The April plant of the month is a Rhododendron called "Wine and Roses". The Rhododendron is a large, perennial, evergreen shrub which is found mainly in Asia. It was brought to Ireland during the 18th Century as a decorative garden plant because of its stunning flowers. The Rhododendron offers attractive evergreen foliage all year round. During autumn it produces flower buds which hold tight in bud through winter. The following spring they burst forward in a blaze of colour. Once flowered, the Rhododendron displays brilliant trumpet-shaped flowers en masse during spring and early summer. The Rhododendron Wine and Roses is a particularly beautiful member of the Rhododendron family.

The Rhododendron Wine and Roses plant is a spectacular variety of the Rhododendron family as it offers so much in terms of color and beauty. It flowers fantastic, rich-pink clusters of flowers. A unique feature of the Wine and Roses plant is that the undersides of the leaves are a deep red-purple colour. This contrasts beautifully with the masses of bright pink flowers that the plant displays in April and May.

Care tips for your Rhododendron Wine and Roses:

• Grow in a large pot or directly in the garden soil.
• Enrich your soil by adding ericaceous plant food to the planting area.
• Water the plant well once it flowers.

As with all of your garden plants, don't forget to take some time out every day to get out into your garden. Let the sun shine on your face, the wind flow in your hair and take a minute to admire the beauty in your garden. After all isn't that what it's all about, enjoying the peace, tranquility and joy the garden can bring.