Rhododendrons are ornamental bushes with bell-shaped flowers and large evergreen leaves. They are not easy to grow because they need special conditions to thrive. These plants prefer acidic soil with excellent drainage and grow best in shady areas with mild temperatures. To try growing rhododendrons, plant the bushes when the weather is pleasant and take care of them regularly. If you pay close attention to your rhododendrons, they will grow lush and healthy!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Finding the Right Environment to Plant Rhododendrons
Step 1. Plant rhododendrons in spring or early fall
It is possible to plant them at any time of the year, however they adapt better to the new environment when planted during the milder seasons. If you live in a very hot area, early fall is the best season, while if you live in a colder area, choose spring.
Early autumn is the ideal time, as the plant will have enough time to develop its root system before winter
Step 2. Find a shady spot
Rhododendrons grow best in areas that receive equal amounts of sun and shade every day. Choose an area of the garden that is in partial shade, avoiding both full sunlight for long hours and full coverage.
Rhododendrons planted in overly shaded areas usually produce less abundant blooms
Step 3. Choose a well-drained soil for your rhododendron
Since these plants have delicate roots, they need excellent drainage to absorb sufficient nutrients and prevent them from becoming waterlogged. To test soil drainage, dig a 12-inch hole and fill it with water, timing how long it takes for it to absorb. If the soil takes 5-15 minutes to absorb all the water, it is suitable for rhododendrons.
Step 4. Choose acidic soil in which to grow your rhododendron
The ideal acidity of the soil is 4.5-5.5. You can find out the pH of the soil by purchasing litmus paper from a nursery or by having a test performed by a professional.
- To increase the acidity of the soil, you need to add pine needles, sphagnum peat, sulfur and organic mulch to the soil.
- If you have tried to correct the soil pH but it is still too alkaline, you can choose a different flower bush, such as lilac.
Step 5. Choose a low-exposed area in which to grow your rhododendron
These plants can be damaged or even die from the strong wind. To protect them from sudden storms, choose a spot near a building, hedge, or fence.
Part 2 of 3: Plant the Rhododendron
Step 1. Purchase healthy rhododendron plants or cuttings
When you go to the local nursery, choose a bright green specimen, avoiding any that are yellowed or wilted. You can also take a cutting from an adult plant and bury it to get a new rhododendron.
- Many novice gardeners prefer not to grow rhododendrons from seeds, as it can take 2 to 10 years to produce flowers.
- If you are going to use a cutting, you will need to grow it for 1 to 2 weeks in water so that it can develop roots.
Step 2. Water the rhododendron and loosen the roots before planting
Give the plant water, then make 5 cm incisions equidistant on the sides of the root ball. Use your hands to loosen the roots and pull out the parts closest to the cuts.
This step stimulates the growth of the rhododendron roots and helps the plant absorb water and nutrients
Step 3. Give the rhododendron 60-180 cm of space
If you plan to plant multiple plants, spacer them at least 60-180cm, depending on their size. However, if you only plant one, make sure it is far enough away from other plants in the garden.
Step 4. Place the rhododendron in a hole, with the roots at ground level
Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and one that is deep enough to hold it all. Place the plant on the ground, positioning it so that the top of the root bread is roughly at the surface.
By planting rhododendron below ground level, the roots risk rotting
Step 5. Cover the roots of the rhododendron with soil, watering it when you get to halfway up the roots
This is to make the ground settle better. After giving the plant water, fill the rest of the hole as well.
Part 3 of 3: Caring for Rhododendrons
Step 1. Water the plant daily for the first year
Rhododendrons need to be given water every day to grow healthily. After the first year, they should be able to absorb moisture on their own, if the rains don't drop below 2.5cm per week.
The soil surrounding the rhododendron should be moist, but not wet or flooded. Watering these plants too much can cause the roots to rot or promote the appearance of certain diseases
Step 2. Apply mulch around the rhododendron once a year
This way, you protect the plant's roots and keep the soil moist. Sprinkle 5-10 cm of acid mulch or compost over the soil surrounding the plants, preferably made with shavings or pine needles.
- Apply mulch 2.5 to 5 cm away from the main stem of the rhododendron.
- You can purchase acid mulch at many nurseries and garden centers.
Step 3. Fertilize your rhododendron every spring
It doesn't matter if you've chosen a variety that blooms in spring or fall - fertilize the plant every year during the spring months. Spray or apply only a small amount of fertilizer to the rhododendron, to avoid the risk of burning it.
Rhododendrons grow best with fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, iron and calcium. For best results, look for specific fertilizers for plants of this type or for azaleas
Step 4. Wrap the rhododendron in hessian to protect it from harsh weather
Rhododendron bushes need protection from snow and low temperatures. Lightly wrap the branches of the plant with jute and secure the fabric with a string.
Cover the rhododendrons in late fall, before the frosts
Step 5. Prune young rhododendrons in spring
You should do this for the first 2 years after implantation. Instead, avoid cutting the plants that are already adult, otherwise they will not bloom for a few years. For this reason, let older rhododendrons grow naturally, without cutting more than a branch or two each year.
