An Introduction to Scotland’s Rhododendron Collections

The influx of newly discovered rhododendrons in the first half of the 20th Century led to the creation of many woodland gardens, some of which have passed to the National Trust for Scotland whose notable and partly labelled collections can be visited. These include Crarae, south of Inverary, Arduaine on Loch Melfort, Brodick, across the water on Arran, and in the far north-west the famous Inverewe garden at Poolewe.

Argyll has been described as the “Promised Land” for rhododendrons and it is worth exploring many of the Glorious Gardens of Argyll and Bute, some of which have been described above, but also include a number of private gardens open to the public including Glenarn, near Helensburgh, with its well documented and labelled collection, and Ardkinglas at the head of Loch Fyne, which also boasts some of the tallest trees in the land. Another island for the more adventurous is Gigha and its garden Achamore. Nor should the east side of the country be ignored, with destinations such the Blackhills, near Elgin, an example of lightly managed rhododendrons. Between Perth and Dundee, Glendoick has a magnificent garden that defies the cold and low rainfall and is the home of the premier rhododendron nursery in Scotland.

Finally, there are rhododendrons that are found not in garden settings but in the wider landscape. For instance, there is old and new planting at Glenbranter, between Benmore and Strachur, and the remote collection to be discovered at Corrour on the side of Loch Ossian, accessed at Corrour Halt from the train. The West Highland Line also can take enthusiasts to Arisaig where rhododendrons, planted in the 1920s and ’30s at Larachmhor, still grace the site along with some newer planting.

The most recent example of rhododendrons in a natural setting is at Baravalla, on West Loch Tarbert, which contains the important modern collection from Peter Cox and Sir Peter Hutchison’s plant hunting expeditions, well described in their book “Seeds of Adventure”

The Scottish Rhododendron Society organises visits and tours to many interesting gardens and plantings, some of which are private collections that are not easily accessible. It also holds the annual Scottish Rhododendron Show in late April or beginning of May where the named entries fill the hall with colour and when rhododendrons, species and hybrids, can be studied and enjoyed in detail.

To expand the suggested places described above the Scottish Rhododendron Society will be pleased to hear of any well labelled collection of rhododendrons in a garden open to the public at least once per year.

Written by Mike Thornley, Graphics & layout by Grant Moir, Photos as credited.

we are looking for new committee members…

1) Someone to help with editorial work on our publications to take over eventually from John Roy. Perhaps taking on editing the Spring and Autumn journals to start with.

2) Someone to come on as Treasurer, again not this very instant but to shadow Colin Whitehead who has been in the job for some 12 plus years.

3) Someone to take on the Tours and Conferences, Willie Campbell has taken over this task, but hopes someone will take over completely.

4) General committee, just come on help out with what ever tasks are needing attention, shadow members many of have been on much longer than the three years as per constitution.

Some Health issues for Gardeners to consider

We have sections on the website about various Plant Heath issues but mention was made at a committee meeting of concerns regarding health of gardeners using commercial compost. There have, over recent years, been reports of respiratory illness after use of bagged composts. These reports appear to be on the increase. With these questions in mind this short paper has been written to alert members to certain health issues to bear in mind while gardening. It is not intended in any way to deter gardeners as the health benefits of gardening by far outweigh the problems which can occasionally arise. However, having knowledge of potential problems and awareness of precautions which can be taken to avoid dangerous situations, helps to keep us all safe.
Happy Gardening.

Lymes Disease: Very important to be aware of for anyone working outdoors. Lymes disease is spread by tick bites and can cause severe side effects.

Advice on handling compost and water storage in the garden

Over the past few years there have been various reports in the press concerning health hazards in the form of infectious organisms associated with the use of commercial compost. These appear to be on the increase, possibly due to the move from use of peat to other materials in such composts. There are also hazards due to other infectious organisms to be found in gardens and it is as well for all gardeners to be aware of these and take precautions against them. The RHS website has quite a lot of information on its website which can be viewed via
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/health-and-wellbeing/minimising-health-risks-inthe-garden
The following summarises the main points from this site. Generally elderly gardeners and those with a suppressed immune system are most vulnerable but it is important for everyone to be aware of potential problems.

