Hi Diane,

Rhododendron 'Shirley' is an American hybrid that was registered in the 1980's but, sorry to say, is not available here in the UK - although a lot of US hybrids have been brought over here this one has not, possibly because it's too similar to various other existing Yakushimanum hybrids.

thank you so much, Is there a very similar red rododennron like shirley (I cannot find picture of one) let alone buy one! Would it be possible to ship one over from USA or would cost and /or distance not make it possible? Just would love to buy one Thanks once again.

Hi Diane,

I'm guessing that you've got your info (regarding this Rhodo) from this link:

http://gardenerstips.co.uk/blog/flowers/plants-named-shirley/

which describes the flowers as being: "dark red with markings."

Unfortunately this is actually not accurate. The plant was a cross between R.yakushimanum (which has shell pink flowers) and R. 'Thomaleum' (which has dark red flowers.)

R. 'Shirley' itself has: "dark purplish pink buds that open to pink flowers, rapidly fading to yellowish white, with pink and white flowers present in trusses at the same time. Leaves with yellowish-white felting."

It is certainly possible to import plants from the US, and I've done so on many occasions. The shipping & customs cost for one individual plant would be substantial, however....there are many deep red flowered Rhodos available in the UK, as well as many Yak hybrids, depending on whether you are seeking one of more of these particular features, or whether you are looking for a plant specifically named 'Shirley'.