Rhododendrons in Bloom

The Rhododendron blossom looks spectacular in spring and follows along from the equally splendid Magnolias. Rhododendrons in bloom form large swathes of colour from white through pink to red, purple, even orange.  Visit the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show in July to find expert nurseries specialising in rare and unusual Rhododendrons.  Look for expert growing advice here and see our range of easy-to-grow and dwarf varieties suitable for small gardens.  Although rhododendrons prefer a slightly acid soil, they can easily be grown in containers if your soil is not suitable – use ericacious compost and Ericaceous Fertiliser.

rhododendron golden coach
rhododendron golden coach
rhododendron loderi pink diamond
rhododendron loderi pink diamond
Rhododendron Yakushimanum
Rhododendron Yakushimanum
Rhododendron rubiginosum
Rhododendron rubiginosum

Pansies Types and Varieties

Pansies, a short lived perennial, are members of the viola family. Pansies have the characteristic cat face markings on the flower’s five petals. Violas are the same flower without those markings. Pansies bloom from very early spring until the weather heats up in summer. The plant stops blooming but remains green. When the weather cools off again in the fall they resume blooming. Pansies are frost tolerant and will weather a late or early frost. Pansies require rich soil and a sunny location.

Pansies Types and Varieties..

Sorbet Pansies – The plants reach a foot across and 8 inches high. The flowers are the size of a teaspoon. According to Megan McConnell Hughes, in her article “Sweet Treats” Early Spring 2008 issue of “Country Gardens”, sorbet pansies don’t need to be deadheaded to continue blooming profusely. The spent blossoms drop off the plants. Colors include lemon chiffon with light yellow petals and brown markings, coconut swirl with white petals edged with purple. Orange duet mixes three orange petals backed by two purple petals. Blue heaven mixes three light purple petals edged with medium purple backed by two dark purple petals. Sorbet pansies are also available in dark burgundy mixed with yellow.

Johnny Jump-Ups – The plants are the same size as sorbet pansies but the flowers are half the size. When in full bloom the plant is literally covered with flowers. Johnny jump-ups are a lovely way to edge a spring flower bed. Colors include orange with purple, yellow with purple, light purple with dark purple and light yellow with dark yellow.

Icicle Pansies and Violas – These flowers are bred to be very winter hardy. The green leaves covered with snow or ice give the appearance the plant has died but it hasn’t. At the first breath of spring it will send up new leaves and begin flowering.

Swiss Mix Giant Pansies – The plants are from 8 to 12 inches and spread to 15 inches. The flowers are huge, for a pansy that is, reaching 2 to 2/12 inches across. They will survive a light frost but not a cold freeze. Plant them in the early fall if you live in a mild winter areas. Wait until spring if your winters are tough.