“The following notes on cultivation were originally written by Ed Wright, a founding member of the SRS. Although written some time ago, this is good solid advice and is still relevant today. Other than replacing peat with a suitable peat-free alternative, all other advice still stands. The list of specialist rhododendron nurseries has also been updated.”
Obtaining rhododendrons and their simple cultivation by Ed Wright
Rhododendrons are available throughout the United Kingdom: indeed it would be surprising to find either a Garden Centre or general nursery without some Rhododendrons on offer. However, the range of plants, both hybrids and species, is likely to be very limited in the majority of retail establishments, especially if most of their stock is bought in. For the discerning Rhododendron enthusiast, it will be necessary to visit (or contact) one of the specialist Rhododendron nurseries.
The advantage of dealing with specialist growers such as those listed, is the given details of the plants they are able to supply. For example, they will list the older as well as the more recent introductions, which are seldom to be found in garden centres. They will also offer a wide range of interesting species.
How to select plants best for your enjoyment Select plants that show no signs of neglect by the retailer, especially inadequate watering, as evidenced by wilting or by brown edges or tips of leaves. be sure plant size, shape, foliage, texture and flower colour fit your landscape needs. Extract from ARS cultivation guide
Another source of supply is the sales area in gardens open to the public. They may not have what you are looking for, but might have what you didn’t expect to find.
But it is not necessary to buy plants, and many enthusiasts grow their own, either from cuttings or seeds. Membership of the Scottish Rhododendron Society is a help to those choose this method of acquiring plants. Our parent Society, the American Rhododendron Society also operates a Seed Exchange, and members can buy seed of both species and hybrids. A wide range of seed is on offer and members who have availed themselves of this facility, report excellent results. Naturally, it takes longer to flower Rhododendrons from seed, but dwarfed forms can be expected to flower within a few years – whilst the larger leaved plants take longer, ten to twenty years in some cases.
| Specialist Rhododendron & Azalea Nurseries |
|---|
| Glendoick Gardens Ltd Glendoick Perth Perthshire PH2 7NS Tel: 01738 860205 e.mail: gardencentre@glendoick.com Website: www.glendoick.com Contact: Kenneth Cox |
| Millais Nurseries Crosswater Lane Churt Farnham Surrey GU10 2JN Tel: 01252 792698 e.mail: sales@rhododendrons.co.uk Website: www.rhododendrons.co.uk Contact: Daniel Turner |
| Loder Plants St. Leonards Lodge Lower Beeding Horsham West Sussex RH13 6PP Tel: 01403 891 412 Email: plants@loder.uk Website: www.Loder-Plants.com Contact: Chris Loder |
| The Rhododendron & Azalea Centre Koirin Crossroads Nursery Woodlands Wimborne Dorset BH21 8LN Tel: 01202 824629 e.mail: enquiries@azaleacentre.co.uk Website: www.azaleacentre.co.uk |
| Alan Clark Rhododendrons Westwood Nurseries Orton Grange Roundabout Dalston Carlisle Cumbria CA5 6LB Tel: 07973 985243 e.mail:acrhododendrons@gmail.com Contact: Joe Hardie |
| Updated list by John Hammond 2024 |
Propagation by cuttings is usual for the majority of Rhododendrons.
An advantage of membership of the society is that, sources of supply of propagation material are readily available. Members will willingly give or exchange cuttings, even though the recipient has little or nothing to offer in return. Elaborate equipment is not necessary. Many fine plants owe their existence to little more than a flower pot and a plastic bag stood on a windowsill. Ericaceous compost and patience complete the outfit.
Soil is very important. It needs to be well-drained and porous; preferably acidic. Our soil is seldom perfect but easily improved unless, of course, it is alkaline – containing chalk or lime. Even this can be delt with, depending on the degree of alkalinity. In many soils, the addition of either ericaceous compost or forest bark will be adequate and sh adequat