Arthur Bedford Rhododendron

Go for the reliability of a classic, and choose the Arthur Bedford Rhododendron. Bred almost 100 years ago, it is an evergreen bush that will be 6 feet tall in 10 years, and reach 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide in time. The large leaves – over 6 inches long – are handsome, leathery and substantial, forming a structural element in your garden that is strong, yet elegant. The flowers come in early June, at the height of the rhododendron season. Each bloom is over 3 inches across, a light mauve-pink with a brilliant contrasting red-purple throat. Carried in trusses of up to 16 blooms, the display is large, gorgeous and not easily forgotten. Perfect for foundation planting, beds and woodland gardens, grow it wherever you need substance and beauty combined.

• Huge trusses of mauve-pink and red-purple blooms
• Large, glossy, rich-green leaves
• Flowers during the climax of the rhododendron season
• Hardy to zone 6, and more sun tolerant than may others
• Needs acidic soil to grow well

The Arthur Bedford Rhododendron is more sun tolerant than is usual with rhododendrons, but still benefits from some shade during the hottest parts of the day. Grow it in acidic soil with a pH below 6.5, and preferably below 5.5. The soil should be rich, moist and full of organic matter. Use rotted leaves and needles as mulch, and water regularly, especially during the early years. This plant is not drought tolerant. Usually ignored by deer and rabbits, dead-head the flower trusses early, once they have dropped the petals. No trimming is required, but dead-heading is recommended.