PLANT PORN: RHODODENDRON

 Words by Abi Himan

The bright, bountiful woodland bushes were big in the 80s but they still know where the parties at.

NAMECHECK

This one hails from the Ancient Greek for Rose (Rhodon) Tree (dendron) - though it's not actually related to roses at all, instead sitting firmly as the largest member of the Ericaceae family. Easily confused with azaleas - which are actually a type of rhododendron, though generally smaller and not evergreen.

THE DEETS

These woodland dwelling bobby-dazzlers are well loved for their masses of vivid flowers, in bloom from May through to October (though it's said that you can find a variety that's in flower for every month of the year if you feel so inclined!)

You'll find them in gardens and parks all over the UK (the American Garden at Dulwich Park is a great example) but you may also spot them growing wild in the dappled shade of woodlands - bright masses of neon pinks and purple amongst the greenery and undergrowth. They can grow to absolutely massive and live up to 150 years, so shouldn't be too hard to find!

RATING

Easy as, but they like their soil acidic, so if you're in an area with lots of limestone then plant them in a pot using ericaceous soil.