Illustration in book - what plant is this?

When I was a kid I loved Judith Kerr's Mog books. Now my daughter loves them too.

I've always remembered this picture from the books, with the beautiful pink flowers, and I'd love to have this plant in my garden as a little nod to Mog.

What plant do you think it is? I was thinking hydrangea, but the spiky leaves made me think rhododendron. Neither seems quite the perfect match!

 

Hi @Ariandria , I think it's just an artist's made up thingy. The flowers could be Hydrangea, Rhododendron or Kalmia but the leaves look made up.

 

I suspect it's based on an actual plant from her childhood garden - Judith Kerr illustrated the books as well as writing them, and has spoken before about her childhood's influence on both.

It may be that she's misremembered it or taken some artistic license, and that's why it doesn't look like a particular plant?

In any case it doesn't have to be an exact match, it's just me being soppy and nostalgic The meaning is the same whether it's the "right" plant or not, but if there is one that looks just like it, I'd love to know.

 

Hi Ariandria ,

If you want that sort of look have a look at growing a Fatsia Japonica and a Hydrangea such as " Forever Pink " together.

If you plant them about two/three ft apart then after a year or so you could train/weave the branches so they grow into each other.

That should give you the look you want.

 

I'm so sorry :(

I've been getting your name wrong.... Why didn't you tell me .

@Arlandria

 

That's a brilliant idea! I'll look into it, thank you

It's not a big deal and not my real name

 

I've had a Google and I've settled on a Rhododendron 'Pink Cherub' as being a very close match:

 

Nice choice @Arlandria , just remember that the Rhododendron likes acid conditions so if you plant it in neutral/alkaline soil it will need top dressing with ericaceous compost and regular feeding with rhodo/azalea/camellia food.

My acid loving plants are all in MPC but receive a yearly mulch with ericaceous compost and regular feeding with the special feed which is cheap from Wilkinsons.

 

Yup, I've got a rose near where I'd like to put it so I think the soil is probably in the right ballpark, but have ordered a pH meter to check