Blooming late!

Rhododendron Polar Bear is known for being a late bloomer, usually showing its colours towards the end of June or beginning of July, but this year it’s been particularly shy – only beginning to bloom at the end of August.

R. Polar Bear is a particularly striking shrub. Its leaves are simple and usually hairy on the underside, but its flowers are pure white, deliciously fragrant and funnel, bell or tubular in shape – with a small green splash on the throat.

Head Gardener, Gary Long, said: “This particular variety of rhododendron is always a lovely late addition of blossom to the garden and something to look forward to. It kept us waiting this year though, it was nearly a month behind schedule!”