Here in Britain Rhododendron ponticum is a highly invasive species – this is not that species. This is a gorgeous hybrid Rhododendron that graces a woodland garden in Cardiff’s magnificent Bute Park and is currently producing its annual display of stunning blooms. Enjoy!
earthstar 
What a glorious sight. The invasive ‘wild’ Rhododendron, is being eradicated from managed sites here in North Wales at a great rate, but it is so widespread it will be an ongoing battle for years to come, I think.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Same here, Theresa, but, as you say, it’s going to take time to get it all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If it’s a hybrid, what has it been crossed with?
We have a lot of the ‘common’ rhododendrons in our front garden, they – like your hybrid here – are beautiful when in bloom. I’ve heard about the apparent problems with them but have never seen any evidence of it here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m afraid I don’t know the intricacies of plant-breeding, Val. There’s a bit more information on the invasive ones on the Forestry UK site:
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/rhododendroncontrol
LikeLiked by 1 person