Legionellosis

This disease is caused by a bacterium. Legionella longbeachae occurs in soil and compost. Infection with this agent can lead to a respiratory disease.

The more common L.pneumonophila occurs naturally in water courses but can multiply in standing water to potentially harmful levels when the water temperature is between 20 and 45degrees c.

Precautions should be taken when opening bags of compost or turning composts heaps especially when they are dry and dusty. Avoid using compost in enclosed areas and do not store in greenhouses where contents may get very dry and hot. Damp down your compost heap if it gets very dry. Consider using a mask when
turning the heap.

Empty hose pipes of water after use to avoid water standing in pipes which heat in the sun. Water butts should preferably not be in full sun. This is not always possible but they can be painted white or insulated to counteract overheating.

Tetanus

The tetanus bacterium is found in soil and gains entry to the body via cuts and grazes. Tetanus is a particularly nasty illness and can cause death in 10% of cases.

Tetanus vaccination is very successful and it is routinely given in childhood. Those who work regularly in contact with soil should ensure that their vaccinations are up to date. It is recommended that boosters are given every ten years. Any injuries such as cuts or scratches on hands should be covered when working in the garden. Serious injuries in the garden should be taken to a doctor and consideration given
to giving another tetanus vaccination. Wearing gloves is recommended.

Weil’s disease (Leptospirosis)

This is a bacterial infection which can be carried by rodents (rats and mice). The bacterial agent is carried in water or wet vegetation contaminated by urine from rats. Rat urine can also carry salmonella bacteria. The bacterium can enter the body via uncovered cuts and scratches.

Tops of compost bags should be rolled over to prevent entry by rodents. Meat, fish and egg remains should not be placed in garden compost containers unless vermin can be excluded. Water butts should be covered. Wearing gloves is recommended.

To summarise precautions to ensure safety in the garden

• Wear gloves
• Do not breathe into compost bags on opening
• Open and use bags in well ventilated area
• Do not store bags of compost in the greenhouse
• Fold over the tops of compost bags when not in use
• Moisten potting media if dry
• Dampen dry compost heaps before turning or using
• Consider wearing a dust mask when dealing with composts
• Empty water from hoses after use and do not leave full hoses in sun
• Keep water storage containers clean by emptying and scrubbing out once a
  year. Paint with a light colour, insulate or keep in shade.
• Do not use stored water for mist irrigation or sprinklers if the temperature
  of the water is above 20 degrees.
• Keep tetanus inoculations up to date
• Discourage rats. Do not put cooked food, meat, fish or eggs into compost
  bins
• Use waterproof protection on legs and arms when cleaning ponds
• Wash hands after gardening and before eating.
  Marion Kinns, November 2023.

Pests & Diseases investigated by SRS Research Director

Diseases affecting Rhododendrons :

Diseases that have been and are the cause of most concern are the two Phytophtheras – ramorum and kernoviae. Leaf die back and shoot/branch die back are the obvious signs. These fungal diseases are still notifiable and have been the cause of loss of large numbers of rhododendrons from historic collections through death of plants and enforced removal.

Other common specific fungal diseases that affect rhododendrons follow. The most common are Bud blast and Powdery mildew.

Powdery mildew (Erysiphe spp)

Affects some species more than others. Subsection Cinnabarina is particularly susceptible as are the Fortunea. Infection causes pale green, reddish purple or yellowish spots on the upper surface of evergreen rhododendrons. Deciduous species may show white powdery fungus on the leaves. This isn’t usually fatal for the plant but unsightly and some years are worse than others. It is not recommended to remove affected leaves or plant could be defoliated!

