Rhododendron Hybrid 'Lord Roberts' – A Majestic Beauty with Deep Crimson Blooms
Rhododendron Hybrid 'Lord Roberts' is a striking evergreen shrub renowned for its bold, deep crimson flowers that bloom profusely in mid-spring. These large, funnel-shaped blossoms create a dramatic splash of colour, making 'Lord Roberts' a true standout in the garden. With its upright, well-structured growth and dark green, glossy foliage, this rhododendron offers both beauty and sophistication, enhancing any landscape. Hardy, low-maintenance, and adaptable, 'Lord Roberts' is perfect for gardeners seeking a vibrant and elegant shrub that delivers stunning springtime beauty year after year.
Why Grow Rhododendron Hybrid 'Lord Roberts'?
Deep Crimson Blooms – The standout feature of ‘Lord Roberts’ is its large, trumpet-shaped flowers in a rich, deep crimson hue. These dramatic blooms form dense clusters and create a powerful focal point in the garden during mid-spring.
Upright, Well-Structured Growth – With its upright, compact growth habit, ‘Lord Roberts’ maintains a tidy, structured appearance. Its stature makes it perfect for mixed borders, foundation plantings, or as a specimen plant in smaller spaces.
Evergreen Foliage – The dark green, leathery leaves provide year-round interest, offering a lush backdrop for the bold blooms in spring. The glossy foliage maintains its appeal through all seasons, adding structure to the garden even when the flowers have faded.
Low Maintenance – ‘Lord Roberts’ is an easy-to-care-for shrub once established, requiring little maintenance beyond occasional pruning. It thrives in a variety of growing conditions and is perfect for gardeners looking for a beautiful yet low-maintenance plant.
Pollinator-Friendly – The vibrant, crimson flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making ‘Lord Roberts’ a great addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.
Planting & Care Guide
Position: Prefers partial to full shade, flourishing in cool, sheltered areas with protection from harsh afternoon sun. It is ideal for woodland gardens or shaded borders, where it thrives in dappled light or light morning sun.
Soil: Requires acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Rhododendrons like 'Lord Roberts' grow best in soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0, which ensures the plant receives the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Rhododendrons have shallow roots, so deep watering is beneficial for ensuring proper hydration. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Maintenance:
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape, remove dead or damaged growth, and encourage healthy new growth.
- Apply a layer of mulch, such as pine bark or needles, around the base to help retain moisture, cool the roots, and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants to support healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Rhododendron Hybrid 'Lord Roberts' pairs beautifully with other acid-loving plants, such as Azaleas, Pieris, and Heuchera, which complement its deep crimson blooms and provide a dynamic colour palette. The vibrant flowers also look stunning against the soft, textured foliage of ferns, hostas, or astilbes, creating an elegant contrast in shaded or woodland gardens. For a striking early spring display, combine with other early bloomers like primroses or cyclamen to extend the season of colour. Its upright form also pairs well with evergreen shrubs like Boxwood or Yew, creating a balanced, year-round structure in the garden. With its deep crimson blooms and graceful form, ‘Lord Roberts’ is an excellent addition to any landscape, providing dramatic colour and timeless beauty.
care.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
