Gardens Illustrated Magazine

May plants

RHODODENDRON ‘MUNCASTER TRUMPET’

Although spoilt for choice in May for rhododendrons, I have always had a soft spot for those cultivars sporting hanging bells, as in ‘Muncaster Trumpet’. Many of this type are hybrids of R . cinnabarinum and have relatively small, oval, blue-green leaves and a stiff upright growth habit. They need and merit a sheltered, woodland setting with good air movement, as they are not the easiest of plants to grow well, but when covered in flowers they rank among the most beautiful we can grow outside.

Height 2-3m.

Origin Garden origin (species east Himalaya, Nepal, Tibet).

Conditions Neutral or acidic soil; part shade.

Hardiness RHS H4, USDA 5a-8b .

Season of interest Spring.

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