Flowerfestival comingtoPerth

The wonderfully diverse world of the rhododendron is about to be celebrated with the Scottish Rhododendron Festival which returns to Perthshire for its fourth year.

Gardens and estates across the country are taking part in the colourful garden festival, which takes place from April 1 to May 31, and comprises of more than 90 events nationwide.

The festival aims to encourage local audiences and tourists to enjoy the wonders of Scotland’s gardens during the rhododendron flowering period and highlight the diversity and plethora of rhododendron collections that can be found in Scotland.

Venues taking part in the festival around the region include Scone Palace, Glendoick and Bolfracks, near Aberfeldy.

David Knott, curator at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said: “Rhododendrons make such a significant contribution and provide fantastic displays in many Scottish gardens.

“They range in height from large tree-like plants, to dwarf alpine shrubs, and depending on the weather there will be rhododendrons in flower from February right through to August.

“Many will have already begun to bloom in gardens across the country, despite the recent bad weather we have experienced this spring. You will also find early flowering rhododendrons in garden glasshouses across Scotland.”