Academic CentreBasic principles to be followed by every rhododendron grower
- It is important to select suitable place for growing rhododendrons: for elepidote rhododendron it is partly shaded place; for deciduous rhododendrons – conditions of full sun.
- Rhododendrons require acidic (with a pH between 4,5 and 5,5), well-draining soil with an abundance of organic matter.
- Rhododendrons should not be planted too deep. They have shallow root system and they should be planted as deep as they have been grown in the nursery.
- When plants are carried by hands, it is essential to hold them below the root ball. Otherwise the root neck will be broken that can cause infection in the site of injury and, as a result, a plant will die.
- If you mulch rhododendrons with thick mulch layer in autumn, then this layer is necessary to be removed or reduced in spring.
- Rhododendrons need nutrients to flower well every year. They should be fertilized twice a year: in early spring at the time of melting snow and in summer – after flowering. It promotes strong growth of new shoots and buds development.
- The faded inflorescences should be broken off after flowering. If it is not done, plants will consume a lot of nutrients when creating seeds, so at the ends of new shoots will develop mainly vegetative buds. If inflorescences are removed, flower-buds will develop.
- Rhododendrons need high soil moisture, but they do not tolerate standing water.
- Evergreen rhododendrons should be watered richly before winter.
- Pests and diseases should be eliminated immediately once noticed.