EARLY RHODODENDRONS AT OTTERHEAD

Otterhead had become noted for rhododendrons by the 1860's. Nursery-bought plants at that time had been propagated by grafting an ornamental rhododendron on to a Rhododendron ponticum rootstock.

Many years later, rhododendrons were cut down and this was mostly below the grafts; the result is there for all to see, masses of the invasive Rhododendron ponticum taking over the areas that had been planted with ornamental rhododendrons. A few of the ornamental rhododendrons survived either because of growing in less accessable places or because of being cut down above the grafts. These survivors are reminders of what might have been if garden rhododendrons had been cherished or at least tolerated. Gone are the days when visitors came to Otterhead by coach just to look at rhododendrons. Otterhead has a largely self-inflicted Rhododendron ponticum problem and it is that one type of rhododendron and not the ornamental cultivars (varieties) from Victorian and Edwardian times that is usually considered to be invasive. 

Otterhead's current rhododendron problems are therefore the invasion of the rootstocks liberated when the ornamental rhododendrons were cut down and the presence of a few ornamental rhododendrons that have sometimes been considered to be so old as to be difficult to identify.    

Autumn 2008 has several rhododendrons producing a few flowers at Otterhead but usually 'Rosa Mundi' begins the flowering season until the frosts come and then resumes in the spring making it the last to flower one year and the first during the following year. The flowers produced late in the year are almost indistinguishable from 'Christmas Cheer' but the spring flowers (above) are deeper in colour. Otterhead's 'Rosa Mundi' was affected by a falling sycamore - a gale casualty - as well as being overgrown by brambles until two or three years ago. The second phase of clearance is the cutting back of invasive neighbouring Rhododendron ponticum this autumn.     

During the spring it is difficult not to notice Otterhead's Rhododendron 'Cornish Red' now thought possibly to be the even older Rhododendron arboreum, forming a backdrop to the newly restored roof of the Coach House:

This rhododendron has had to be pruned back from the Coach House roof but it is hoped that sycamore reduction will provide alternative space for new growth to develop.

This currently unidentified cultivar graces the Otterhead House South Wing shrubbery and greets visitors as they look across the House Lake before crossing the bridge:

It has been noted that neighbouring rootstocks are visibly separating the plant into two and these will be dealt with.

Of great concern has been the dying back due to unfavourable changes to its habitat of what was once one of Otterhead's largest rhododendrons.

Attempts at propagation have proved successful and there is also the welcome news that another specimen has been discovered elsewhere at Otterhead. The red colouration of the young shoots in spring and flower form, makes this rhododendron unique among the Otterhead heritage rhododendron survivors.

At least two specimens of this rhododendron with large flower clusters are at Otterhead.

White coloured rhododendrons attract attention. If those at Otterhead are 'Cunningham's White, it is uncertain whether these were planted as such or whether the cultivar was used as a rootstock and the desired rhododendron fell victim to being cut below the graft. If the latter, perhaps it is unfortunate that so few of Otterhead's ornamental rhododendrons were purchased grafted on to 'Cunningham's White'.  

Another of Otterhead's garden rhododendron survivors; this specimen of 'Cynthia' is to be found at the northern end of the House Terrace where it was planted in a carefully chosen position. 

Acknowledgement: Although this website is responsible for the text posted; the Otterhead Estate Trust Co. Ltd. acknowledges that it is very fortunate to be receiving specialist help from a leading Royal Horticultural Society rhododendron authority, Dr. M. L. A. Robinson.