Bud blast (Seifertia azalea)

Causes buds to go brown and remain attached. Later buds may turn silvery grey before becoming covered in small black bristles. This should not be confused with frosted buds which remain brown and can be knocked off easily. Remove and destroy affected buds of bud blast promptly.

Petal blight (Ovulinia azalea)

Spots appear on petals in wet conditions. These spread rapidly and cause petals to collapse in a slimy mess.

Azalea leaf gall (Exobasidium japonicum)

This is usually found on ‘azaleas’ and leaves become pale, swollen and distorted then covered with a bloom of white fungal spores. Remove galls promptly when seen before the spores appear and spread the disease.

Leaf spots (mainly Colletotrichum gloeosporioides but some other species also)

Purple or brown roundish spots on upper leaf surfaces usually of evergreen species.

Rust (Chrysomyxa rhododendri)

Rust (Chrysomyxa rhododendri) seen as discoloured spots on the upper leaf surface which correspond to pustules on lower surface containing dusty orange spores. Rhododendrons can also be attacked by more generalist diseases:

Phytophthera Root Rot (various Phytophthera spp.)

Sudden wilting and collapse of whole plant or slower and more gradual decline.

Honey fungus (Armillaria spp.)

Bodies of fungus sometimes seen developing on dead or dying parts.

Silver leaf (Chondrostereum purpureum)

This can cause dieback of the branches with fruiting bodies sometimes developing on dead or dying parts. It affects the wood of the plant and is often spread by infected pruning tools. The silver appearance of the leaves is due to the top layer of leaf cells separating from the one below as a reaction to the fungus in the bark. Light is then reflected differently.

(much of this information came from the RHS website rhs.org.uk , then enter ‘Rhododendron
diseases’ into the search box)

Marion Kinns, 7th September 2024

Pests affecting Rhododendrons :

Scale insects

These small oval shaped insects attach to the stems and leaves of rhododendron plants. They feed on the sap and can cause yellowing, wilting and stunted growth. Excretions of honey dew from these insects attracts a black fungal growth of ‘sooty mould’ which is very unsightly. It is difficult to eradicate without chemical control of the insect. If the air circulation around the plant is improved, there may be less sooty mould.

Lace bugs (Stephanitis takeyai and Stephanitis rhododendri)

Lace bugs (Stephanitis takeyai and Stephanitis rhododendri) were first recorded in the UK in 1998. They are tiny sap sucking insects native to Japan. They were introduced to the USA and Europe via the horticultural trade. The south east of England was affected initially but incidences have been recorded from Leicestershire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire and parts of Wales . Rhododendron growers in the USA complain bitterly about the problems caused by these pests and find that some rhododendron subsections are more affected by lace bugs than others. They are named for the lacey appearance of their wings.

Vine weevils

Adults cause characteristic semicircular notching of the leaves of rhododendrons. In late summer and over the winter, larvae eat the bark, usually circling the stem just above the ground and causing the plant to die.
(A lot of very useful information is to be found on the Glendoick website under the heading ‘What is
wrong with my rhododendron – ‘Rhododendron problems, pests and diseases)

Other pests & diseases to be aware of :

Sirococcus tsugae. Host plants: Cedrus and Tsuga; cedars and hemlocks.

This was originally seen in the United States but first reported in the UK, including Scotland, in 2014 and 2015. It affects the genera Cedrus and Tsuga; cedars and hemlocks. Symptoms are severe shoot blight and defoliation. Dead needles have a characteristically pink colour and later go brown. There can be cankers and bleeding of resin from the bark. Spread is via rain splash and high winds. There is no effective control other than biosecurity and plant hygiene. More information

Marion Kinns, 2022

Stink bug, Halyomorpha halys. Host plants: Main threat to orchards

Of less concern to us is a new Stink Bug originating from China and Japan. This has been highlighted by the RHS. The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys spread to the USA in the 1990s and is now found in various European countries. So far only adults have been discovered in the UK and no breeding populations.

