Rhododendrons at UK National Trust garden threatened by killer virus

by Amy Judd | September 20, 2008 at 02:18 pm

1841 views | 11 Recommendations | 19 comments

A killer flower virus may be on the verge of wiping out thousands of rhododendrons at one of the National Trust gardens in the UK.

Bodnant Gardens, near Snowdonia, north Wales, fear that it may be the Sudden Oak Death returning.

Tests are currently being carried out to determine whether a number of deaths of the flowers could be the virus.

If the outbreak is confirmed staff at the gardens may have to remove plants and install foot paths for the thousands of enthusiasts who visit the gardens. They may also resort to micropropogation techniques to prevent lasting damage.

Troy Scott Smith, head gardener at the 32-acre site, said he had already drawn up plans to deal with a confirmed outbreak.

"We will have to take out the infected plants," he said.

"According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, we would not be able to plant at-risk species within three to four meters of each other for between three and four years.

Measures are being taken, but it could be too late.

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Mary Faith

at 18:08 on September 20th, 2008

Hi - Rhododendrons grow very well in the North Island of NZ. A popular garden tree and one of my favorites. As far as I know we have no virus in NZ.

panzerlawyer

at 18:49 on September 20th, 2008

I wish I could get them to grown here in LA. Bummer.

B G

at 18:50 on September 20th, 2008

This beautiful rhododendron is blooming in the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, CA.

B G has contributed a photo to this story.

grandmahippie

at 20:57 on September 20th, 2008

Rhododendrons
Five great rhododendron choices for your garden.

Rhododendrons are regarded by many as one of the best flowering shrubs for temperate climates. Although most are evergreen, there are some deciduous varieties. I visited <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver, British Colombia, where senior gardener Jerry Gibbons took him on a tour of the garden's famous Rhododendron Walk and selected some Best Bets for your garden.

Rhododendron
'Roseum Elegans'
'Roseum Elegans' is one of the best rhododendrons to grow in your yard; it is extremely hardy and can be planted all over North America. A vigorous grower, 'Roseum Elgans' at its full size reaches almost 8 feet tall and is just as wide, making it ideal for an evergreen background or privacy hedge.

Rhododendron
'Fastuosum Flore Pleno'
Growing to a height of 6 feet in partial shade, 'Fastuosum Flore Pleno' is another hardy and easy-to-grow rhododendron. Its noteworthy characteristic is its blooms; they are known as double flowers, each blossom consisting of one flower inside another.

Rhododendron occidentale
western azalea
Western azalea is a native to southern Oregon and northern California. Growing up to 10 feet, it prefers a well-drained, moist, acidic soil and looks especially nice when planted in a woodland setting with other rhododendrons.

Rhododendron
'Sappho'
At a height of 6 feet, 'Saphho' is a leggy evergreen shrub less dense than other rhododendrons. With pruning, though, it fills in nicely as a hedge.

Rhododendron
'Homebush'
'Homebush' is a deciduous rhododendron that also grows less dense than most. It is a medium-sized shrub, reaching a height of 6 feet. Its blooms consist of a tight cluster of flowers and carry a slight scent in the early morning.

just_punjabi

at 00:15 on September 21st, 2008

I had seen Rhododendrons in Shimla (British India's summer capital before 1947) for the first time. The Jakhoo hill is still full of these plants .The flower is used there to make a drink in summers which is supposed to have cooling properties.

I visited Bodnant gardens recently, which is one of the best gardens of UK and well maintained too. I hope, this problem of the viral infection is controlled as soon as possible.

elaine55

at 00:26 on September 21st, 2008

Oh no, i really hope that isnt the case, Bodnant is so beautiful, the Rhododendrons are fabulous there, so many of them too...

Will have to back there soon and catch the autumn colours..

mchawk

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 02:17 on September 21st, 2008

amyjudd, I like this story. It's good stuff.

First the trees, now the flowers - UK plants are having a bad year, and if DEFRA are getting involved, there must be serious concerns that this will spread.

labud

at 05:11 on September 21st, 2008

Hallo to all! My first rhododenron photo was taken in Germany in Botanical Garden in Mannheim.Since than I like this beautiful Flower very much.It should be preserved in all Gardens as a uniqe kind of Beauty.
Thanks to all who work on that. Many Greetings; Labud !

labud has contributed a photo to this story.

Philstography

at 06:11 on September 21st, 2008

Philstography has contributed a photo to this story.

icanscrapitall

at 07:11 on September 21st, 2008

Rhododendrons are very common in New Hampshire (U.S.). Most have the lighter purple color. I am lucky enough to have the deep fuscia color in my front yard.
The bush is healthy enough that at times it blooms during the winter as well. But this year bugs (or something) at off the leaves, so I am not sure what will happen.

icanscrapitall has contributed a photo to this story.

wally_hurst

at 09:55 on September 21st, 2008

If you like rhodies visit the Rhododendron Species Foundation garden at 2525 South 336th Street, Federal Way, WA 98003. The garden is located on the Weyerhaeuser Corporate Headquarters Campus.

http://www.rhodygarden.org/page/page/1083572.htm

wally_hurst has contributed a photo to this story.

nancy.bond

at 12:35 on September 21st, 2008

This rhododendron thrives in small town Nova Scotia -- always a highlight of the gardening season.

nancy.bond has contributed a photo to this story.

tla.hiker

at 07:57 on September 22nd, 2008

Rhododendrons are quite prolific in the mountains of North Georgia, U.S. When they bloom in spring, they fill the forest with pink and white flowers. It's one of my favorite times of the year. Good luck in the UK with solving this before it does too much damage.

tla.hiker has contributed a photo to this story.

Barbara McPherson

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 08:43 on September 22nd, 2008

amyjudd, I like this story. It's good stuff. When we were in Ireland a few years ago, they were trying to root out the wild ones as they were treated as an invasive species.

heidi_kay

at 15:57 on September 22nd, 2008

So glad to share...I must have close to 5 different variety of Rhodos in my garden, and never have I had a problem with any form of a disease on them! I can't imagine something could wipe them out, they are such a strong and hardy plant. LOVE THEM!!!

heidi_kay has contributed a photo to this story.

wvbeetlebug

at 03:54 on September 27th, 2008

Greetings from North Carolina!

wvbeetlebug has contributed a photo to this story.

mjgalaxy77

at 09:36 on October 2nd, 2008

Red bloom in Portland, Oregon

mjgalaxy77 has contributed a photo to this story.

mjgalaxy77

at 09:39 on October 2nd, 2008

mjgalaxy77 has contributed a photo to this story.

JohnK (not verified)

at 17:47 on August 17th, 2009

I am sorry to hear of such a widespread problem . I am currently trying to save numerous RHODOS/ Azaleas in Australia ; Blue Mountains region, that have or seem to have contracted some sort of virus . Symptoms vary, but I would be grateful to make direct contact with the Horticulture staff addressing the UK outbreak : johngek AT dodo.com.au