How to plant and care for a rhododendron:
The most critical requirements for growing of rhododendrons are adequate drainage and adequate but not excessive water.
A method of planting and establishing rhododendrons, used by one SE-ARS member in upstate South Carolina:
Plant preferably in fall/early winter (September-December). Select a site where there is good drainage and partial (not full) shade. Clear at least a 5 foot area around planting site of weeds, saplings, etc. Mark site in advance with surveyor’s flag. Deposit 2 x 5 gallon buckets of partially composted pine bark (aged bulk pine bark, or bagged “soil conditioner” ) over site. Add a small handful of superphosphate (0-45-0) over the bark. Till the bark into the soil, by hand or using a small tiller such as a Mantis, over an approximately 2 foot diameter area. Add a roll of newspaper into the perimeter of the planting site if it is far from a watering source (serves as a moisture reservoir during dry periods). Plant the rhodo, which has been previous watered, in the soil-pine bark mix, after freeing up its roots (see U-tube video from Rare Find below). The resulting mound should be elevated several inches above the adjacent soil level. This procedure applies to planting sites with some slope and a woodland type soil. If the site is flat or the soil is predominantly clay, use at least double the amount of pine bark so that the entire root system is above grade, and consider planting entirely above ground, in a raised bed or surrounded by logs to keep the pine bark medium in place. Do not fertilize site until early spring, with a very light (half recommendation) of slow release fertilizer. Inorganic fertilizers may consist of slow release formulations of ammonium phosphate/urea. Avoid high nitrogen levels, which may cause the plant to outgrow its root system. “Bloom booster” formulations with low nitrogen and high phosphorus may aid root growth and bloom set for the next year without producing excessive vegetative growth; a similar formulation with slow release ureaform nitrogen and ammonium phosphate can be found in "Lawn Starter" fertilizers. Be sure to use inorganic fertilizers sparingly to avoid salt burn or overstimulation. A semi-organic fertilizer could consist of cottonseed meal with superphosphate. In subsequent years, fertilize very sparingly if at all, as plants are more likely to be harmed by excessive than by insufficient fertilizer. Fertilize only in early spring, not summer or fall. Water during dry periods for the first three years; later years will require less watering attention as a root system is established.
JHMcC
More tips on growing rhododendrons can be seen in the following links:
NCSU Fletcher/Buds and Blooms Nursery General information on siting, planting and care.
Dick Bir, NCSU Fletcher
ARS Planting Guide
More on planting ,again stressing planting high with good drainage.
New York Chapter ARS FAQ's Explore this website for numerous tips on rhododendron culture.
UTube video See the late Hank Schannen, founder of Rarefind Nursery in NJ, creator of "Solidarity", and a past speaker at SE-ARS meetings. Ron Rabideau shows how to separate roots of a container-grown plant when planting.
A method of planting and establishing rhododendrons, used by one SE-ARS member in upstate South Carolina:
Plant preferably in fall/early winter (September-December). Select a site where there is good drainage and partial (not full) shade. Clear at least a 5 foot area around planting site of weeds, saplings, etc. Mark site in advance with surveyor’s flag. Deposit 2 x 5 gallon buckets of partially composted pine bark (aged bulk pine bark, or bagged “soil conditioner” ) over site. Add a small handful of superphosphate (0-45-0) over the bark. Till the bark into the soil, by hand or using a small tiller such as a Mantis, over an approximately 2 foot diameter area. Add a roll of newspaper into the perimeter of the planting site if it is far from a watering source (serves as a moisture reservoir during dry periods). Plant the rhodo, which has been previous watered, in the soil-pine bark mix, after freeing up its roots (see U-tube video from Rare Find below). The resulting mound should be elevated several inches above the adjacent soil level. This procedure applies to planting sites with some slope and a woodland type soil. If the site is flat or the soil is predominantly clay, use at least double the amount of pine bark so that the entire root system is above grade, and consider planting entirely above ground, in a raised bed or surrounded by logs to keep the pine bark medium in place. Do not fertilize site until early spring, with a very light (half recommendation) of slow release fertilizer. Inorganic fertilizers may consist of slow release formulations of ammonium phosphate/urea. Avoid high nitrogen levels, which may cause the plant to outgrow its root system. “Bloom booster” formulations with low nitrogen and high phosphorus may aid root growth and bloom set for the next year without producing excessive vegetative growth; a similar formulation with slow release ureaform nitrogen and ammonium phosphate can be found in "Lawn Starter" fertilizers. Be sure to use inorganic fertilizers sparingly to avoid salt burn or overstimulation. A semi-organic fertilizer could consist of cottonseed meal with superphosphate. In subsequent years, fertilize very sparingly if at all, as plants are more likely to be harmed by excessive than by insufficient fertilizer. Fertilize only in early spring, not summer or fall. Water during dry periods for the first three years; later years will require less watering attention as a root system is established.
JHMcC
More tips on growing rhododendrons can be seen in the following links:
NCSU Fletcher/Buds and Blooms Nursery General information on siting, planting and care.
Dick Bir, NCSU Fletcher
ARS Planting Guide
More on planting ,again stressing planting high with good drainage.
New York Chapter ARS FAQ's Explore this website for numerous tips on rhododendron culture.
UTube video See the late Hank Schannen, founder of Rarefind Nursery in NJ, creator of "Solidarity", and a past speaker at SE-ARS meetings. Ron Rabideau shows how to separate roots of a container-grown plant when planting.
Fraser South Chapter ARS Article on pinching and deadheading, from Harold Greer's Guide to Available Rhododendrons.
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