if planting in containers.
•...
Dwarf Rhododendron Ptarmigan AGM
Gorgeous pure white and free-flowering with contrasting dark brown anthers. It looks like a patch of snow in March - April. Small dark foliage on a spreading plant that is tough and drought resistant. 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. One...
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 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 Tinkerbird
Stunning pure white flowers flushed pink in bud in a loose truss of 3-4 in April. This is one of the first semi dwarf scented Rhododendrons hardy enough for many areas in the UK. Please note it is only hardy to -10ºC. Surprisingly bud hardy too, but we recommend a sheltered position. Height 75-100cm in 10 years.
Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so do avoid...
Evergreen Azalea Juliette STANDARD
(H6) Soft red to salmon red flower, 3-4cm across, in late May. Also known as Hachmann’s Juliette in international registers, is a Japanese azalea bred by Holger Hachmann in 1990 as a cross between Squirrel and Chippewa, introduced in 2004. The evergreen leaves are small, narrowly elliptic, dark green, and glossy. These Standards have a clear stem of approximately 15cm, with a nice colourful head...
Evergreen Azalea Snow Shine (Schneeglanz) STANDARD
(H6) Large white flowers up to 50mm across, with a yellow-green marking on the upper lobe, in May. A tough and easy growing plant.These Standards have a clear stem of approximately 40cm, with a nice colourful head measuring approximately 15-20cm now. You can expect the head to measure 60-80cm in 10 years. The stem should always be supported with a cane or small stake. Ideal for containers, but always...
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 (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 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 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 Anuschka STANDARD
(H7) Bright red buds open to gorgeous rosey pink flowers in late May. A lovely very hardy yakushimanum hybrid bred by Hachmann in Northern Germany. Attractive dark green foliage. Size of head in 10 years 75-100cm. Plant in ericaceous compost. These standards have a clear stem of about 80cm, with a lollipop head of foliage and flower on top. Currently the size of the well-branched head is about 30cm,...
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 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 Astrid
Lovely deep pink flowers with white throat, fading to pale pink. She flowers 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...
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 Barnaby Sunset
Pretty pale yellow flowers in April. This plant has an upright habit with small oval deep green glossy foliage. Height 100-125cm in 10 years.
Recommended for small gardens and mixed borders.
Easy to grow.
Ideal position: most garden situations, needs good drainage.
Habit: upright.
Group: Rhododendron hybrid.
Parentage: unknown.
Hybridization date: unknown (pre 1994).
Bred...
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 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...
Rhododendron Black Pearl
Images kindly supplied and owned by Tjis Huisman
(H7) Dark Purple almost black buds, opening to rich dark purple flowers with a dark red centre and a very prominent black blotch, which is where the name black pearl comes from Flowering period is usually late May. Not the fastest or largest of the tall hybrids at only 125- 150 cm in ten years. Its dense habit and speed make it perfect for most modern...
Rhododendron Blaue Jungs
Deep mauve blue flowers with a prominent chocolate blotch on the upper lobe. Mid to late May flowering. A very tough plant and striking plant from Germany. Height 150-175cm in 10 years.
A tough plant which translates to 'Blue Boys' in English.
Recommended for: Hedging/screening.
Easy to grow.
Ideal position: Most garden situations.
Habit: Dense.
Group: Hardy Hybrid.
Parentage:
Hybridization...
Rhododendron Blewbury AGM
Blush white flowers with prominent reddish purple spotting, this is a very special plant. It has hardy broadly bell shaped flowers in dense trusses that flower in April. Of particular interest is it's dark narrow pointed leaves, with a thin light buff indumentum underneath. This is a real stunner and worth its place in the garden for the foliage alone! Height 80-100cm in 10 years.
Ideal for containers...
Rhododendron Blue Print
(H6) An interesting two tone purple and white flower from mid May - early June. The main bulk of the flower is purple with a white star shaped centre which darks to purple as the flowers age. Each individual flower has faint speckling in the upper lobe. This plant grows to form a dense mound of bottle green foliage. The new stems and leaf petioles open a dark purplish red before turning green over...
Rhododendron Boddaertianum
(H6) Pink in bud opening to pure white flowers with a ray of crimson purple spots in a good upright truss during May. Long narrow dark green leaves with a thin brown indumentum on lower surface of leaves. Forms a large tree-like shrub. Height 175-200cm in 10 years. A really old and historic hybrid which still holds its own against newer varieties, and is suitable for large gardens with space for...
Rhododendron Bremen
Glowing deep pink flowers in a loose truss appear in April. This plant has bright silvery green leaves and is neat and compact. It is hardy, but needs a sheltered site. Height 40-60cm in 10 years.
Ideal for containers and small gardens.
Easy to grow.
Group: williamsianum.
Parentage: unknown x williamsianum
Hybridization date: pre 1950 (1945)
Bred by: D G Hobbie. Origin: German.
Habit: Compact...
Rhododendron Brigitte
PLEASE NOTE THESE PLANTS ARE REDUCED DUE TO BEING EITHER A LITTLE ON THE SMALL SIDE OR HAVING FEW TO NO FLOWER BUDS.
Very pretty pale pink flowers with a darker pink edge in late May and early June. This plant has fine shiny foliage and has a compact habit, growing wider than tall. Height 100-120cm in 10 years.
Recommended for: Pretty flowers and good foliage.
Easy to grow.
Ideal position:...
Rhododendron Brigitte INKARHO
Now available on the Inkarho rootstock! Very pretty pale pink flowers with a darker pink edge in late May and early June. This plant has fine shiny foliage and has a compact habit, growing wider than tall. Height 100-120cm in 10 years.Plant with plenty of good ericaceous compost to aid establishment.
Recommended for: Pretty flowers and good foliage.
Easy to grow.
Ideal position: Most garden situations,...
Rhododendron Buffalo
Image supplied and owned by Schnupper
(H7) Pinky yellow in bud opening to bright lemon yellow flowers with faint red spots on the upper lobe in early May. Each truss is made up of approximately 15 individual flowers which are held in a tight ball. The foliage on this plant is a lovely blue-green colour when it first opens before turning dark green in the autumn. Slightly wider than tall habit but...
Rhododendron bureavii AGM
Lovely white rose flushed flowers spotted crimson or purple. Flowering in May this is a superb foliage plant, with thick woolly indumentum on the underside of the leaves turning from white to rusty red with age. One of the most distinctive rhododendron species. Our selected clone is propagated from a large plant growing at Crosswater which has great flowers and grows in a neat rounded habit. It has...
Rhododendron campanulatum
Attractive white, pale rose or lilac flowers, in loose but fairly compact trusses. Flowering in April and May it has lovely glossy leaves up to 18cm long with a continuous fawn/rusty brown indumentum underneath. It makes a fine shrub/small tree. Height 125-150cm in 10 years.
Recommended for outstanding foliage.
Easy to grow.
Ideal position: needs careful site selection, good drainage and not too...
Rhododendron campanulatum aeruginosum
A rare, low growing form with purple pink flowers in April. Chiefly remarkable for its intense shiny green foliage with a bluish metallic bloom and an interesting silky buff indumentum on the underside. This is a choice plant that is slow to flower, but well worth the wait! Height 50-60cm in 10 years.
The lithograph is by Walter Hood Fitch. It is based on a sketch by Joseph Dalton Hooker whilst in...