Rhododendrons

Rhododendron

Rhododendron Hybrid are the traditional variety that will grow large eventually and needs to be in acidic soil. They are evergreen shrubs that have dense colourful funnel shaped, sometimes fragrant flowers, that last throughout late spring early summer. They thrive in acidic soil and full shade (but also dapple shade)

Rhododendron Yakushimanum is the ideal plant for smaller gardens as it is a dwarf growing variety

Where to Site Your Rhododendron

This makes them ideal in a mixed flower border

How to Grow and Look after your Rhododendron

Choose the spot where you can enjoy the rhododendron. Dig the hole twice as big as the pot, but no deeper than it. Add any compost if you need to. Once that is done pop your rhododendron in the hole - the key thing to rhododendrons is they don't like to be planted too deep as they are surface rooting and don't like to be drowned by compost. Also don't pile on the mulch as the lower branches don't want to be covered over. Once in the hole, back fill with soil and firm down. In the dry spells remember to water until they are well established in the ground