Some popular choices During March, when many Camellias are in glorious bloom, some are more revered than others. A selection of those granted the RHS AGM include:
• The bright pink, semi-double Camellia‘ Leonard Messel’
• Bi-colour Camellia‘ Tom Thumb’, recognised for its compact growth, glossy foliage and beautifully small, rose-pink double flowers with white edges
• Semi-double, crimson-flowered Camellia‘ Mars’
• Camellia‘ Silver Anniversary’ with its beautiful peony form of white flowers and bright yellow stamens
Some Rhododendrons are already coming into flower, although most bloom from April onwards. A surprising number of these lovely spring shrubs have earned the coveted RHS AGM, including:
• Rhododendron‘ Scintillation’, an evergreen, compact variety which produces free-flowering purple-pink flowers with a golden blotch
• Rhododendron( also known as Azalea)‘ Golden Eagle’, a low-maintenance, deciduous variety with fiery orange-yellow flowers and attractive autumn foliage
• Rhododendron‘ Cunningham’ s White’, a reliable evergreen with glorious trusses of snow-white flowers
• Rhododendron‘ Horizon Monarch’, an evergreen popular for its yellow flowers with pink streaks and disease resistance
Forsythia, a bright addition to a March garden.
One particular early-flowering shrub seems to have fallen from favour. It may be that Forsythia lacks structure or the fact that the flowers contain little in the way of pollen or nectar. But its bright yellow blooms bring a welcome splash of colour at a time of year when we need it the most.
• Forsythia‘ Lynwood Variety’ is a medium-sized, deciduous shrub that has the prestigious RHS AGM. Its tiny but profuse yellow flowers offer emergency food during a time of scarcity. Their bright colour attracts insects, which are an important part of the food chain.
The range of plants that carry the RHS AGM is extensive, from perennials, shrubs and trees to fruit and vegetables. You can search for particular plants or browse the tempting lists at www. rhs. org. uk.
Rhododendron‘ Cunningham’ s White’
26 < Boxmoor Direct < March 2026 <