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 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 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 campylogynum Myrtilloides AGM
Delightful thimble shaped plum purple nodding flowers on long pedicels in May-June. This is a very dwarf form that is one of our favourites featuring in many of our Chelsea exhibits over the years. Height and spread 30cm in 10 years. This plant was collected by Frank Kingdon Ward from China in about 1920. It is one of the most charming dwarf rhododendrons. Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but...
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 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 dendrocharis
(MOUPINENSIA H5) Relatively large rose-pink widely funnel shaped flowers in March-April. These contrast with its small elliptic dark leaves, which are densely scaly on the lower surface. A neat growing dwarf with a height of 40cm in 10 years.
This plant was found in Sichuan growing epiphytically on conifers and broad-leaved trees, and on cliffs and rocks. It has only been introduced relatively recently,...
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 fastigiatum 'Blue Steel' AGM
Striking deep lavender blue flowers which smother the plant in April. R. fastigiatum Blue Steel is a tough plant with wonderful silvery blue young growth all summer. The foliage is particularly attractive, having pale green scales on the upper surface. Height and spread 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...
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 groenlandicum 'Helma'
(LEDUM H7) A selected floriferous form of this dwarf plant with distinctive inflorescences of small white flowers, at the ends of woolly shoots. The flower clusters are made up of 10-40 tiny white fragrant and sticky star shaped flowers, forming a prominent cluster between 30-50mm in diameter. The foliage is pale green, with a wooly mat of hairs (indumentum) on the underside which darken to rusty...
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 Pink Drift
Pretty magenta pink funnel shaped flowers in early May. This is a tough, very dense, compact plant with small cinnamon bronze leaves. 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 variety is good in full sun and very free flowering.
Recommended...
Dwarf Rhododendron primuliflorum 'Doker La' AGM
This is an excellent clone with pink daphne like flowers in May. It has an upright habit and aromatic narrow lanceolate leaves. Height 40cm in 10 years. primuliflorum Doker La prefers moist neutral soil. Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so do avoid reflected heat from South facing walls and patios. We think this is one of the best clones available. The RHS awarded...
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 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. 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 of the 'bird' series...
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 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 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...
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). ...
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...
Hybrid PALLET DEAL - (24 x 5 litre plants)
Picture for example only. Please see descriptions below.
Here is a fantastic PALLET DEAL of 24 choice 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...
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....
R. facetum 'Robert Clarke' F27105
(PARISHIA H4) Lax, scarlet bell shaped flowers in June-July. Collected at the high altitude of 3600 metres so it should prove much hardier than previous introductions. Height 150cm in 10 years. Requires moist acid soil.
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) 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 Airy Fairy
(H5) A beautiful early flowering plant with glowing pink flowers and reddish spotting on the upper lobe, flowering around March. Glossy olive green leaves, almost deciduous in winter on a plant of upright habit. Height 100-125cm in 10 years. The flowers are widely funnel-shaped, with wavy lobes, about 4 cm across, in clusters of 3 or more. Leaves narrowly elliptic, about 5-7 cm long.
This plant grows...
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 Alice AGM
Deep pink flowers fading to pale rose and almost to white in a sunny site. Tall growing and sun tolerant. Height 180cm in 10 years.
Recommended for: beautiful flowers.
Easy to grow.
Ideal position: Most garden situations.
Habit: Dense.
Group: Hardy Hybrid.
Parentage: derived from griffithianum.
Hybridization date: pre 1950 (pre 1910).
Bred by: Waterer (Bagshot). Origin: British.
Tolerant...