Rhododendron 'Markeeta's Prize'

Rhododendrons are evergreen or deciduous shrubs for acidic soils. They’re grown primarily for their showy spring flowers that come in a range of colours from purple and pink through to red and yellow. The foliage of some varieties is covered in a dense woolly covering (called indumentum) and deciduous varieties have fantastic autumn colour.

Rhododendron 'Markeeta's Prize' is one of the best red-flowering rhododendrons available. Large and upright, with evergreen dark green foliage, it bears large trusses of bright scarlet flowers with darker spots, from May. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it the prestigious Award of Garden Merit.

Grow Rhododendron 'Markeeta's Prize' in moist but well-drained acidic soil, ideally with a pH of 4.5-6. Choose a partially shaded site that’s sheltered from harsh winds. Once established, there should be little or no need to prune.