Another aristocrat of the garden, the Rhododendron has a grandeur unique in the plant world, which continues to inspire all of us. Thousands of varieties are available, from prostrate alpine plants to 15-metre giants, so it is imperative that we plant the right ones!

The small garden, rock garden, a larger formal layout approaching the house, aside, shrub border or woodland walk, striking effects can be created in all these areas if we choose carefully. * A special note; YAK HYBRIDS have given us a range of low growers with full-sized flower trusses, most suitable for the smaller garden and will tolerate more alkaline soils. Mass Planting. Naturalized in a woodland setting with a minimum of three of one variety, to avoid the busy, spotty look. Highlighting the difference in foliage by creating ‘teardrop’ shapes with wildly diverse leaf colours and textures. Billowing at the edge of sweeping lawns. Natural hedges and backgrounds.

Containers There are varieties that are marvellous for tubs or pots but remember they need dappled afternoon shade and plenty of water. Rhodo’ ‘Trees’ In today’s smaller spaces, a small evergreen, flowering tree can be created using the right Rhodo’ Prune your chosen variety up, multi or single-stemmed and you have an exotic small tree for patio areas and tubs!

The height of their flowering is in late spring and early summer but if it’s warm enough, they can even begin late winter or early spring. The individual flowers come in either beautiful tight trusses, loose trusses or hanging like ‘tubular bells’; all are exquisite. A particularly hardy evergreen, the Rhododendron appreciates deep, cool, moist soil with plenty of compost added; this will create the acid soil and sharp drainage they require. Filtered sunlight is their favourite but if their ‘feet’ are happy, they can tolerate a bit more sunshine. Remember, the larger the leaf, the more shade required!