Rhododendron macabeanum (The Colossus of Rhodes)

It stands like a colossus above all other Rhododendrons. Huge evergreen leaves (1ft long), massive cream flowers in spring and growing to the most exotic looking little tree imaginable. Can reach 40ft after many years. Bit of a fuss pot though - see below.

You've got to have the right soil. All the finest specimens are growing either on green sand or soil with a very high organic content. Do Rhododendrons do particularly well in your garden? Produced by cuttings.