new rhododendron blattgold pot up now?

Hi, Ive just bought a 2 litre pot with a healthy blattgold Rhododendron as a bargain . Im going to keep it in a container eventually . Should I pot it up now in its final destination , keep it in a cold frame or just leave it on the pot it came in for now in a sheltered place. \Not a bragain if it doesnt survive - but I couldnt resist. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

I'd probably leave it in a sheltered position and pot on about April I think.

 

OK thanks I was worried about disturbing it. I could put some fleece round it and on pot feet if that would help.

 

Hi

dont repot as the roots wont grow into the new compost , if you can keep in a cold frame be ideal but take out early March then you can pot it on ..

 

I agree with @pete. I wouldn't worry too much about protecting the pot unless you're in a much colder area than I am where there are, regular and prolonged freezes, although pot feet are always a good idea if it's on a hard surface. Just keeping it in the shelter of a house wall or similar will do in most areas.

It also depends how it was being grown when you bought it. Nurseries often grow undercover, or partially undercover, whereas a GC might have them all outdoors, so be guided by that too. If you have it in a cold frame keep the lid open a good amount.
You can plant out in spring - again depending on the conditions you have. Long term in a pot is always harder than the ground though, so make sure you aren't just using compost - it needs a soil based medium, and good drainage.

 

Thanks for all your tips - I have a sheltered place next to the cold frame which may be good. Then can pot on in March - see what the weather is like . I'm wirral so quite central not too hot not too cold ( although it was freezing in the house today ) . Thank you