rhododendronS
RHODODENDRONS have become a firm favourite, and our collection at Airdlin now features 200 species plus hybrids. The fascination is fed less by flower colour than by the form of the species, including the bark and the leaves. Rhododendrons also enjoy the same conditions noted above.
HydrangeaS
HYDRANGEA contains some species that are useful candidates for woodland planting, though on the whole they respond positively to a more open, sunny position. They are invaluable for their late-season flowering. The familiar Mopheads, belonging to H. macrophylla, are not hardy enough to be reliable here, though the exotic-looking H. villosa ‘Sargentiana’ is thriving in our protected patio garden and remains one of our favourite shrubs. The current collection of hydrangeas comprises around thirty species/cultivars.
QUERCUS
There are about 600 species of oak (QUERCUS) distributed across the northern hemisphere – roughly half the number of species in genus Rhododendron, in which further taxonomic revision may result in reducing that ratio. Rhodos are notable for their genetic fluidity, hybridising freely across sub-section boundaries; some with current species status may well end up being described as hybrids. Oaks and large-leaved rhododendrons grow well together, particularly if the former are crown-lifted to maintain good light levels at the shrub layer. Our collection of more than twenty species is dominated by the two natives; more than half of the rest originate from North America, with others from Central Europe and the Far East.
Aesculus
The AESCULUS genus contains the well-known Common Horse Chestnut, which originates from Eastern Europe, along with other Horse Chestnuts from the Far East, and American Buckeyes. Our small collection comprises ten species which are mostly located in an area designated Dorrie’s Wood, planted in memory of Richard’s mother.
SORBUS
If climate change results in a repositioning of the Gulf Stream, resulting in much colder conditions in Scotland, then SORBUS might have a fighting chance. We are hedging our bets here at Airdlin Croft. In addition to the familiar Rowan and a number of its cultivars we are growing a further twenty species. These trees provide fruit that wintering thrushes find particularly attractive and so are a good choice for a wildlife garden. They are also small of stature and are thus suitable for the smaller plot.
ABIES
Otherwise known as the Firs this coniferous genus (ABIES) includes some very large trees. One of their useful characteristics is the ability to establish in shade, making them a good choice for replacing woodland trees that have succumbed to disease. We have established an Abies Walk that currently (Aug 2024) comprises eighteen species.
VIBURNUM
On the whole the VIBURNUM group is decidedly less glamorous than the rhododendrons that grow with them here, though are slightly hardier. Most are deciduous, with a few notable exceptions: the incredibly tough V. ‘Pragense’; one of its parents, V. rhytidophyllum; and another of its hybrids, V. rhytidophylloides, which appeared here of its own accord having crossed with the UK native V. lantana, a useful deciduous shrub that holds its leaves well into winter. The evergreen and tender-looking V. buddlejifolium is unfazed by our climate. In addition to these six we are growing another twenty-three. Ken Cox, in his excellent book ‘Woodland Gardening’ warns of Viburnum’s susceptibility to Phytopthora infection.
FERNS
FERNS are an obvious choice for woodland planting, thriving in shade with some tolerating quite dry situations. They work well in the herbaceous level, their foliage contrasting with the undivided leaves of hostas and rodgersias. Some are deciduous, others evergreen – notably most of genus Polystichum. One or two have a notoriously rampant habit which may make them unsuited to the smaller garden, unless total ground cover is required; if so plant the very attractive Matteuccia struthiopteris. We are growing around 35 species and cultivars from various genera.
PINUS
No Scottish woodland garden should fail to include the native Scots PINE but we have room here to accommodate some of its brethren, originating from three continents across the northern hemisphere – eleven in total at the time of writing.
RODGERSIA
We are particularly fond of this small genus (RODGERSIA) of herbaceous plants that are grown mainly for their attractive foliage. Our current collection of thirteen examples derives from five species. Like hostas, they do well in woodland conditions where late-spring frosts are less likely to knock them back.