Good to know about Rhododendrons
Rhododendrons are evergreen shrubs that bloom from spring to early summer. Rhododendrons are known for their characteristic lavish flowers, beautiful foliage colours, and leaf shapes. Most rhododendrons are acid-loving plants, so the soil in your bed should have a pH value of 5.0-6.0.
5 tips for easily and quickly getting started with your rhododendron bed
1. Always plant your rhododendron in coarse sphagnum moss. Not all types of sphagnum are equally coarse, so consult our staff. 2. Water your sphagnum moss thoroughly before use. 3. Plant at the same height as the soil surface of the plant you purchased. The root ball should not be planted deeper than your ground level. Visible roots should only be lightly covered. 4. Always fertilize your rhododendrons with acid fertilizer, or general NPK fertilizer, in the spring (typically March-June). Always follow the instructions and dosage based on the product you buy. Over-fertilizing will harm the plant.
5. Remember to water after planting and during the subsequent period, and always during particularly dry periods.
Placement of rhododendrons
Choose a location in your garden that has adequate space based on the mature size of the individual variety. We recommend bright to partial shade and a sheltered spot.
Soil Conditions & Fertilization
Most rhododendrons and azaleas are acid-loving plants, meaning your bed's soil should have a pH value of 5.0-6.0. If planted in soil that does not have the correct pH value, your rhododendrons may lack magnesium, manganese, or iron. The soil should be moist but still well-drained. Remember to water when newly planted and during the subsequent period, and always during particularly dry periods.
Flowering
In the plant nursery, we indicate the expected flowering time through signage. Flowering will always depend on weather conditions, meaning flowering may occur earlier or later than otherwise indicated.
Pruning rhododendrons
Pruning rhododendrons is usually not a necessity. However, you can remove any dead branches and spent flowers. If your rhododendrons have become undesirably large or have an undesirable shape, they can be pruned in the spring, preferably in March. You should be aware that such pruning will remove the current year's blooms, and you will not get flowers again until next year. Your rhododendrons will form new growth during the summer after such pruning. Pruning azaleas and other dwarf-growing rhododendrons is done after flowering, after which they begin to form new growth within 1-2 months.
Size & maintenance of older rhododendrons
In the nursery, we indicate, through signage, the expected size of rhododendron varieties after approximately 10 years. This is to help you choose the right rhododendron for your desired location. After 10 years, your rhododendrons will, of course, continue to grow. If you are lucky enough to own older rhododendrons, you can benefit them by top-dressing your beds with 5-10 cm of new, good sphagnum every 4 years. Good sphagnum for rhododendrons should be coarse, as this creates air around the plant's roots. Remember to continue fertilizing your rhododendrons as instructed on the acid fertilizer product you have purchased.
Lime-tolerant & sphagnum-free rhododendrons
Sphagnum-free is a big topic in the plant world, and generally, it does not align with rhododendrons, which require acid soil (sphagnum). However, there is an alternative. Inkarho rhododendrons are lime-tolerant and can be planted in ordinary calcareous soil.
Problems & Diseases
My rhododendrons are not flowering
Rhododendrons form their flower buds in late summer. A period of drought can damage next year's flowering if the buds dry out in late summer. Therefore, watering during dry periods is important for next year's flowering.
The leaves are falling off my rhododendrons
Both dry periods and periods of heavy rain can cause leaf drop in rhododendrons. For evergreen shrubs, it is normal for leaves to fall in the spring and summer season after overwintering.
