Rhododendrons were introduced to Britain more than 200 years ago, as game cover in woodlands.
They are amazingly adaptive and grow well on all types of soil and in shade.
There are many fine examples of rhododendron hybrids many of which were obtained by crossing Rhododendron ponticum (originally from Asia Minor) with other species from China and the Himalayas. For more see “History of the Hardy Hybrid rhododendrons”.
For much more on the Rhododendrons at Bidston see the pages under the “Rhodies” heading on the main banner or:
