Western Morning News (Saturday)
Magnificent rhododendron bursts into bloom
ONE of the biggest rhododendrons in Europe has reached full bloom at a tea growing estate in Cornwall.
The tree at the Tregothnan Estate has been growing for around 170 years and this spring’s colourful spectacle is wowing visitors.
Tregothnan near Truro, Cornwall, is an official ‘safe site’ for the keeping of rare or endangered trees from all over the world. Managing director Jonathan Jones said: “Our rhododendrons are some of the oldest in the country – this bush is over 170 years old and is still growing.
“What we see here is not only potentially the tallest rhododendrons in the UK with the largest diameter but also one of the biggest demonstrations of mass species conservation in the wild.
“Tregothnan is home to the tallest of many flowering species in the UK, and our rhododendron bushes are going to be checked by the champion tree organisation in the run up to next spring’s garden opening.”
Mr Jones says the rhododendron plant originally comes from the Himalayas and added: “Our bushes really like the conditions that the microclimate offers here at Tregothnan. The conditions, like temperature, morning must, rainfall and soil, are almost identical to the plant’s origins.”
He added: “After four years of droughts, this has been a good April, just perfect for rhododendron flowers and tea growing. “The amount of flowers on the rhododendron bushes is usually an indication if we’re going to get a good tea harvest.
“We think we’re going to have a bumper spring harvest this year.”
The diameter of the plant will be revealed next year at the world’s largest garden opening for charity.
Mr Jones added: “A date is yet to be set but it will be around mid-April 2023 - and we are very excited.”