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 anthopogon 'Betty Graham'
(POGONANTHUM (H6) Deep rose pink daphne-like flowers, which have been described as having the texture of limp tisue paper. It flowers in April - May. The oval to elliptic leaves are aromatic when rubbed and have overlapping scales on the undersides. Height up to 40cm in 10 years.
A choice selected clone with an Award of Merit in 1969.
Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much...
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 Silver
A wonderful dwarf plant with very early purple blue flowers in March. We love its attractive silvery blue foliage. Height 60-90cm 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 extremely tough and likes shade.
Recommended for containers, small...
Dwarf Rhododendron calostrotum keleticum AGM
(SALUENENSIA H6) A real dwarf gem with flatish crimson-purple flowers held above the foliage in May and June. Deep green shiny leaves forming a low mounded shrub. Height up to 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 walls and patios, particularly if planting in containers.
Recommended for containers, rock...
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 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 Ginny Gee AGM
One of the best dwarf hybrids ever. Beautiful right pink buds open to blush pink changing to white, that completely hides the foliage. Wonderful floriferous flowering in April on a very dense and very 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...
Dwarf Rhododendron Lavendula
(H5) Large deep lavender frilly flowers with darker spots, flowering in April. Dark green, highly scented, leaves turn bronze in winter. Very tough compact growing plant bred in Northern Germany. Height 50-75cm in 10 years. Requires moist acid soil.
• Recommended for: small gardens.• Easy to grow.• Ideal position: Sun or partial shade.• Habit: Shrub.• Group: Dwarf Rhododendron...
Dwarf Rhododendron Leni
(H5) This plant has dainty Clusters of mauve-pink flowers in April/May. This is a compact mound forming variety with dark green small leaves. Height and spread is 75-90cm in 10 years, making this an excellent plant for either the front of big boarders or as a feature in smaller gardens or larger containers for the patio.
Dwarf Rhododendrons don't mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so do avoid...
Dwarf Rhododendron Patty Bee AGM
Large lemon yellow trumpet-shaped flowers in lax trusses of 6. Probably the best dwarf yellow available flowering in April. A compact plant with bronzy-plum winter foliage. Height 25-50cm in 10 years. Raised by that true Rhododendron enthusiast Warren Berg on the Olympic peninsula in Washington State, USA. Warren was a retired airline pilot and keen bee keeper who trekked in China with Ted and Romy...
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 and drought resistant. 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...
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 Scarlet Wonder AGM
Stunning bright, cardinal red wavy-edged flowers appear in loose trusses in April. This is a free-flowering plant with attractive and distinctive glossy ribbed foliage. A neat growing plant which grows wider than high. 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...
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 Madame van Hecke STANDARD
A popular and reliable stunning profusion of small bright pink flowers. Flowering in early May, this is a very tough and easy growing plant that has an upright habit.
These Standards have a clear stem of approximately 40cm, with a nice colourful head measuring approximately 15-20cm now. You can expect the head to measure 60-80cm in 10 years. The stem should always be supported with a cane or small...
Evergreen Azalea Snow Shine (Schneeglanz) STANDARD
(H6) Large white flowers up to 50mm across, with a yellow-green marking on the upper lobe, in May. A tough and easy growing plant.These Standards have a clear stem of approximately 40cm, with a nice colourful head measuring approximately 15-20cm now. You can expect the head to measure 60-80cm in 10 years. The stem should always be supported with a cane or small stake. Ideal for containers, but always...
Hybrid Mystery Box (4 x 5 litre plants)
Picture for illustration only. Colours will vary.
What will you get? Here's a great offer for any bargain hunters! This box deal is for 4 hybrid rhododendrons supplied in 5L pots which should grow to about 150-200cm tall in 10 years. These plants are slight seconds, slightly mis-shaped or last seasons stock, but still come with our guarantee.
Customers return to us year after year and say how pleased...
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) 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 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 Amity
This yakushimanum hybrid has lovely reddish buds which open to rose pink campanulate flowers in late May. It has fabulous yellowish orange indumentum on the underside of the leaves and the new leaf growth has striking silvery indumentum. Height 80-100cm in 10 years.
Ideal for containers and small gardens.
Easy to grow.
Group: yakushimanum.
Parentage: Grosclaude Group x 'Britannia' (s) X yakushimanum...
Rhododendron Angelo
(H4-5) What a stunning plant with huge trusses of scented pale pink flowers in June. This is a vigorous plant with an open, treelike habit which performs best in sheltered woodland and shaded gardens. Height 180cm in 10 years.
Recommended for: Later flowering and scent.
Plantsman range.
Ideal position: Sheltered woodland, dappled shade.
Habit: Treelike.
Group: Hybrid Rhododendron.
Parentage:...
Rhododendron Anuschka STANDARD
(H7) Bright red buds open to gorgeous rosey pink flowers in late May. A lovely very hardy yakushimanum hybrid bred by Hachmann in Northern Germany. Attractive dark green foliage. Size of head in 10 years 75-100cm. Plant in ericaceous compost. These standards have a clear stem of about 80cm, with a lollipop head of foliage and flower on top. Currently the size of the well-branched head is about 30cm,...
Rhododendron Apricot Belle
(H5) Another interesting hybrid raised by the late Ted Millais who succeeded in breeding this R. cinnabarinum xanthocodon hybrid which is resistant to the powdery mildew and is hardier than previous clones. The buds are a deep apricot colour, opening to attractive creamy bell shaped flowers in May. Interesting glaucous foliage on a bushy plant about 75-100cm in 10 years.
