Common name: Rhododendron 'Marcel Menard'

Description: Rhododendron 'Marcel Menard' is a striking and richly coloured hardy hybrid rhododendron that makes an impressive and dramatic contribution to the spring garden with its deeply saturated, velvety purple to violet-purple flower trusses of outstanding colour intensity. In mid to late spring, the well-formed, rounded trusses of widely funnel-shaped flowers open in a deep, sumptuous purple that is amongst the richest and most jewel-like tones available in the rhododendron palette, each bloom carrying a distinctive dark blackish-purple flare in the throat that deepens the intensity of the colouring still further and gives the flowers a velvety, lustrous quality of considerable distinction. The trusses are carried in generous numbers above the foliage and are produced with commendable freedom on a well-established plant, creating a display of bold and theatrical colour that is particularly effective when positioned where the low, raking light of a spring morning or evening can illuminate the deep purple blooms to full advantage. The handsome, evergreen foliage is a deep, glossy dark green of good substance and attractive form, providing a polished and structural year-round presence that sets off the richly coloured spring flowers to perfection. 'Marcel Menard' develops into a compact to medium-sized, well-branched, and neatly rounded shrub of reliable performance that is well suited to woodland garden settings, mixed ericaceous borders, and shaded courtyard plantings where its deep purple flowers can provide a dramatic and eye-catching focal point in the spring landscape.

Other benefits: exceptional deep purple flower colour of outstanding intensity and richness; attractive dark flare adding depth to each bloom; handsome glossy evergreen foliage for year-round structure; compact to medium habit suitable for a range of garden sizes; bold and theatrical spring focal point in woodland and shaded garden settings

Wildlife attraction: bumblebees and other large-bodied pollinators

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 1.5m x 1.5m

Position: partial shade preferred; dappled woodland light is ideal; shelter from cold, drying winds and strong midday sun which can fade the richly coloured blooms and scorch the foliage; avoid frost pockets where late frosts may damage emerging flower trusses

Soil pH: requires acid soil; pH 4.5–6.0; will not tolerate alkaline or chalky conditions; benefits from the incorporation of ericaceous compost and composted bark at planting; water with collected rainwater in hard water areas

Moisture: regular watering required, particularly when establishing and during dry spells; prefers consistently moist but well-drained, humus-rich, acid soil; a deep mulch of composted bark helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain soil acidity; avoid waterlogging

Winter hardiness: hardy to approximately -15°C to -20°C; thoroughly reliable throughout the UK; flower buds may be damaged by late spring frosts in exposed positions