Rhododendron Polar Bear

Icy white and strongly fragrant trumpet-shaped flowers with a light green throat. Flowering in July it has large veined foliage on a fast growing sturdy shrub. It does need some shelter and a warm position. Height 180 cm or more, in 10 years. Rarely available elsewhere, and highly sought-after. Flowering may take up to 10 years

• Recommended for: Later flowering and scent.
• Plantsman range.
• Ideal position: Sheltered woodland, dappled shade.
• Habit: Treelike.
• Group: Hybrid Rhododendron.
• Parentage: decorum subsp. diaprepes (s) X auriculatum.
• Hybridization date: pre 1950 (1926).
• Bred by: J.B. Stevenson (Tower Court). Origin: British.
• Ideal soil: pH 4.5 to 6.
• RHS Hardiness Rating: H5.
• How we usually propagate this plant: Graft.
• Awards: AGM until 2013.
• Flowering may take up to 10 years

Customer Reviews

By Michael Gerrard on 16th May 2023

"Excellent service. Professionally packed. The plant is a very well grown specimen with ample sturdy shoots and many buds. The bark is nicely weathered and along with short internodal distances shows me that the plant has not been rushed into a saleable size"

By A. Calland on 25th October 2019

"A fine specimen. I have been trying to buy this rhododendron for a long time I am very happy with this purchase. Well worth the money"

By Joe W on 27th September 2019

"I received my plants in very good condition having been well packed for delivery. Both plants were very healthy and of good size and form. I had bought another rhododendron last year from this nursery and this is thriving so very pleased. "

By Edward Garner on 16th November 2018

"The plant arrived promptly and well packaged. It is a good size and looks very healthy. We are very happy with our purchase though, of course, our final opinion will depend on how it flowers next year!"

By Gill Reid on 13th November 2018

"Was pleased to receive a healthy looking plant which went straight in the ground."

By Gillian Hunt on 6th November 2018

"As expected from Millais Nursery I received a healthy plant, excellently packaged. Thanks again for excellent service."

By Peter Hellyar on 5th November 2018

"We have been looking fr this particular Rhododendron for a long time,most of the specimens we found were in a very poor condition. We registered our interest with Millias Nurseries some time ago as they were out of stock. When we received a mail from Millias saying that they had Polar Bear in stock , I imediately ordered two to see what the qaulity of the plants were like.We received the plants a few days later, they had been packed very carefully, and the qaulity of the plants were excellent, the best I have ever purchased on line. I am about to order some more if they are in stock.."

By John Dixon on 18th October 2018

"Plant is in excellent condition, and a very good size"

Good to know

Our best-selling Rhododendrons, ideal for hedges, screening and large displays, growing to 125-200cm in 10 years.

Most of these plants can be described as ‘Hardy Hybrids’, the tough dense plants which are ideal for hedging and screening, or for planting within a border. Some can even be described as ‘Ironclads’ – tough plants that will withstand temperatures of below -20°C, and the coldest European winter. With care, it is possible to select varieties which flower from January until June, with flower trusses in a wide range of colours. With their dense downward pointing leaves, recent research has shown that they reflect sound waves and create some of the best natural sound barriers. They will take sun or shade, but dappled is best. Most hardy hybrids will bud up and flower as a 5 or 7.5 litre plant.

Also in this section are more tender varieties with delicate bell-shaped flowers that hang in small clusters, and sparser foliage. These are better suited to the more sheltered woodland garden, where they can add great character without creating dense plantings. Some woodland types have a more upright and open tree-like habit, so are not suited for screening purposes, but make great focal plants in the garden. Yellow and orange flowering varieties are always slower growing and more fussy, requiring excellent drainage. You won’t find these special plants in a garden centre, and they may take a year or so longer before they start flowering, but they will grow into choice long term plants.

Those flowering from December to March often flower erratically through the winter, with blooms opening in succession. This means that at least some blooms will avoid the frosts, and give some welcome flower to brighten up a winter’s day. Trees with overhead canopy can give a few degrees of frost protection to the flowers. Late flowering varieties also benefit from tree canopy to provide shade during the summer months when the sun is that much stronger.

Rhododendrons like moist acidic soil, with good drainage, and plenty of organic matter such as leaf-mould and added ericaceous compost. Plant no deeper than the top of the rootball, and dig in plenty of good ericaceous compost around the sides.  For a guide to plant spacing, use the height we give in 10 years as a guide to the distance between each plant. Spacing can be closer when planting a hedge, or if you are impatient. For planning a border, spacing should be one plant per 3-4m². Give a teaspoon of slow-release feed at the 5 litre size, rising to a handful full for mature plants. Tall hybrid rhododendrons are not typically damaged by deer or rabbits. They are not recommended for container growing, which they would outgrow in a few years.

Please note: Some varieties are wider than their height. Specimen size plants (eg 80-90cm) will be measured by their largest measurement which could be the spread of the plant.

For further advice, For further advice, see here

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

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