rhodo sir robert peel

[craigw60]

for anyone interested in rhodos its going to be an amazing season for them up here in the dandenongs, all the shrubs are thick with flower buds. It would be a great spring to visit the national rhododendron gardens.
Craigw

[cre8ivbonsai]

Thanks Craig, only yesterday I was thinking about a trip up to the NRGs this spring (missed out last year), good to know it'll be quite a show this year.

Considering those flower buds, is the best time in the next couple of weeks or a bit longer to see the full flowering glory?

Thanks,
Ryan

[craigw60]

Hi Ryan, its way too early yet there is just a few of the winter ones out now like Robert peel and macabeanum. I would wait until late september or early october. There has been a bit of a push lately to turn the rhodo gardens into a cool climate botanic garden which would be fantastic. There is no entrance fee these days.
Craigw

[cre8ivbonsai]

Thanks Craig better weather then too

[MattA]

Hey Craig,
Stunning tree, wish I had known of the Rhodo gardens when I lived in the Valley. I went round the Rothschild collection at Exbury many years ago, came home so enthused I bought a dozen varieties to start off, all have passed over for various reasons. Now I have space I might have to start again...

[JR_J]

Hi ALL,

Not only rhodos - there's a lot more !!!
The National Rhododendron Gardens will host the popular Hanami Day on 23 September, 10:00am-4:00pm - come to admire the spectacular cherry blossoms.
Visitors will be treated to traditional Japanese flower arranging demonstrations, origami, bonsai and tea making ceremonies.
A great day out with free entry!
Cheers, JRJ

[Damian Bee]

Sir Robert Peel is an awesome specimen. In NZ they are giants reaching 7-10m mark and when in flower make sure you have the car in park or an accident is possible.

How tall is the specimen in the photo Craig?

[craigw60]

Hi Matt, I am very jealous that you have been to the Rothschild collection. I have a book about that rhodo collection and its is really impressive must be even more so in the bark.
Damian, I have been to a town in the Waikato( forget which one) where robert peel has been used as a street tree and yes they are medium sized trees with beautiful bark. The one in my garden would be around 6m at a guess.
Craigw

[MattA]

Craig,
I was lucky to live not far from it (in australian terms), not just the rhodo's but the collection as a whole is breathtaking, I saw it several times between early spring & leaf drop ..... The New Forest was awe inspiring, the vision it took to create a 'natural' environment (& about 500yrs):worship:

I am jealous of your robert peel but with my climate I am going to focus more on the vireya group, tho I can always find room for others Any good picks for me?

[craigw60]

Hi Matt, I have walked all through the new forest and yes its is a wonder I especially love the really old beech trees.
I don't grow too many rhodos my taste is more for deciduous shrubs so I can grow my woodland perennials and small bulbs underneath them but my favourite of the small ones is chrysomanicum, its a soft yellow and very hardy.
Craigw