Rhododendron Shrubs

Rhododendron shrubs

The ideal site for planting rhododendrons is semi-shaded to sunny. It must also be sheltered from the prevailing winds, particularly in winter, as rhododendrons are highly prone to wind damage.

Do rhododendrons like sun or shade?

Traditional rhododendrons thrive in filtered sunlight and acidic soil. Newer varieties can tolerate a range of sunlight conditions, but always check the plant tag or description when shopping to make sure the plant needs match your garden conditions.

What is the problem with rhododendrons?

These include fungal leaf spots, leaf and flower gall, root rot, oedema, leaf flooding, winter injury, and chlorosis.

How big does a rhododendron shrub get?

They usually grow from 3 to 8 feet tall and wide. For this story, rhododendrons refers to those plants with large, evergreen leaves up to 6 inches long. They get bigger than azaleas, 8 to 12 feet tall and wide (although I've seen our native Catawba rhododendrons towering 30 feet tall in the North Carolina mountains).

What time of year should rhododendrons be planted?

Plant in spring or early fall. Space plants 2 to 6 feet apart, depending on their estimated mature size. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and 2 times as wide. Set new plants so that their top roots are at soil level or slightly below.

How many years does it take for a rhododendron to grow?

Rhododendrons have no final size and can grow almost indefinitely. They range from dwarf, ground-hugging varieties which may reach 16 in. in 10 years (40 cm) to giant tree-like specimens as tall as 20 ft. or more (6 m). Both moisture and the length of the growing season will have a serious impact on their growth rate.

Are rhododendrons low maintenance?

Rhododendron care is simple since this flowering shrub is virtually maintenance-free. Follow these easy steps to keep your shrubs flowering year after year. The stunning and stately rhododendron plant — native to Asia — is a popular and much-loved landscaping element in New England.

Do rhododendrons stay green all year?

The genus Rhododendron encompasses both rhododendrons and azaleas, but unlike most azaleas, most rhododendrons have the advantage of being evergreen, which means their lush leaves have great value in a winter landscape. In early spring, rhododendrons explode with vibrant blooms in a host of colors.

Do rhododendrons need to be covered in winter?

Because rhododendrons root much more shallowly than other plants, it's extra important to keep a thick layer of mulch over this delicate system. Four inches of an organic mulch, like wood chips or pine needles, is often adequate protection from the cold.

Are rhododendron roots invasive?

In summary: Rhododendron is an introduced species. It is highly invasive. It destroys habitats and thus whole colonies of native plants and animals disappear. Because it is so expensive to control and physically prevents access, land has been abandoned.

What kills a rhododendron?

Too much water. Overwatering and planting in heavy, poorly draining soils are primary causes of death for newly planted rhododendrons. With new plantings, gardeners generally learn to dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball being planted.

Do rhododendrons spread?

Rhododendrons grow in all sizes and shapes - from low growing ground covers, to medium-sized shrubs, to tree-size plants. Some varieties naturally have a rounded, ball-shaped plant habit, others are open and spreading, while other rhododendrons have an upright growth habit.

Do rhododendrons lose their leaves in the winter?

Most rhododendrons keep their leaves all fall and winter and are referred to as evergreen. That means that they'll be a spot of gorgeous color in your garden, even in the coldest months of the year.

Will rhododendrons take full sun?

Rhododendrons will grow nicely in full sun to moderate shade. A few Rhododendron varieties such as Caroline', 'Scintillation', Yakushimanum hybrids, 'Hong Kong and the hardy varieties from Finland must have some shade in midday or the foliage will yellow or even burn – especially during a hot summer.

How far away from house should I plant rhododendron?

Medium shrubs like Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Spirea, Holly and Boxwood go 2.5-3′ from the side of the house.

Do rhododendrons come back year after year?

These plants make things easier on gardeners and homeowners because they'll keep coming back year after year. You plant them once, then, with proper care, get gorgeous blooms year after year. Rhododendrons are one of the most beautiful ornamental shrubs.

How do you keep rhododendrons blooming all summer?

Feed your rhododendron all you like in the spring, but by late summer, you need to cut back on both fertilizer and water to give the plant just enough stress to encourage blooming.

What are the best conditions to grow rhododendrons?

Shrubs need six hours of sun daily. If you live in the warmer end of their growing zones, be sure you choose a site that gets afternoon shade. Soil should be well-drained, moist, and acidic (pH 4.5 to 6). Rhododendrons don't do well in heavy soils that drain poorly.

Do rhododendrons multiply?

Find out how to propagate new rhododendron plants from layering. While you can't take cuttings from rhododendrons, there's a much simpler technique you can try: layering. Do it over the summer and by the following spring you'll have the beginnings of many new rhododendron plants.

What is the easiest rhododendron to grow?

Rhododendron 'Sarled' is easy to grow, long-lived, and the flowers last longer than those of most dwarf rhododendrons; up to 4 weeks. They open palest pink, but soon age to a clear, bright white.