Do I need to Re-Pot my Rhododendron?

we bought this just a couple of weeks or so ago and you can see that the earth seems rather 'dense', though I'm not sure its pot-bound

I'm also not sure if now's a good time to re-pot, while the buds are beginning to open

Would value some advice

More photos in my photo gallery.

Thanks everso

NB: at the time I took the photos I was wondering what the stuff on the top of the earth is, but I now think its some sort of 'matting'

 

My opinion FWIW, would be to pot it on into the next size up using Ericaceous compost. It shouldn't suffer any ill effects by being moved on. Try to use rain water when doing so

 

thanks Freddy, your opinion FWIW is worth at least as much as everybody else's

I've put Erica' compost on the shopping list for when I go into town later this week).

 

I'm re potting mine in a week or two, once the flowers fall off. Got two bags of ericaceaus compost and my water buttress is full with rainwater from my guttering. I'll post a pic once it's done.

 

It looks like the roots are matted so does need potting up to a new container.

You'll need to ensure that you loosen the roots thoroughly before planting. Have a look at this video (about 2 minutes in):

 

Thank You everso for your time & trouble Gareth and Merle. The Rhody has now been re-potted and is looking much happier