14 Varieties Grown Locally
Rhododendrons
Spectacular spring flowering shrubs with stunning blooms from April to June. Grown at our Staffordshire nurseries for perfect acclimatisation to local gardens.
Spectacular spring flowering shrubs with stunning blooms from April to June. Grown at our Staffordshire nurseries for perfect acclimatisation to local gardens.
Rhododendrons are one of our true specialities at Edwards Garden Centres. These magnificent shrubs bring unrivalled spring drama to the garden, with their huge trusses of vibrant blooms in shades of pink, purple, red, white and yellow lighting up the late spring landscape.
We grow 14 carefully selected varieties at our nurseries, from compact cultivars like 'Scarlet Wonder' perfect for smaller gardens, to larger, more vigorous varieties like 'Nova Zembla' that create impressive focal points. All are grown on-site in ericaceous compost, ensuring they are perfectly suited to Staffordshire's acid-soil pockets and establishing quickly when planted in your garden.
Rhododendrons are acid-loving plants that thrive in dappled shade and woodland settings. Many parts of Staffordshire, particularly around Eccleshall and the moorland fringes, have naturally acidic soil where rhododendrons flourish. Even if your garden has neutral or alkaline soil, they can be grown successfully in containers or raised beds filled with ericaceous compost. Our locally grown rhododendrons are already acclimatised to the Midlands climate, giving them the best possible start in your garden.
Scarlet Wonder
Cunningham's White
Percy Wiseman
Golden Gate
Marie Fortie
Germanica
Nova Zembla
Cosmopolitan
Catawbiense Grandiflora
Eucharitis
Dr. Albert Schweitzer
Rocket
Scypocalix
Marcel Menard
Rhododendrons are acid-loving (ericaceous) plants that require a pH of 4.5-6.0 to thrive.
Choose the right spot and your rhododendrons will reward you with decades of stunning blooms.
Rhododendrons are relatively low-maintenance once established, but benefit from some simple care.
Yes, rhododendrons thrive in many parts of Staffordshire, particularly where the soil is naturally acidic. Areas around Eccleshall, the moorland edges, and parts of the Staffordshire countryside have ideal conditions. Even if your garden has neutral or clay soil, you can grow rhododendrons successfully in raised beds or large containers filled with ericaceous compost. Our locally grown plants are already acclimatised to the Midlands climate.
Rhododendrons are acid-loving plants and require ericaceous (acidic) soil with a pH of 4.5-6.0. If your garden soil is neutral or alkaline, plant them in containers or raised beds filled with ericaceous compost. They also need good drainage and soil that stays moist but never waterlogged. Annual mulching with pine bark or composted bracken helps maintain acidity and moisture levels.
Most rhododendrons flower from April through to early June, depending on the variety and weather conditions. The blooms are spectacular - large trusses of vibrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, white, and yellow that create incredible spring displays. Deadheading spent flowers after blooming helps ensure a good display the following year.
Size varies considerably by variety. Compact varieties like 'Scarlet Wonder' reach only 60-90cm tall and wide, making them perfect for smaller gardens and containers. Larger varieties like 'Nova Zembla' and 'Cunningham's White' can eventually reach 1.5-2.5 metres tall. Our team can advise on the right variety for your available space and help you choose between compact, medium, or larger-growing cultivars.
Clay soil is typically alkaline or neutral, which is not ideal for rhododendrons. However, you can still grow them successfully by planting in raised beds or large containers filled with ericaceous compost. This gives you complete control over soil pH and drainage. Many Staffordshire gardeners with heavy clay soil grow stunning rhododendrons this way. We stock a full range of ericaceous composts and can advise on container growing techniques.
Our knowledgeable team can help you choose the perfect variety for your garden and advise on planting and care. Pop in or give us a call.
Eccleshall, ST21 6BD
Our historic walled nursery in Eccleshall is home to our main rhododendron collection. The sheltered growing conditions create perfect plants.
Best for:
Nr Stone, ST15 0QA
Our Bury Bank site stocks a curated selection of popular rhododendron varieties plus all the ericaceous compost and care products you need.
Best for:
Percy here!
Need a hand with your garden? I've been growing plants for 40 years - ask me anything!
Percy - Garden Expert
40 years of growing wisdom
Afternoon! Percy here. Been pottering around gardens for over 40 years now, and there's not much I haven't seen. What can I help you with today - got a poorly plant, planning a new border, or just fancy a chat about what's looking good this season?
Quick questions: