Last month I posted about our magnificent magnolias. I thought I’d follow that up with another single issue post – this time featuring the stunning rhododendrons and azaleas we’re discovering.
There are at least 10 rhododendrons dotted about in different colours. That’s not counting the allegedly thuggish Rhododendron ponticum – the purple one you often see by the roadside – and there are several of those too.
We’ve fewer azaleas and, to be honest, not all of them are thriving. But those that are really do go for it!
The first of them started flowering in March and the last didn’t begin until the middle of June. So we’ve had whites, reds, purples and all kinds of pink taking their turns to bloom for 3 months.
I don’t have a lot to say about them, but I wanted to share their beauty.
A whiter shade of … well you know what I mean
Fun fact: years ago I played cello in an orchestra. We used to perform at care homes and to other trapped audiences. For some reason we would subject the old dears to Procul Harum’s Whiter Shade of Pale. So if you like you you can picture me sitting in the back row with my cello and the world’s most boring bass line, taking care of business.
Anyway… I kind of assumed rhododendrons were mostly colourful. But I’ve loved the fluffy whites and creams, with delicate pink tints, pretty freckles or sexy hot pink pistils. Gorgeous.
Azaleas: the rhododendron’s precocious little sister
Most azaleas sizzle with colour. Where rhododendrons come in a huge variety of shades, azaleas take a few colours and just really go for it!
I learned this year that there’s another type of azalea that varies from the hot pinks and reds – Azalea luteum. It is no less strong in its yellows and oranges, but it adds perfume to the mix.
Pink isn’t just a colour (according to Miley Cyrus)
Well Miley should know, she’s got attitude to burn.
Rhododendrons have more shades of pink than Mattel has Barbie dolls. Each flower is doing its best to lure pollinators in with imaginative variations on a theme of pink. Judging by the number of bees in the garden, it works.
After the show is over
When the parade has left town there’s just the clean up left to do. In the case of rhododendron flowers, that means deadheading. Maybe a little pruning for shape, but mainly deadheading so the display is at least as wonderful next year. Lots and lots of deadheading.
So if you need me, I’ll be in the bushes.
Fun blog. Spectacular garden