Rhododendron – planting and care
A rhododendron bed is a wonderful sight in early summer. With their great variety in height and color, rhododendrons fit into many gardens and plantings. Rhododendrons are especially beautiful when planted in a group.
Rhododendron care
Watering
Rhododendrons need a lot of water, but they cannot tolerate constant moisture. Therefore, ensure good drainage. In the autumn, before frost arrives, it is advisable to water abundantly, even if it has rained a lot lately. Rhododendrons collect and use water reserves throughout the winter, as they evaporate a lot of liquid through their leaves, year-round.
Fertilizing rhododendrons
Rhododendrons grow slowly, and therefore require limited nutrition. In the spring, you can fertilize after the bush has bloomed, and there is a special rhododendron fertilizer that you can use to your advantage. If the soil has sunk, you can top up with more rhododendron soil.
Protect from the spring sun
If the sun starts to shine in the spring, but the frost has not let up, it is advisable to protect the bush with burlap sacks. Otherwise, the bush risks damage that is difficult to overcome.
Remove wilted flowers
Keep your bush fresh and beautiful by regularly removing wilted flowers. This also allows new leaves and buds to grow.
How to prune your rhododendron
Pruning is not necessary, but if the bush has become bare and is not very decorative, it can be renewed by pruning. Either the whole plant at once, or parts of the plant over a few years. Clean out all damaged and dead branches you find in the bush, and cut the bush down if you think it has become too big or heavy. Then you can aim for pruning down to about 10–15 cm above ground level, and preferably do it in the spring.