Easy to grow rhododendrons and azaleas
Our collection of the best easy to grow rhododendron and azalea plants that will thrive even at the hands of the least green fingered of gardeners, just so long as they're grown in acidic soil or ericaceous compost. Rhodos are best known for their spectacular clusters of large, showy and often fragrant tubular flowers. These are available in a range of colours spanning reds, yellows, pinks, purples and even white. Most rhododendrons flower in spring but there is also a growing range of summer flowering varieties. The flowers are produced above an impressive structure of spirally arranged large, leathery evergreen leaves. Rhododendrons lend themselves to informal planting schemes and woodland gardens, whilst dwarf alpine varieties are effective as rock garden plants. Whilst still technically part of the rhododendron family, azaleas are smaller-growing evergreen or deciduous varieties with smaller leaves and an abundance of long-lasting spring flowers that clothe the entire bush. They are easy to grow and shade tolerant, making them perfect for growing under the canopies of trees or adding instant impact and colour to drab parts of the garden. Azaleas are effective grown standalone or in groups of the same variety.