RHODODENDRONS

Site Selection

A good planting site is one with plenty of shade and shelter to protect plants from temperature and weather extremes. Northern exposures are best, as these sites receive the least amount of sunlight during summer months. Avoid sites which receive direct sunlight between the hours of 11:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. Shade can be provided by planting rhododendrons underneath oaks, conifers and fruit trees. Elms, maples and birches are not suggested since they are likely to compete with the plants for water resources. Planting rhododendrons near hedges or walls will also prevent them from falling prey to frost or wind damage.

Good drainage is essential to rhododendron survival and health. It may be necessary to add sand or perlite to the soil to keep it porous and loamy and to aid drainage. Acidic soil works best. Mix organic matter such as peat moss, rotted leaves, compost or bark chips into the plant soil to increase the bed's acidity.

Planting

Spring is the best time to plant rhododendrons. To plant a single rhododendron, dig a hole six inches deeper than the original container, and 36 inches wide. This will allow for the plant's wide, shallow root system to develop. Fill the hole with an already prepared soil mixture of soil, brown peat moss and perlite. Make a mound three to four inches in height in the middle of the planting site. Place the root ball on top of this pile of prepared soil, gently spreading the roots out and over it. Cover the roots with several inches of soil, being careful not to cover the crown of the plant, which will suffocate new growth. Apply three to four inches of mulch around the plant.

Mulching

Continue to replenish and distribute mulch around rhododendron plants. This protects their delicate root system which grows very near to the surface of the soil. Mulch supplies essential nutrients to the soil, protects from moisture loss, preserves soil pH and fends off weeds. Autumn is a good time to fortify mulch, since leaves and sticks are plentiful in supply.

For seasonal winter protection, add an extra eight inches of mulch. Remove about half of this the following spring, as the weather begins to warm up. To seal in plant moisture and protect from winter damage, spray plants with a protective sealant. Pasquesi Home and Gardens recommends Wilt Pruf. For newly planted rhododendrons, insulate plants to regulate temperature fluctuations. To do this, stake burlap around the plant and fill with leaves.

Maintenance

Rhododendrons should be deadheaded after flowering and need little pruning otherwise. Avoid cultivating the soil around rhododendrons to keep from damaging their shallow root systems. Likewise, pull any weeds up by hand to prevent root damage.

Water new plants thoroughly. Ensure beds are not over-watered. Poor drainage will drown the roots and cause rhododendrons to die. Check if plants are adequately irrigated by inserting a stick into the ground at least 18 inches deep. Sample the texture of the soil. If the subsoil is dry, and the plant's leaves are limp, the plant probably needs water. If the subsoil is wet, and the leaves are limp, it may be over-watered.

Rhododendrons require the most water in spring, when they are actively growing and flowering. Surface soil should be kept moist, especially during hot weather. Cut back on watering in late October to ready plants for the hardening off process necessary to prepare for winter. Plants continue to need water in the winter after the first frost. Water plants thoroughly to ensure that the plant is well irrigated before the ground freezes.

Fertilizing

Rhododendrons will thrive with regular feedings of an all-purpose fertilizer formulated specifically for acid-loving plants. Apply early to mid Spring. Do not apply fertilizer after the end of May, as this will encourage growth later in the summer when rhododendrons must begin preparing for the winter season. Pasquesi Home and Gardens recommends Glorious Gardens Rhododendron and Azalea Food.

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