A rhododendron revolution could create a fresh kaleidoscope of colour in Sussex gardens.

Gardeners are expected to rush to a plant nursery that has started selling the Inkarho rhododendron, the only plant of its kind that can survive in mostly chalky soil.

Special rootstocks were developed after 20 years of research and selecting from more than 1.8 billion seedlings.

Rhododendrons grafted on to the roots are lime-tolerant and capable of growing almost anywhere.

The South Downs Nurseries in Hassocks started stocking the unique seedlings after German researchers announced their breakthrough.

Nursery plant area manager Brian Redman said: "A lot of people are looking for plants they can put in very acidic soils.

"I've got one of the new rhododendrons in my garden in Brighton and it's doing fine.

"We were looking for something different and they're unusual because you simply couldn't get a rhododendron to grow on chalky soil."

Many varieties of the plant can be grafted on to the roots, encompassing all sizes and colours.

Rhododendron flowers range from soft pastels to bold tones of white, yellow, pink, red, lilac and violet.

Mr Redman said: "The challenge for us has been educating the public about the new roots.

"People know that rhododendrons will not grow in acidic soil so they don't look for them when they come to nurseries.

"But these new ones can grow in virtually any soil type, more so on heavy alkaline clay soil, but mine is in chalky soil and it's still performing.

"We have such a mix of soils in Sussex, that's why you need such a tough root to take all the possible conditions."

Alan Phillips, chairman of the Brighton and Hove Organic Gardening Group, said the breakthrough would make life easier for rhododendron enthusiasts who struggle to keep their plants healthy.

He said: "Rhododendrons grow well in peaty soil. In the south of Sussex the soil is chalky but there are a lot of rhododendrons in the middle and the north of the county.

"To grow them on the coast, you have to put them in tubs with a peat base.

"You don't water with tap water if it gets dry. You have to use rainwater because tap water is acidic in Sussex, being water that has passed through the chalk."