England's largest rhododendron has bloomed spectacularly after surviving an incredibly dry summer - and is now as long as 10 double decker buses. The red and pink flowers of the huge plant - dubbed 'shrubzilla' - have bloomed in the sunshine particularly early this year. There's been 'thick growth' all the way around the bush, which sits in the grounds of South Lodge Hotel in Horsham, West Sussex. Rhododendrons love moisture, so a warm, wet winter has been good for it. Last year we had frost quite late on, but this year has been really warm and wet, which is basically very good for the rhododendron.

Source: Daily Mail March 19, 2026 13:12 UTC