{"product_id":"rhododendron-hybrid-marcel-menard-20-litre-pot","title":"Rhododendron Hybrid Marcel Menard 20 Litre Pot","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRhododendron 'Marcel Menard' – Deep Violet-Purple Flowering Rhododendron\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRhododendron 'Marcel Menard'\u003c\/em\u003e is a striking evergreen shrub celebrated for its bold, dramatic trusses of deep violet-purple blooms that make a powerful statement in the spring garden. With handsome, dark green foliage providing year-round structure and a reliably vigorous habit, this is a rhododendron that delivers both seasonal spectacle and lasting garden presence. An excellent choice for acid soil gardens, woodland settings, and statement borders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonal Highlights\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpring\u003c\/strong\u003e: Large, rounded trusses of rich violet-purple flowers create a stunning focal point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSummer\u003c\/strong\u003e: Bold, deep green evergreen foliage maintains a lush, structural presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAutumn\u003c\/strong\u003e: Glossy leaves remain fresh and vibrant as the garden transitions into cooler months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinter\u003c\/strong\u003e: Evergreen habit ensures year-round structure and garden interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDramatic violet-purple blooms\u003c\/strong\u003e – Bold, eye-catching flower trusses in spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEvergreen foliage\u003c\/strong\u003e – Dark green leaves provide structure and colour throughout the year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVigorous, bushy habit\u003c\/strong\u003e – Develops into a well-rounded, substantial shrub over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReliable performer\u003c\/strong\u003e – Hardy and well-suited to UK gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLong-lived\u003c\/strong\u003e – A worthwhile investment that improves with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerfect For\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWoodland gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e – Thrives beautifully in dappled shade beneath a tree canopy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcidic soil borders\u003c\/strong\u003e – A natural choice for gardens with naturally acidic conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStatement planting\u003c\/strong\u003e – Use as a bold specimen or striking focal point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMixed shrub borders\u003c\/strong\u003e – Partners well with other acid-loving shrubs for a layered display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLarge containers\u003c\/strong\u003e – Can be grown in substantial pots with ericaceous compost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Tips\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSun\/Position\u003c\/strong\u003e: Best in partial shade or dappled light; avoid exposed, full sun positions and cold, drying winds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e: Requires moist, well-drained, acidic soil (pH 4.5–6.0) enriched with organic matter. Use ericaceous compost in containers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness\u003c\/strong\u003e: Fully hardy across most of the UK; provide shelter from harsh frost in exposed sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering\u003c\/strong\u003e: Water regularly, particularly during dry spells. Use rainwater where possible, especially in hard water areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e: Apply a specialist ericaceous fertiliser in spring to encourage vigorous growth and abundant flowering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare\u003c\/strong\u003e: Deadhead spent flower trusses carefully after blooming to encourage stronger flowering the following year. Mulch annually with bark or pine needles to retain moisture and maintain soil acidity. Pruning is rarely needed but any shaping should be carried out immediately after flowering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLooks Great With\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOther rhododendrons\u003c\/strong\u003e – Combine with white, pink, or red-flowering varieties to create a vibrant spring tapestry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAzaleas\u003c\/strong\u003e – Extend the flowering season and add contrasting scale and texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePieris japonica\u003c\/strong\u003e – Striking red new growth and delicate white flowers complement the bold purple blooms beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJapanese maples\u003c\/strong\u003e – Acer palmatum varieties add elegant foliage colour and contrast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFerns and hostas\u003c\/strong\u003e – Lush, shade-loving perennials provide a soft, textural backdrop beneath the canopy of flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRhododendron 'Marcel Menard'\u003c\/em\u003e is a bold and beautiful evergreen shrub, delivering spectacular deep violet-purple flower trusses in spring alongside rich, dark evergreen foliage throughout the year. Hardy, long-lived, and easy to grow in acidic soil conditions, it is a superb choice for woodland gardens, statement borders, and any garden where\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grasslands Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56990174445894,"sku":"172934","price":104.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/www.grasslands.co.uk\/products\/rhododendron-hybrid-marcel-menard-20-litre-pot","provider":"Grasslands Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}