Graham Porter Gardening Jan 3

May 30 2009 By graham Porter

THE direct translation of rhodo is rose and dendron is tree and so, our stunning and spectacular rhododendron is a rose tree!!

Well, not exactly, as it is in an entirely different plant family. At this time of year, from Wentworth Castle Gardens in the south of our region to Temple Newsam in Leeds and RHS Gardens Harlow Carr in Harrogate, there are hundreds if not thousands of variations of rhododendrons, all flowering their heads off, giving us that almost vulgar display of pinks, reds, mauves and whites that can be seen for miles.

The RHS Encyclopedia suggests that there are up to 900 species of rhododendron, let alone the thousands of hybrids that have been produced over the last 200 years or so since they were introduced to the western world from across the oceans.

Nowadays, the deciduous azalea is grouped with all other Rhododendrons but as a section called Deciduous Hybrid Azaleas, with all those brilliant yellows and oranges that are often so highly scented. The small hybrid Azaleas often sold as houseplants around Christmas time are the Indian (Indica) hybrids that are mostly of Belgian origin. Getting confused – so am I!! There are lots of other sections covering all the hybrids.

To get the best from any hardy Rhododendrons, no matter which group they belong to, it is essential that they have a well-drained, humus rich soil with a pH of around 4.5 to 5.5. They should always be shallow planted to help avoid root rots and an annual mulch with some well-rooted leaf mould or peat based compost helps to conserve water during the growing season when next years flower buds will be forming.

Always check the ultimate height of your plant before selecting a spot in the garden as some can reach tree-like proportions.