Millais Nurseries
Tender Rhododendrons
Tender (maddenia) Rhododendrons are suitable for the cold greenhouse and mild areas such as Cornwall where they can be grown outdoors. Elsewhere in sheltered gardens they are worth trying against a South facing wall. They give a magnificent display in Spring, and the pinks and whites often have gorgeous scent to fill a conservatory. Many of these Rhododendrons are epiphytic, meaning that they naturally grow in the boughs of forest trees and rock crevasses. Hence they often grow and flower better when their roots are constrained in a relatively small pot, and they need a very free draining compost.
When grown in a conservatory, these plants grow vigorously, so prune HARD straight after flowering to encourage bushiness, leaving only about 10cm of the previous year's growth.
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...
Rhododendron 'Dame Edith Sitwell'
(MADDENIA H4) Lily-shaped fragrant white flowers, tinged pink, with yellowish centre. Beautiful in April-May. Height 75-100cm in 10 years. Thought to be a selection of R. lindleyi, R. Dame Edith Sitwell is a plant for very sheltered gardens, or cool conservatories where its scent will fill the air. Needs a well drained compost. Hard prune straight after flowering to maintain shape and prevent legginess.
It...
Rhododendron Actress
(H3) Scented white flowers, stained red on the outside about 3 flowers per truss in April. Tender, so plant in sheltered spot or cool greenhouse. Prune hard after flowering. Height 75-100cm in 10 years.
This plant was recommended to us by Jim Gardiner, former Curator at Wisley, and Vice President of the RHS, who grew this at his house and kindly gave us some cuttings.
Raised by General Eric Harrison...
Rhododendron Anne Teese
(H4) White flowers, flushed pink and yellow, with purple stripes on the outside. Scented. April. 75-100cm in 10 years. A plant for very sheltered gardens, or cool conservatories. Needs well drained compost. Hard prune after flowering to maintain a good shape.
Recommended for the greenhouse or conservatory and lovely scented early flower.
Easy to grow.
Ideal position: sheltered position in the...
Rhododendron Countess of Haddington
(H4) Large trumpet-shaped scented white flowers, flushed lilac pink, with yellow throat. Floriferous and fragrant in April, on a plant with large olive green leaves that can get straggly if not pruned. Height 100cm in 10 years. A plant for very sheltered gardens, or cool conservatories. Needs well drained compost. Hard prune straight after flowering to prevent straggliness.
Raised by Evans, and passed...
Rhododendron Fragrantissimum AGM
(H4) Our best selling tender rhododendron! Magnificent strongly scented funnel-shaped white flowers tinged pink, with a creamy yellow base. Flowering in April-May. Height 75-100cm in 10 years. A plant for sheltered positions in places like Devon and Cornwall or London courtyard gardens, where it is best planted against a wall for added protection. Also ideal in cool conservatories where the wonderful...
Rhododendron Johnnie Johnston
(H4) Attractive semi-double soft rose pink flowers, stained with a darker shade in the centre. April flowering. Bred in Cornwall, suitable for mild climates and cool conservatories. Height 50-75cm in 10 years. Requires moist acid composts.
Bred by Sir Edward Bolitho at Trengwainton, which is now a choice National Trust garden in Cornwall.
• Easy to grow, but give winter shelter.• Ideal...
Rhododendron Logan Surprise
(H3-4) A wonderful selection of Rhododendron edgeworthii by Richard Baines at Logan Botanic Garden in Scotland. This form of edgeworthii has scented white bell-shaped flowers with vibrant pink edges and stripes down the back and a yellow blotch at the base, which do fade to pure white. Usually flowering late April into early May.Thick rugged looking leaves that have a light covering of hairs on the...
Rhododendron Princess Alice FCC
(H4) Lovely scented white flowers, flushed pink on the outside. April-May flowering, on a plant with low growing habit. A tender variety best grown in a sheltered garden or cool conservatory. Height 75-100cm in 10 years. Best in moist well drained compost.
Recommended for the cool conservatory and its lovely scented flowers.
Easy to grow.
Ideal position: sheltered position in the garden or in...