Rhododendrons

Rhododendron

The Rhododendron Hybrid's 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 Inkarho are a newer variety to the rhododendron family. These rhododendrons are a breed with special features. The Federal Centre for Breeding Research on cultivated plants in Ahrensburg developed rootstocks, which means rhododendrons can be grafted on to these rootstocks. This makes them extraordinarily lime-tolerant and develop a particularly robust root system. All reliable and popular Rhododendron sorts are grafted on them. They can be dwarf or large growing depending on the variety. With the much-loved dense colourful funnel shaped, fragrant flowers, that last throughout late spring early summer.  

 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.