Donwill wrote:

The main problem with rhododendrons is that the hybrids that you
purchase in most nurseries are propagated by grafting on to ponticum.
The result is that the ponticum takes over unless they are carefully
watched. I would always when buying rhododendron hybrids to ask the
seller whether they are grafted or propagated on their own roots. My
advice is to REJECT GRAFTED HYBRIDS.

Regards
Don

Many thanks for this interesting info, Don. I've just rung the nursery
where I bought our rhodies and asked them whether their rhodies are
grafted onto Ponticum or propagated on their own roots and they have
assured me that all of the rhodies they sell are propogated. So that's
a relief.

But, just out interest, when you say that in the case of grafted rhodies
the ponticum takes over "unless they are carefully watched", what do you
mean by the "watching"? What is it that one can do in such cases to
stop the Ponticum taking them over?

When I begin instructing those in this area who live in fear of all
rhodies, it would be good to be armed with this knowledge as well and to
be able to speak with what may come across as real expertise! :-)

Thanks.

Eddy.