Rhododendron

Family: Ericaceae (Heather family) 

Synonym: Wild Rododendron

Rhododendron ponticum is and evergreen shrub, which was introduced to Britain 200 years ago and probably originates in the Himalayas. Together with the Cherry Laurel it was planted in woods all over the country as game cover.
Although it is a stunningly beautiful plant when in flower, many people regard it as a pest. The very reasons why it was chosen originally, such as the fact that it can survive in heavy shade and will adapt to all sorts of situations and soils has made it an unwanted intruder in some sensitive ecological habitats. Moreover, it will spread freely from seed and by layering and has proved very hard to eradicate.
Many of our very popular ornamental Rhododendron were bred by crossbreeding with this vigorous plant. It is also used by nursery people as rootstock to most of the present hybrids and cultivars.