They differ from native stink bugs with pale bands on the antennae, a row of pale dots on the body and a rectangular head. They appear to overwinter in houses.

The main threat is to orchards where a small number can cause great damage. Gardeners are asked to watch for them. If you find them, capture them and report suspects to bmsb@niab.com or via the RHS gardening advice service rhs.org.uk/myadvice . More Information

Marion Kinns, 04/02/22

Phytophthera pluvialis. Host plants: Affects a variety of trees including western hemlock, tanoak, Douglas fir and various pines.

Presently known to affect a variety of trees including western hemlock, tanoak, Douglas fir and various pines. It was first reported from Oregon, USA in2013 on tanoak ( Lithocarpus densiflorus) and Douglas fir and has been shown to be the causative pathogen in ‘red needle cast’ in radiata pine in NZ. It also causes shoot die back and lesions on stems, branches and roots.

It wasn’t seen in the U.K. until September 2021 in a Cornish woodland where it was found to be affecting mature western hemlock and Douglas fir. Further outbreaks have been found in Cornwall, Devon, Cumbria and near Loch Carron in Scotland. Wales reported their first outbreak in Dec2021.

Many members in our society will grow conifers so this fairly recent pathogen must be of concern. We have also seen how other Phytophtheras ( ramorum and kernoviae) affect a wide range of hosts including the genus Rhododendron.

Growers are asked to be alert to this disease and report any concerns via The TreeAlert online portal. Phytophthera pluvialis currently meets the criteria to be classified as a GB Quarantine pest for regulatory purposes. More Information

Marion Kinns, 2022

Update: “Early investigations at various gardens have been encouraging in that there has been no sign of this particular fungal pathogen causing a problem in rhododendrons.“ Marion Kinns 2024

Phytophthera austrocedri. Host Plants: native juniper

This soil and water born fungus affects our native juniper which is already rare so there is some real cause for concern. It affects and damages roots leading to death. Discolouration of the foliage is seen which is either a uniform bronze following root damage or patchy from lesions on stems or branches. Tongue or flame shaped lesions up to 50cm can be seen under the bark and sometimes resin pockets. There is no natural resistance but plants on drier sites may survive. More Information

Marion Kinns 04/02/22

Plant Health Questions & Answers :

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Day 1 : Mon 6th May

Ardmaddy Castle, hosted by Mr & Mrs Archie Struthers

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Day 2 : Tue 7th May

Kames Bay by Kilmelford, hosted by Stuart and Shelagh Cannon

Barochreal, Kilninver, hosted by Nigel and Antonette Mitchell

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Day 3 : Wed 8th May

Kilchoan Estate Gardens by Kilmelford, hosted by Head Gardener Luke Senior

Stronachuillin, hosted by Mary Broadfoot

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Day 4 : Thu 9th May

Achamore Gardens, Gigha, hosted by Head Gardener Bryony White

Stonefield Castle Hotel

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Day 5 : Fri 10th May

Baravalla Gardens, hosted by Matt Heasman

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Author : Based on original text by Willie Campbell

Post compiled by Grant Moir

Video created by John Roy.

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rhodEshow 2024 post created by Grant Moir

By John Roy, SRS Autumn Review 2014

I recently came across an interesting document online about whether or not rhododendrons “poison” the soil in which they grow. I have always thought that it would not be in a plant’s best interests to poison the environment into which it is fastened, unless it was highly evolved to deal with the toxins of its own creation.

Some portrayers of this theory make bold statements such as: “Rhododendron poisons the soil around it so that other plants cannot grow.” Plantlife.

“It produces toxins, and suppresses other plants by poisoning the soil as well as year round shading.” Greenham & Crookham [West Berks.] Conservation Volunteers.

