Gardeners at Caerhays have created a new variety, the Red Centurion, specifically bred to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Rhododendron Society.

And now the beautiful, deep red rhododendron has been officially recognised and registered with the Royal Horticultural Society, ahead of the garden’s re-opening on February 20.

The 200-year-old Caerhays Estate, near St Austell, is home to the Plant Heritage National Collection of Magnolias.

The castle was designed by the famous Regency architect John Nash and many of the flowers and plants were brought over as seeds by the great-grandfather of the current estate owner, Charles Williams.