Position – Full sun or part shade
Soil – Moist, Well-drained
Flowering Period –Spring
Hardiness – Fully hardy to Hardy (dependant on variety)
Rhododendron are evergreen or deciduous shrubs or trees with simple foliage where leaves open to uncover delicate silvery hairs. This stunning foliage supports spectacular bell-shaped flowers that are either grouped in attractive clusters or held in a stately and solitary fashion. Rhododendron are best placed in flower beds and borders within courtyard, cottage and informal garden settings. You should expect to see Rhododendron grow to an approximate height of 1m (40”) although individual heights and spreads will differ with each variety.
Rhododendron are best planted in moist, well-drained soil of loam or sand within an acidic PH balance. Planting should be undertaken in October or March where plenty of organic matter such as leaf mould should be applied and mixed in well to the native soil. Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball applying a generous layer of chipped bark to keep the soil cool and moist. Water thoroughly and deeply after planting.
Rhododendron should be watered when the soil surface becomes dry. Thorough watering should also be undertaken during periods of drought. During spring, it is recommended that you feed Rhododendron with an ericaceous fertiliser. Rhododendron do not require much pruning although it is beneficial to remove dead wood or spent flowers.
It is possible to propagate Rhododendron by semi-hardwood cuttings during late summer, layering during the autumn or by grafting during late summer or late winter.
