About

Rhododendron 'Silver Thimbles' is a cultivated rhododendron in the heath family Ericaceae that flowers from April to June. It is part of the genus Rhododendron, a group of woody plants with many species native to eastern Asia and the Himalayan region. The timing of its blooms makes it a spring-flowering choice for borders and specimen planting. Seek it under its full cultivar name when sourcing for a spring display.

About the genus

Rhododendron, from Ancient Greek ῥόδον (rhódon), meaning "rose", and δένδρον (déndron), meaning "tree", is a very large genus of about 1,024 species of woody plants in the heath family (Ericaceae). They can be either evergreen or deciduous. Most species are native to eastern Asia and the Himalayan region, but smaller numbers occur elsewhere in Asia, and in North America, Europe and Australia.

Wikipedia contributors, "Rhododendron", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Rhododendron

In the garden

Rhododendron 'Silver Thimbles' sits within the large genus Rhododendron (family Ericaceae), a collection of woody shrubs and small trees with many species originating in eastern Asia and the Himalayan region. Members of the genus are widely planted for their seasonal floral displays; this cultivar contributes its main flowering period to the spring garden. Flowering for Rhododendron 'Silver Thimbles' occurs in the UK from April to June, so its display should be planned alongside other spring-flowering shrubs to extend colour and structure through those months. When positioning the plant, consider views and garden focal points where a concentrated spring display will be most noticed, such as beside patios, along paths or near seating areas. Propagation and selection of any rhododendron cultivar should be done under its registered name to ensure true characteristics; ask nurseries for Rhododendron 'Silver Thimbles' if you need this specific plant. Because its peak interest is the spring bloom, maintenance and any heavier pruning are best scheduled outside the April–June period so the season's flowers are retained for viewing.

More in the Rhododendron genus

• 
  Rhododendron 'Falling Snow'
• 
  Rhododendron 'Libretto'
• 
  Rhododendron 'Pink Cherub'
• 
  Rhododendron ochraceum
• 
  Rhododendron trichostomum deep form
• Rhododendron 'Ben Vrackie' (K)
• Rhododendron 'Diana'
• Rhododendron Dramatic Dark ('Hachdram'PBR)