Recommended for: Its interesting...
Rhododendron Apricot Fantasy
Outstanding and glowing light orange flowers in a perfect truss during mid May. A flower that really grabs your attention, so unfortunately we often sell out early! This plant has an upright habit with good glossy foliage. One of our favourites. Height 140-160cm in 10 years.
Recommended for: Stunning flower!
Easy to grow.
Ideal position: Most garden situations.
Habit: Dense.
Group: Hybrid.
Parentage:...
Rhododendron arboreum cinnamomeum 'Everest Reunion'
This plant has neat trusses of pink flowers in March-April. It has distinctive cinnamon red indumentum on the underside of the large leathery leaves. R. arboreum cinnamomeum 'Everest Reunion' makes a good show in our garden and was collected by Colonel Charles Wylie, (David's uncle) who was in charge of logistics and Nepali porters on the successful 1952 Everest expedition. This selection has attractive...
Rhododendron argipeplum
Superb scarlet red bell-shaped flowers in a small truss flowering early, between February and April. A striking plant that has bristly branchlets when young. It has reddish smooth flaking bark and white, turning buff, indumentum on the underside of it's leaves. Height 80-100cm in 10 years.
This species was redefined in 1996, formerley being known as R. smithii and R. macrosmithii.
Recommended...
Rhododendron argipeplum (EGM/Borde Hill)
(BARBATA H4-5) Fine scarlet red bell-shaped flowers in a small truss. February-April. Bristly branchlets when young. Reddish smooth and flaking bark. Indumentum under leaf. Height 80-100 cm in 10 years.
Recommended for early flower and interesting bark and foliage.
Plantsman range.
Ideal position: sheltered woodland.
Habit: tree-like.
Group: Species Rhododendron.
Subsection: Barbata.
Introduction...
Rhododendron argyrophyllum 'Chinese Silver' AGM
Red in bud, opening to excellent clear pink bell-shaped flowers, with a darker flushing. Flowering in early May argyrophyllum Chinese Silver is an excellent clone that has attractive dark green silver-backed leaves. Height 125-150cm in 10 years.
Recommended for wonderful foliage.
Easy to grow.
Ideal position: sheltered woodland.
Habit: tree-like.
Group: Species Rhododendron.
Subsection: Argyrophylla.
Introduction...
Rhododendron Astrid
Lovely deep pink flowers with white throat, fading to pale pink. She flowers in May - June and has good glossy dark green foliage. Height 100-120cm in 10 years.
Ideal for containers and small gardens.
Easy to grow.
Group: yakushimanum.
Parentage: Fantastica x Hachmanns' Feuerschein.
Hybridization date: pre 2000 (1976)
Bred by: Hans Hachmann. Origin: Germany.
Habit: Compact bushy.
Ideal...
Rhododendron Avalanche
Stunning large trusses of pure white flowers with a delightful rose blotch in the centre. A super early variety that flowers March to April. This plant forms a large woodland plant which has very attractive young growth. Height 180cm plus in 10 years.
Recommended for: Fabulous early blooms.
Easy to grow.
Ideal position: Sheltered woodland.
Habit: Dense.
Group: Hybrid.
Parentage:...
Rhododendron Azurro INKARHO
Now available on the Inkarho rootstock! Distinctive frilly edged purple flowers with a darker blotch. This stunner flowers in late May to early June. It is a very tough plant with a great compact habit. We are very keen on this plant because it has proven to be even more reliable than it's parent, Purple Splendour. Height 150cm in 10 years.Plant with plenty of good ericaceous compost to aid establishment.
Recommended...
Rhododendron Barnaby Sunset
Pretty pale yellow flowers in April. This plant has an upright habit with small oval deep green glossy foliage. Height 100-125cm in 10 years.
Recommended for small gardens and mixed borders.
Easy to grow.
Ideal position: most garden situations, needs good drainage.
Habit: upright.
Group: Rhododendron hybrid.
Parentage: unknown.
Hybridization date: unknown (pre 1994).
Bred...
Rhododendron Beau Brummell
Flowering late in June, this plant has excellent late scarlet red, waxy flowers with darker speckling. It is certainly eye-catching and the flowers form a spectacular ball-shaped truss and lovely matt green foliage. It will perform best in light shade. Height 150-180cm in 10 years.It certainly ranks as one of our favourites and is ideal for hedging and screening.
Recommended for: Hedging/screening...
Rhododendron Belami
Stunning pale pink flowers with prominent red speckled blotch on the upper lobe. A dense ball type truss of 12 flowers, each being funnel shaped measuring 50-60 x 80-96mm - a real gem. Starting in mid May, the flowers open pale pink with a darker blotch, but quickly change to white with the striking red blotch. This is a tough award winning plant with dark green foliage from Hachmann in Northern Germany....
Rhododendron Belkanto INKARHO
(H6) Yellow orange buds opening to pale yellow flowers with wavy edges, tinged pale yellowish-pink with green spotting on the upper lobe, in a ball-shaped truss of 14-17. May flowering. Medium green slightly curved foliage, on a plant with a broad compact habit, and growing to a height of 125-150cm in 10 years.
• Recommended for: Neat habit, yellow flowers• Easy to grow.• Ideal position:...
