- Planting rhododendrons: when is the best time?
- Plant Rhododendron: Location
- Planting rhododendrons: The right rhododendron soil
- Planting rhododendrons in pots
- Planting rhododendrons: Instructions
Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!
Rhododendrons should not be missing in any garden. For the best start, however, there are a few small things to consider when planting rhododendrons.
The rhododendrons (Rhododendron) are a huge genus within the heather family (Ericaceae), comprising over 1,000 species. The geographical spread of the rhododendron extends over many continents. Despite the great diversity in origin, there are many parallels when it comes to growing conditions. We'll tell you what to look out for so that your favorite rhododendron thrives and decorates your garden in full bloom.
Planting rhododendrons: when is the best time?
In principle, you can plant your rhododendrons all year round, as long as they are in containers. Rootstock is planted in spring or autumn. Planting in late spring (April or May) has the advantage that the soil is already slightly warm at this time of the year and the risk of night frosts is virtually eliminated. In addition, the soil is consistently moist enough for the shallow-rooted rhododendrons to establish themselves well. In addition, when you buy the plants, you can spot the first flowers and be sure of the color of the flowers. Planting in autumn (early September to mid-November) has the advantage that the roots develop more quickly. At this point, your rhododendron will go into hibernation. No more energy is put into drive formation. This can flow into the root formation.
Plant Rhododendron: Location
The rhododendron originally comes from high altitudes where it can only develop a shallow root system due to the shallow soil. These soils are characterized by high permeability and, above all, by a slightly acidic pH value. In the following section you will find out how to create the best possible conditions for your rhododendron in your own garden.
Planting rhododendrons: The right rhododendron soil
The rhododendron needs acidic conditions and must under no circumstances "suffocate" in waterlogging. Most soils in our latitudes arehowever, it is rather neutral to slightly basic (e.g. with limestone subsoil), which is why you should enrich the excavation of your planting hole with plenty of compost.
"In addition to the acidic conditions, the rhododendron loves a loose, airy soil with a high permeability. While in some locations the permeability may be given (e.g. on sandy soil or black soil), in some gardens something needs to be done (e.g. on loamy, clayey locations). It makes sense to increase the grain size structure by adding sand. Simply mix the potting soil with the sand in a ratio of 1:1.
If you want to be on the safe side, you can add a drainage layer of gravel to the bottom of the planting hole or add large quantities of bark mulch to the planting hole. This prevents waterlogging and regulates water drainage. Despite the permeability, the soil should have good water storage capacity.
Tip: Coffee grounds have proven themselves as a home remedy for fertilizing acid-loving plants. This slightly acidifies the soil and also introduces small amounts of essential nutrients into the soil.
Here we have compiled additional information about rhododendron earth for you.
Planting rhododendrons in pots
The conditions that rhododendrons like to find in the garden should also be observed when planting in pots. Be sure to use as wide a bucket as possible so that the shallow-rooted rhododendron can develop accordingly. Attention: Due to the size differences, not all species are suitable for cultivation in pots or tubs. The species of Japanese azaleas, for example, includes many varieties that are relatively small and therefore ideal for growing in pots. Two special features must also be observed when planting in pots: On the one hand, you have to make sure that there is no waterlogging in the pot. Therefore, use a bucket with a drainage hole and lay a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot.
On the other hand, overwintering is a bit of a challenge, as the pot freezes through quite quickly due to the large surface of the root ball. If you do not have the opportunity to move the rhododendron to a warmer place, try to protect it from changing sunlight and cold drafts as much as possible. Preferablyplace the container plant against a house wall, a closed fence or between other tall plants so that the plant finds protection from as many sides as possible. In addition, an insulating layer can be used to minimize heat loss from the pot, which means you can ensure your pet good conditions even in winter. To do this, wrap the pot in several layers of bubble wrap or newspaper.
You can find more information about rhododendron species and varieties here.
Planting rhododendrons: Instructions
To ensure that your rhododendron grows and thrives quickly and safely after planting, there are a few things to consider. In a step-by-step guide, we explain what is important:
1. Choosing a location for the rhododendron
The rhododendron prefers semi-shady locations with good water supply and it particularly likes to stand on gentle slopes. You can also choose a full sun location for your rhododendron, but proper water management is important here. The distance to other plants should be chosen generously at each location because the rhododendron develops an extensive and shallow root system.
2. Pay attention to the correct planting distance of the rhododendrons
The rhododendron can - depending on the variety - grow very sprawling. It is therefore important to keep a sufficient distance to neighboring plants. Especially when there are many rhododendrons next to each other, the appropriate planting distance should be maintained, otherwise the flat roots will interfere with each other. The planting distance is chosen depending on the size at the time of planting and the expected final size. Depending on the size, there should be a space of 30 (slow-growing varieties) to 100 (fast-growing varieties) cm between the edges of the crown. If the rhododendron is to be planted in a hedge (e.g. the 'Bloombux' variety), large planting distances can be dispensed with. If the plants do grow too dense, they can easily be transplanted to increase the spacing.
3. Dig the planting hole large enough for the rhododendron
As already described, the rhododendron needs particularly permeable and acidic soil conditions. The larger the planting hole, the more loose soil surrounds the roots of the freshly planted rhododendron. Therefore, the excavated planting hole should have at least twice or even better three times the circumference of the root ball.
4. The plantsprepare
The root ball is watered intensively before planting by immersing it in a container with water until no more air bubbles appear.
5. Preparing the soil for planting
Depending on the soil conditions in your garden, some adjustments may be needed to get your rhododendron off to the perfect start. In any case, the excavated soil is mixed with humus at least 1:1. This provides the nutrients and lowers the pH value. The pH can be adjusted to about five with the proportion of humus, but also with coffee grounds.
Loamy and clayey soils are unsuitable for growing rhododendrons, as they have too narrow a particle size range and tend to be in the basic pH range. The excavation of the planting hole should therefore be enriched with plenty of sand beforehand so that a permeable environment is created. If you want to play it safe when caring for your rhododendron, you can exchange the entire excavation for special rhododendron soil. This has all the properties your rhododendron needs to be happy.
6. Place the rhododendron in the planting hole
Don't place the rhododendron too deep in the hole. Otherwise the roots cannot be properly supplied with oxygen and the plant will die. Fill in the planting hole so that two centimeters of the root ball is still sticking out of the ground. Tamp the soil lightly to keep it nice and permeable.
7. Water the rhododendron well and fertilize
After planting the rhododendron, water vigorously. You can also fill up a pouring rim to make the watering more effective. In order to give your rhododendron an optimal start, fertilizer such as horn shavings, dust or compost is worked into the surface after planting. This nitrogen-heavy fertilization counteracts a nitrogen deficiency through a decomposing mulch layer. Our Plantura organic hydrangea fertilizer is also ideal for rhododendrons.
8. Mulch after planting
Once the rhododendron has been planted, another layer of mulch is applied to the root area. This protects against dehydration, temperature fluctuations, prevents weeds in the root area and keeps the pH value down during decomposition.
9. Caring for rhododendrons after planting
In general, theRhododendrons are relatively easy to care for, but this only applies as the plant ages. A young rhododendron wants to be watered regularly, but without drowning in waterlogging. Regular watering will speed up youthful growth and help your rhododendron establish itself. Above all, the rhododendron needs time to develop an extensive root system so that it can survive the possibly dry summer months in the next few years without watering. Fertilize for the first time two weeks after planting if planted in spring. When planting in the fall, fertilize for the first time next spring.
You can find more information about caring for rhododendrons here.