Rhododendron Care

Rhododendron is a genus of shrubs and small trees. They are primarily flowering plants of the family Ericaceae. There are more than 1000 species of flowering plants in the rhododendron genus. The plants of rhododendron genus usually produce clusters of bell-shaped attractive flowers, which have made them favorite landscaping plants in many parts of the United States. Rhododendron is also the state flower of West Virginia and Washington, while in Nepal, it is the national flower.

Rhododendron shrubs and trees usually have shiny and leathery leaves, while a few species have been found to possess scales and hair on the underside of their foliage. Its beautiful flowers usually appear in clusters, and come in an array of colors; from white to pink, burgundies, peach, yellow and purple. It is one of the most beautiful plants to have in a flower garden or landscape. However, it needs a little bit of care to grow and bloom properly.

Rhododendron Maintenance

Soil and Light Requirements
They are usually known as acid loving plants, as most of these plants prefer acidic soil. So, it begins with selecting the appropriate soil type for growing this plant. The plant grows well in acidic and well-drained soil. The soil pH should be 5 to 5.5 for growing healthy plants. If the soil is alkaline, it can be amended by adding compost such as, peat moss, pine bark mulch or composted bark leaves. Adding compost on clay or sandy soil can also help to ensure better drainage. This plant prefers partially shaded areas. So, be sure to select a planting site that can provide these basic growth requirements of the rhododendron plant.

Watering
The plant has shallow root system, for which it requires regular water during the growing season, and in the dry season. Usually, the plant can be watered thoroughly once in every week. However, during the rainy season, watering can be done less frequently. But, keep in mind that the root ball of the plant should remain moist. If the plant is not getting enough water, you can observe drooping foliage in the early morning. The leaves however, can droop a little in the warm afternoon during the dry season and so, is not an indicator of under watering.

Mulching and Fertilization
Another important part is mulching, which can prevent drying of the root ball of the plant, by helping to retain moisture. The ideal mulches for this plant are acidic mulches such as, leaf mold, pine straw, bark chippings and pine needles. Fertilization is usually not required, if they are planted in the right type of soil, and if it is growing properly. If fertilization is required, then you can feed your rhododendrons with a slow release fertilizer. Always use the fertilizers, specifically formulated for these types of plants, azaleas or acid loving shrubs. The ideal time for fertilization is the spring time. Over fertilization can cause browning of the leaf tip and leaf drop.

Pruning
They are usually pruned just after the end of the flowering season. Pruning typically involves removal of the dead and diseased branches and leaves. Any tall and thin limb at the top of the plant is also need to be pruned back. Once blooming stops, you can pull out the spent blooms or the entire cluster of flowers. If the plant has become too large and unmanageable, you can do heavy pruning by cutting back the entire shrub to about 18 inches above the ground level.

Winter Care
Protecting the rhododendron plant from the harsh winter is very essential. Some varieties are suitable for warm climates, while others can better tolerate the cold weather. Therefore, one needs to select the variety of rhododendron, suitable for the specific climate of the area at the very beginning. The most crucial point is watering the plant adequately during the fall, until the first hard frost. Mulching can also help to prevent the drying of the root ball during the fall. Another important point is the timing of fertilization. If done in the late summer or early fall, fertilization can promote new growths, which in turn, can become susceptible to winter damage. This plant can also get adversely affected by winter winds. Therefore in areas, where winter is too severe, one might need to consider the use burlap, in order to protect the plant from the winter winds. To protect the plants from snow, wooden shrub teepees can be used.

Usually, rhododendron plants are quite hardy and not easily affected by bugs. They are also less susceptible to plant diseases, if grown in a favorable climate, and all of its growth requirements are fulfilled. Iron chlorosis and scorching can become a problem if the plant is not healthy enough, either due to poor soil conditions or extreme temperature. In such a situation, it may become necessary to consult a professional to treat these plant diseases. But in general, these plants would grow well and produce large and showy blossoms in spring, to help you to create a truly beautiful landscape.