Rhododendron Renovation
This year visitors to Ness Botanic Gardens may notice that we have recently begun to renovate our Rhododendron Border.
The Rhododendron Border is an important garden feature of Ness. The many plants flower across a long period, peaking in April and May, to create a beautiful ‘long view’ that was originally established to greet visitors as they entered the gardens.
Now sixty years old, many of the plants in both the Rhododendron Border and the adjoining Pinewood are in need of rejuvenation. We have therefore started on a programme of renovation which will take several years.
The best technique when regenerating many tired or overgrown rhododendrons is to prune them hard back in late winter – the rising sap will force more dormant buds to break out from the stem and create bushier regrowth. Once pruned, the rhododendrons are fed with a slow-release fertiliser, mulched and watered if needed until early summer.
Please note that if you are pruning your own rhododendrons at home that some plants do not respond well to hard pruning, notably smooth-barked rhododendrons.
Unfortunately, we will lose some of the flowering display this year, but in return, we will have stronger displays in the years to come. Research at a famous garden in Cornwall – Caerhays Castle – has shown that occasional renovation pruning can increase a rhododendron’s life by many decades. Phasing the regeneration work across a number of years will ensure there will still be many flowering rhododendrons for visitors to enjoy.
We would like to thank the people who advised us on this project, including David Millais, owner of rhododendron specialist Millais Nurseries and Chair of the Rhododendron, Camellia & Magnolia (a partner group of the Royal Horticultural Society).