Rhododendron dauricum 'Midwinter' AGM

This super clone of dauricum has very early bright rose purple flowers in December and January. With semi deciduous leaves and copper autumn foliage, the striking flowers appear on the bare branches making a welcome display in the depths of winter.

It does need well drained soil and shelter when young. It also needs a good sunny position to ripen the wood, then it is a tough hardy plant in the garden. Unfortunately this plant is always difficult to propagate, so it is often not available.

• Recommended for lovely early flower.
• Plantsman range.
• Ideal position: needs careful site selection - see above.
• Habit: upright.
• Group: Small Leaved Rhododendron.
• Subsection: Rhodorastra.
• Introduction date: for dauricum pre 1900 (1780) and this clone in the 1960's.
• Species distribution: dauricum distribution: Russia, Manchuria, NE China, Korea, Japan.
• Approximate altitude: unknown.
• Ideal soil: pH 4.5 to 6.0
• RHS Hardiness Rating: H6.
• How we usually propagate this plant: Cutting. 
• Awards: RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Customer Reviews

By John Gilmour on 15th October 2024

"Absolutely delighted with the quality of the Rhodendrons. Lovely strong vigorous healthy plants. I would definitely recommend Millais Nurseries."

By Carol Brook on 10th October 2024

"Really thrilled with my purchase. The plants were in excellent condition and a great size. Dealing with your company re delivery dates was excellent and worked out really well. Thank you very much!"

By Major Jim Brown on 4th September 2024

"I have nothing but praise for your company, this has been my 1st time dealing with Millais Nursery, if it hadn’t been for this particular plant I would not have known of you. When I typed in the plant details, only two companies were selling Mid-Winter. The other company was a minimum £300, I was well impressed reading of your history and the quantity of plants. I only one concern and that was the Delivery being the same price as the plant. The fact this plant seems to be very rare to purchase, I reluctantly agreed to pay it. My Scottish canny wife nearly fell off the chair at the delivery charge, she suggested I highlight that Alva is not the Highlands. The very friendly and helpful girl checked my Postcode again and it was the same. At my wife’s suggestion I gave my Daughter’s Postcode in Larbert, which is only 20 minutes away. Bingo! Standard delivery, I have spoken to many family and friends concerning this Delivery Company charging Extra. The Alva residents tell me they have never heard the likes, we are hundreds of miles from the Highlands. I don’t like the idea of your company losing out to this companies delivery pricing, especially if other companies cheaper. Keep up the fab work you guys are doing. God bless Jim"

By charlotte legg on 5th February 2020

"Excellent delivery, with good planting instructions; The products are now looking extremely happy in my herbaceous border!"

By Katie Moran on 4th February 2020

"Absolutely delighted when you contacted me to let me know that Rhododendron’Midwinter’ was available once more. My order was delivered, perfectly packed when you advised me it would. Beautiful specimen and a delightful to see it bloom in the depths of winter in my garden."

Size Guide

The Basics

Ideal soil

Acidic soil, good organic content, pH 4.5-6.0. Inkarho range of rhododendrons will tolerate soils up to pH7.5

Sun or Shade

Light dappled shade is best for most varieties.

Shelter

Refer to hardiness rating. Give young plants protection.

Site Selection

Avoid close to trees, roots, invasive weeds, walls, hot patios, dry banks and waterlogged soils. Do not use weed matting or stone mulch.

Plant spacing

Use the height shown in 10 years as a guide to the distance between each plant. Allow room for plant to fill out. If planting closer for instant impact, be prepared to move plants after a few years.

Compost

• 3 litre pot, dig in 10-20 litres of ericaceous compost.
• 7.5 litre pot, dig in 20-30 litres of ericaceous compost.
• 70-80cm specimen, dig in 60 litres of ericaceous compost.
• 100-120cm specimen, dig in 120 litres of ericaceous compost.

Planting depth

Plant high in the ground, with the top of the rootball visible.

Feeding

Slow-release ericaceous feed recommended in March and straight after flowering.

Mulch

Recommended every few years.

Water

The key ingredient! Keep moist all season, especially the critical time at end of June for flower bud initiation. Tap water is better than no water. Heavy dose at least once per week in dry weather.

Drainage

Ensure good drainage in winter, especially with yellow flowering varieties. Avoid waterlogged sites.

Pruning

Rhododendrons and Camellias: Not normally required. Tidy wayward shoots after flowering.

Evergreen azaleas and Bloombux can be clipped into a low hedge.

Magnolias and Acers: Formative pruning when young to shape into a tree or bush.

Deadheading

Remove old flower-heads, particularly on young or weak plants.

For further advice see here

Delivery & Returns

Our website calculates the delivery charge according to weight and delivery location throughout the UK. To see these charges, please enter your postcode at the checkout, and you will see the charge vary as you add more items to your wheelbarrow.

Please see here for delivery information

Please see here for cancellation and return information