“Although considered attractive, this belies its true nature which is to shade out native species, leaving an impoverished landscape in its wake. To do this, it has a nasty trick up its sleeve – the roots are actually toxic to other plants! So not only does Rhododendron block out life-giving light, but it poisons the soil as well.” Ulster Wildlife Trust.

“As well as shading large areas to cut out light for other plants to grow, the bush poisons nearby soil with chemicals that kill other species.” Jenny Fyall, news.scotsman.com.

“This [R. ponticum] litter remains even after the plant is eradicated and can form a toxic humus layer, which is reported to retard new growth of other plant species for up to seven years.” Non-Native Species Secretariat.

Dealing with invasive Rhododendron ponticum, the author puts forward his own thoughts, citing lack of light and changes to the natural soil micro-organisms, summarising:

As rhododendron encroaches and the native community becomes impoverished, the biodiversity of the flora and soil biota decline in tandem. When rhododendron has become a monoculture covering many hectares, we can justifiably suppose that very little remains to represent what was once a dynamic, mycorrhiza-supported, species rich community, other than R. ponticum, one or two associated ericoid mycorrhizal fungi and a handful of shade/rhododendron tolerant plants and plucky survivors.

That is a very poor landscape and a disastrous starting point for its recovery.

Recolonisation by native flora of an area cleared of rhododendron is more likely to be inhibited by: (a) soil rendered inhospitable by R. ponticum leaf litter; (b) poor nutrient supply and (c) low availability of nutrients due to local extinction of the soil community that normally facilitates their mobilisation, than by soil ‘poisoning’.

Whether during occupation or after clearance, it would have been better if the rhododendrons had never arrived in the first place.

If one did not consider the alternative implications of catastrophic reductions in biodiversity as discussed above, one might, influenced by rumour, incorrectly conclude that the soil had been poisoned.

The full article was found at: (no longer available)
http://www.slef.org.uk/userfiles/file/slef-pdfs/rhododendron_poisons_the_soil.pdf

There were only 7 replies to the questionnaire.

The following are my questions and a summary of the seven responses

1. Have you cut down on peat use in your own garden? – 7 out of 7 reported that they had cut down on use of peat and particularly its use as a soil improver.

2. Which commercial compost do you use? – Not everyone responded to this question.

· Melcourt Silvagrow, both ericaceous and multipurpose was mentioned by 3 respondents…..? Possibly its support by the RHS was influential.

· Dalefoot was mentioned by 1. This is a compost containing sheep’s wool.

· Arthur Bowers, peat free or reduced peat, Westland, New Horizon and Dobies (ericaceous) all got one mention as did Garden Solutions of Longniddry.

· Homemade compost was mentioned by four, often to be mixed in with commercial brands. Especially with groups of plants other than rhododendrons. One of the 7 relies entirely on homemade compost.

3. How much growing success do you have with peat free composts?

· Multipurpose Melcourt silvagrow was found to be good for general potting of non-rhododendron subjects.

· Dalefoot alpine peat free was reported as being good.

· There was general agreement that the use of peat free composts required a new approach especially as regards watering requirements.

4. Are any plants particularly difficult to grow in peat free compost in your experience?

· One person mentioned Mecanopsis as being particularly tricky.

· Another said that the early stages of rhododendron growth required special care – see general comments. Sterile nature of peat was mentioned as an important factor for seed sowing.

· One respondent said that in his experience, once a good root ball was established on a cutting of a rhododendron, then a general purpose peat free compost was fine.

5. Are there any particularly difficult stages of growth of rhododendrons where compost is very critical?

· 4 out of 7 mentioned seed sowing and pricking out

· 3 out of 7 mentioned cuttings

Additional comments which may be of use or of interest

Dalefoot composts can be ordered from www.dalefootcomposts.co.uk A comment was made that this compost made using bracken and sheep’s wool is not a sustainable product.

One respondent thought that research into a compost with bracken and redwood bark might be useful. That would not be commercially sustainable either.

