Christmas Cheer

Two months late for that, but it is actually the name of this hybrid rhododendron, which is always the first of our rhoddies to flower.   

The grandiflora looks as if it may flower this year too, and that gives an even more spectacular and cheering display, though all of those that bloom this early can be quickly dulled down by frost , should there be  heavy ones , which remains likely (in fact almost inevitable).