rhododendron care

Hello garderners.

I recently bought a rhododendron and planted it in the soil in my front garden. I made sure there was plenty of acidic soil that went down and watered well. I recently have given it some slow release feed.

I am just wondering if there is anything else I need to do?

I have bought a rhododendron a couple of years back and it didn't go well. Leaves turned yellow. Buds went brown and never opened.

 

Firstly, stop feeding it. Let it establish first, then you can feed it next year. As you`ve added ericaceous material to the soil it should be fine.

 

Hi ArcticFox1977,

1. First, do you have any idea of the pH factor of your soil (acidity)? If not, get some indicator papers/electronic pH meter and find out. pH 7 is neutral. Lower than 7 is acid. Higher is alcaline. Alcaline soils are unfavourable.

2. What type of rhododendron do you have: a japanese azalea (semi-evergreen), a deciduous rhododendron or an evrgreen one? Decidous ones and japanese azaleas can take more sun in the summer, while evergreens will not respond well to it.

3. Where have you planted your rhododendron? Is it under a tree? Rhododendrons have a shallow root system and if the roots of a neighbouring tree are spread below the surface, they will compete for the water in the surface layer of soil.
In addition to the spreading roots, trees with a thick foliage are also not suitable, as they prevent rainwater from reaching your rhododendron.

4. Never let the upper layer of soil dry. It need not be damp or 'boggy', but don't let it dry.

5. Winter sun, dry and frosty periods: If your rhododendron is of the (semi)evergreens, if it is in a dry place and exposed to direct sun in winter, it evaporates water from the leaves, but cannot compensate for the loss through the roots, either for winter dormancy, frozen soil, etc. This can kill it, but you get to know in spring!

6. If you have to transplant it, best time is in October/November or early spring. Certainly not after blooming or in mid-summer.

Hope this helps and good luck!