One respondent thought that pure peat should still be available for a small number of growers with very specialist requirements and where peat may be the least bad alternative.

One respondent thought the composts containing Coir were dreadful and also that Coir should be kept in the countries that produce it where it could be used locally.

One respondent thought that composted wood was very unsuitable because of fungal growth that comes with it.

Three respondents used a mix of peat free ericaceous compost and perlite for sowing rhododendron seeds. In one case the ratio was 40:60

Two respondents used shredded sphagnum moss mixed with perlite for seed sowing.

For potting on, two respondents used peat free ericaceous compost mixed with fine bark and fine grit or perlite or sand. In one case the ratio was 50:40:10

The one respondent who mentioned cuttings used fine, sieved bark mixed with either or both perlite and fine grit.

In summary

1. We did not receive enough responses to be significantly representative of the view of the SRS.

2. Willie Campbell, our President, was aware of these responses when he sent a response to the Scottish Government questionnaire.

There has been no published analysis of the Government consultation as yet but 484 responses are available to read on the website. There may be other responses which will be used in the final analysis although permission was not given to publish them. The majority of the responses published were anonymous.

To find the published responses go to Ending the sale of peat in Scotland – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Survey conducted by Marion Kinns,

By Kenneth Cox, Glendoick

Peter Cox has a long and distinguished career in the rhododendron world.

In the fields of original authorship; development of new plants; innovative breeding, taxonomic studies; plant exploration and preserving of germ plasma through selection of species.

Peter Cox is widely acknowledged both in the UK and abroad, as perhaps the world’s leading expert on rhododendrons.

Over the last 60 years Peter Cox has made an outstanding contribution to his field, brought distinction to British and International horticulture, and enhanced the reputation of the country within the global botanical and horticultural community, through:

Searching for, studying and introducing plants from the wild into cultivation. Through leading or participating in over 25 major plant-hunting expeditions Peter Cox has introduced significant numbers of plants into cultivation for the first time. He is believed by his peers to have identified and studied more species of Rhododendron than anybody living or dead. He has discovered at least 4 new rhododendron species, one of which Rhododendron coxianum from India was named in honour of his father E.H.M. Cox. Several more Peter Cox collected new taxa are awaiting being described.  The thousands of seed numbers collected from four continents have been expertly curated and together with many plants grown from the seed have been distributed to botanic garden collections, private and public gardens in over 20 countries. Peter Cox’s own gardens, on the west and east coasts of Scotland, contain a unique collection of plant species, many from these expeditions, and have attracted the attention of horticulturists from around the world. Peter’s garden at Glendoick has been voted one of Europe’s top 50 gardens (The Independent on Sunday). He has also worked extensively with Indian and Chinese botanists in the field, helping them to identify their native plants.

Development of hybrids for the small garden.  Peter Cox is considered one of the world’s most successful and skilled hybridisers of Rhododendrons. Peter recognised the need for hybrids suitable for small gardens and his efforts over the last 50 years have produced a range of plants suitable for any size of garden. Peter invented the concept of ‘dwarf rhododendrons’ celebrated in his book of that title. Hitherto, rhododendrons had been considered suitable only for large gardens and estates. His first cross was made in 1959 and Peter continues breeding to this day. His hybrids, mostly named after birds, are now to be found in gardens throughout the UK, northern Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand and North America. Many of his hybrids such as “Chikor”, “Curlew”, ‘”Ptarmigan” and “Panda” have become commercial standards in the UK and elsewhere, and are stocked in most garden centres. The hybrids have attracted a large number of prestigious plant awards from the Royal Horticultural Society including Award of Garden Merit, First Class Certificate and Award of Merit. His work continues with a focus on producing hybrids with coloured foliage.

Author: Inspiring and Informing. 

