Plant of the Centenary: Rhododendron yakushimanum

Celebrate 100 years of RHS Chelsea Flower Show and vote for Plant of the Centenary. Vote here, by Friday 24 May: http://www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea/POTC 1943 - 1952: Rhododendron yakushimanum An evergreen species with bell-shaped white flowers, this plant was discovered on the Japanese island of Yakushima. The plants were first exhibited at Chelsea in 1947 to great acclaim. This species has been hugely influential in the development of rhododendrons for smaller gardens Plant Champion: Rodney Tucker, 70 from Hemel Hempstead Environmental scientist Rodney spent a lot of time working in Western China and remembers being amazed at the variety of English garden plants that grow wild there. Asian rhododendrons are a particular favourite and he enjoys growing the dwarf varieties that are more manageable for gardens.