Grow Well Guides

Rhododendron

Rhododendrons are flowering, evergreen shrubs that captivate with their abundant and vibrant blooms. With a diverse range of colours and sizes available, they offer endless possibilities for creating a stunning garden display.

Planting Calendar

Summer
Autumn
Winter
Spring

Rhododendrons are readily available in late winter through spring which is the best time to plant them so they settle in before the heat of summer.

Harvest In

Flowering from late autumn to early summer.

By choosing different varieties that flower at different times of the year, you can have a succession of flowers over multiple seasons.

Prepare

These plants form a branch of the ericaceae family and can offer a wide variety of plant sizes, flower colours, foliage types and plant forms, as well as lending themselves to interesting groupings. They associate well with other plants that enjoy similar conditions: i.e. Maples, Dogwoods and Magnolias, Camellias, Pieris, Daphne's and small woodland bulbs and Perennials.

Position

Position Rhododendrons where they are protected from dry winds, especially nor westerlies. Plenty of sun is needed to flower well, more so for smaller-leaved types. Larger leaved varieties will need some dappled shade to protect the leaves form burning in the hot s midday sun. They like to have consistent moisture and prefer humid environments. .

Soil

Rhododendrons must have a free draining soil. Wet feet even for a day or two may cause the roots to collapse and result in the plant dying. If drainage is a issue plant into raised mounds and add bark to the soil.

Plant

When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost and Peat into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets and Kings Rhododendron Food, and mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay.

Care

Watering

Being shallow rooted, Rhododendrons need consistent moisture. Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil.

Feeding

When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil.

Mulching

Mulch around the base of the plants (making sure it is not in direct contact with the trunk) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to lock moisture in the ground.

Spraying

Thrips can be a problem on Rhododendrons. Spray for prevention rather then cure with Mavrik and BioNeem.

Pruning

After flowering the old flower heads should be gently twisted off, as this promotes improved flowering the following year. Young plants should be pinch pruned if they are not naturally bushy varieties. This is done just after flowering or when the new shoots appear.

Beginner Tip

Avoid hoeing or cultivating around Rhododendron due to their shallow roots. Better to apply mulch this will help to keep weeds down.

Expert Tip

Too much hot sun in the middle of the day can cause leaves to brown at the edges. Consider relocating to a position out of midday sun.

Tip

Rhododendrons can be relocated due to their fine roots. Water well before digging up. The best time to relocate is Autumn or winter when the weather is cooler.

Frequently Asked Questions