All Season Gardening with Rhododendrons
Versatile Rhododendrons Add Color and Early Blooms to Many Gardens
Sep 23, 2008
Rhododendron is a genus of evergreen shrubs and small trees. They are prolific bloomers and as there are over 1000 recorded species and endless varieties there will be one to suit nearly every garden. They are equally at home in country estates as they are in suburban gardens. They can grace patios in raised beds and condo balconies in tubs and they bloom as early as January, cheering up any garden with their bouquets of flowers. Try Rhododendron Arctic Pearl for white blossoms in January.
Rhododendron Planting Areas
Rhododendrons will grow in most warm areas such as U.S. zones 4 and upwards. They grow freely in lavish country estates throughout Europe. They thrive in S.E. Asia. They do not like cold windy sites, and dappled sunshine to partial shade is best. Rhododendrons do not like to be waterlogged. However; as their roots are close to the surface they will require water on a regular basis. If the garden has to be left to fend for itself due to modern lifestyle and working pressures it is a good idea to have a watering system installed. Nothing elaborate is required just a trickle to keep the soil moist.
Planting a Rhododendron
In order to achieve success with a rhododendron getting the site and soil right at the outset is of vital importance. Soil is the most important factor in growing rhododendrons and if possible buying a DIY soil kit will help get things right. Rhododendrons are from the Ericaceae Plant Family and this family will not tolerate lime. Rhododendrons like an acid soil and getting this right is important. Of course it can be done by trial and error but testing the soil will give best results. The preferred soil should have a pH5 or less. If the pH is above this level rhododendrons can be planted in tubs or raised beds. Fill the tubs with ericaceous compost thus creating an acid soil environment.
Selecting a Rhododendron Plant
Rhododendrons bloom practically all year so the surest way to get the best plant possible for a certain area is to buy it when it is in flower. Check the growing height details carefully. Rhododendrons can be dwarf, (Percy Wiseman, about 3ft.tall) right up to 20ft. tall trees. The colors available are pink, mauve, white, lavender, red, salmon and purple. The flowers are in clusters which cover the entire shrub.
Rhododendron Care
Once planted a rhododendron requires very little care. Pruning is not necessary provided the correct shrub was chosen for any particular site. Avoid hoeing around rhododendron bushes as this disturbs the shallow roots – a good idea is to put in some ground cover plants at the time of planting. Vinca Minor is an ideal choice as it is evergreen and favors the same conditions as the rhododendron plant. With regard to pests or such, look out for Vine Weevils and mildew. Both can be eradicated by spraying at the beginning of the growing season.
Rhododendron Seasonal Favorites
- R. praecox is a very welcome sight in February with its abundant purple flowers. It grows to about 3ft. tall. Another good choice for spring color is R. Rosa Mundi. It has white blossoms very early in the season.
- R. Desmit is perfect for April color with delicate white flowers covering the complete shrub. It likes semi-shade.
- R. Chinoides gives good color in May. Also try R. Fantastica with its very large flowers. The flowers are red rimmed with white centers.
- For late season color use R. English Roseum and R. Roseum Elegans for a late show of breathtaking lilac-rose blossoms.
