Planting and caring for rhododendron: how to do it right

If you want your garden or area to be decorated rhododendrons, remember, that planting and caring for rhododendron require compliance with certain rules. So, when planting, the distance between plants should be from 70 cm to 2.0 m. For the soil mixture, you need to take leaf soil (3 parts), peat (1 part) and coniferous litter (1 part) with the addition of mineral fertilizers. The best for rhododendrons are loose, water- and breathable acidic soils that require high air and soil humidity. Rhododendrons do not tolerate the presence of groundwater and stagnant water, so when planting you need to take care of good drainage.

When seated correctly rhododendrons take root well and do not require special care. They need regular wateringHowever, they can also die from excess moisture. In hot summers, you should water them 2-3 times a week, using up to 10 liters of water per plant. The first two to three years after planting, rhododendrons need to be covered with dry oak leaves or Christmas tree needles, and in order for them to successfully overwinter, they should be watered abundantly before the onset of frost on the soil.

Rhododendrons love spraying the entire bush, but you can’t do this with too cold water. For irrigation, it is best to use river or rain water, which is much softer than tap or artesian water. To prevent alkalization of the soil substrate, water for irrigation must be acidified.You should also break off or carefully trim off faded inflorescences to prevent a decrease in the decorativeness of the plant, while you need to monitor the safety of the axillary buds on the upper leaves. If you follow these simple rules, then planting and caring for rhododendron will result in abundant growth and flowering of these beautiful plants on your site.