OTTERHEAD'S AMERICAN RHODODENDRONS

Rhododendron maximum survives at Otterhead. Otterhead's late flowering Rhododendrons are believed to have North American origins. Introduced to this country in the Eighteenth Century, Rhododendron maximum would have been losing popularity when the gardens at Otterhead were being developed. The surviving specimens, growing on both Forestry Commission and Otterhead Estate Trust leased land, may therefore be important survivors. As always with material on this website, comment is invited.

In the Home Covert - 1

In the Home Covert - 2

The deeper shade of the opening flowers

Besieged by Rhododendron ponticum

Beside an Otterhead Leat

Undeservedly out of fashion?

A slightly earlier form in the South Wing shrubbery; colour is nearer to pink out of the shade