Over the years Charles Williams has writen and presented several papers on Caerhays plants, both on the history and the propogation of these beautiful plants. The following article is the first of the series which will be published on this site over the coming months. Others can be found on the various sections of the website corresponding to the plants, in the main Garden section or alternatively on www.burncoose.co.uk where you will also find many helpful articles on plants not readily associated with Caerhays.

SCENTED RHODODENDRONS
("The  Smellies")

There are about 650 species of rhododendrons growing in temperate climates but I intend here to refer to just a few of them.  They are all later flowering, suitable for smaller gardens because they do not grow very tall, and very deeply scented because they rely on insects for pollination and these insects can only thrive in late spring or early summer.  We refer to them as the `smellies' and, as you would soon tell if you get close to one in flower, they certainly live up to their reputation.  Before we get too carried away though these plants are all short lived and tender.  The very act of flowering so prolifically seems to stunt their growth and limit their life span.  While they thrive in Southern English counties they need full shelter from the wind and especially the east wind. More....

Below are a selection of some of the beautiful rhododendrons connected with Caerhays Estate and the Williams family. Many of these can be purchased from our nursery division Burncoose Nursery by clicking on the BUY NOW link below each picture.