Evergreen rhododendron plants
Evergreen rhododendrons are perfect for adding year-round form and structure to mixed borders and informal planting schemes with their impressive, spirally-arranged, large leathery leaves. These stalwarts of the woodland garden will reward you with beautiful, large showy flowers in shades of reds, yellows, pinks, purples and whites from April onwards. They are acid-loving plants preferring a sheltered spot in a moist, acidic soil in dappled shade, protected from cold, drying winds. Smaller rhododendron varieties are also well-suited to growing in containers in an ericaceous compost and easy to grow providing they're given the right soil and location. Water using rain water where possible, especially in hard water areas where tap-water contains calcium that will neutralise their preferred acidic soil. Shade-loving annuals, such as impatiens, may be planted as a companion to rhododendrons to indicate when water is needed. Dead head faded flowers to encourage a continuous flush of fresh blooms.