Last rhododendrons of the year

At the moment there are two really special rhododendrons in flower- end of July into August is pretty late for flowers but they both love the rather grey slightly damp days of this month!

First to flower was Rhododendron sanguinium ssp didymum, such a dark red well earning the 'blood' in its name. It's almost translucent. This has been joined by Rhododendron auriculatum, huge white scented flowers that dislike hot sun. Lovely to see splashes of colour in the garden rather than the shades of green!