Peter Cox’s leading role in horticulture and his highly distinguished reputation for his unmatched knowledge of Rhododendrons (of which there are over 1000 species) is underpinned by his numerous books on the subject. Alone or in conjunction with his father Euan Cox or son Kenneth Cox he has published 13 books, all of which have been well received by critics and the global horticultural community. You would struggle to find a rhododendron fan anywhere in the world without some Peter Cox books on the shelf.

“The Larger Rhododendron Species shows the results of a lifetime’s work among rhododendrons and monumental scholarship”. Popular Gardening

1997 saw the publication of the definitive publication “The Encyclopedia of Rhododendron Species” (Peter Cox and Kenneth Cox, Glendoick Publishing 1997) Taking five years to write, with 400 pages and 1500 photographs illustrating virtually all temperate rhododendron species in cultivation.  This magnificent volume continues to receive accolades from all over the world:

“The Cox & Cox book…is comprehensive, covering all the species. It incorporates the latest research. It has at least one colour photograph of each species and , above all, it is readable. In my opinion it will set the standard for the next 25 years” Joe Harvey, Victoria Rhododendron Society Newsletter, Canada. 

Other books published include:

Modern Rhododendrons, Nelson 1956. Euan H.M. Cox and Peter A. Cox.

Modern Shrubs, Nelson 1958. Euan H.M. Cox and Peter A. Cox.

Modern Trees, Nelson 1961. Euan H.M. Cox and Peter A. Cox.

The Royal Horticultural Society’s Wisley Handbook Rhododendrons,  Peter Cox. A beginners guide. (5 editions-first published 1971.)

Dwarf Rhododendrons, Batsford, 1973, Peter A. Cox

The Larger Rhododendron Species Batsford 1979, 1990.

The Smaller Rhododendrons, Batsford 1985  Peter Cox- cultivation information and species and hybrid descriptions.

Encyclopaedia of Rhododendron Hybrids- 1988. Peter & Kenneth Cox. 1800 hybrids described. A critical guide to choosing from the multitude of hybrids on offer.

Cox’s Guide to Choosing Rhododendrons 1990. Peter & Kenneth Cox. A ‘which’ guide to making a rhododendron collection. An excellent  aid in choosing the best plants for different conditions.

The Cultivation of Rhododendrons P.A. Cox. Batsford  1993 . This well-illustrated book summarises the author’s lifetime’s experience in cultivating rhododendrons.

Seeds of Adventure Antique Collectors Club 2008 (with Sir Peter Hutchison). Lavishly Illustrated account of 20 plant hunting expeditions.

Winner of Garden Media Guild  Inspirational Book of the Year:

The judges commented: ‘Even someone who couldn’t care two hoots about rhododendrons would be gripped by the sheer bloody mindedness of these two as they suffered awkward locals, ticks the size of pennies, food poisoning, sodden tents and numerous travel headaches in their good-humoured quest. The anecdotes are delightful, the photographs of plants, people and views are breath-taking. What an inspiration to us all.’

Providing Horticultural Advice. 

Peter’s advice on rhododendrons is sought throughout the world; he has selflessly given up significant (unpaid) time to advise, counsel and inform amateur and professional horticulturalists and botanist on his subject in Europe, Asia and the USA. He has served on a variety of committees including:

National Trust for Scotland Gardens Advisory Committee

Advisory Board to Arduaine Gardens.

Gardens Advisor to Achamore Gigha, Scotland.

Board of Trustees Dundee Botanic Society.

President Scottish Rhododendron Society.

Awards:

Victoria Medal of Honour, Royal Horticultural Society 1992
Gold Medal, American Rhododendron Society 1993
Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, Gold medal
Lifetime Achievement Award, Nurseryman & Garden Centre Awards 2000
Honorary Degree University of St Andrews in 2005.
Book Seeds of Adventure written with Sir Peter Hutcheson winner of Garden Media Guild Inspirational Book of the Year 2008.
MBE 2013 (Member of the British Empire), presented at Buckingham Palace