The bell-shaped flowers and wide, evergreen leaves of the ruffly shrubs are ornamental.Plants can be difficult to grow due to specific conditions.Rhododendrons thrive in acidic soil and can be found in shaded areas.If you want to grow your own rhododendron, you should plant it in mild weather.As long as you give your plant plenty of attention, you can grow healthy plants.
Step 1: In the spring or fall, plant your rhododendron.
Although you can grow rhododendron during any time of the year, it's best to plant it in mild weather.In hot climates early fall is preferred but in cold climates aim for springtime.Your plant has time to grow a root system before winter.
Step 2: Find a shaded spot.
There is an equal amount of sunlight and shade in the area.Avoid both deep shade and full sun when choosing a spot for your garden.Plants planted in excessive shade tend to flower less.
Step 3: Choose well-draining soil for your plant.
Because of their delicate roots, rhododendrons need well-draining soil to get the nutrition they need.To find out how long it takes to drain, dig a hole in the soil and fill it with water.If the soil takes less than 15 minutes to drain, it is suitable for rhododendrons.
Step 4: Pick acidic soil to grow your flower.
The ideal acidity for your soil is 4.5-5.5%.Buying a pH soil test kit from a nursery is one way to find the soil's pH level.To raise the soil's acidity, you need to mix pine needles, sphagnum peat, sulfur, and organic mulches.If you have tried amending your soil and it is still too alkaline, you may want to pick a different flowering shrub.
Step 5: If you want your rhododendrons to grow, choose a low-lying area.
Strong winds can damage or even kill hodges.You can protect them from storms by choosing a spot near a fence or a building.
Step 6: Purchase healthy rhododendron plants.
When visiting a plant nursery, make sure to choose plants that are deep green.Stems from existing rhododendrons can be used to grow a new plant.rhododendrons take between 2 and 10 years to flower, so most amateur gardeners don't grow them from seed.You will need to grow the cuttings for 1-2 weeks in water in order for them to develop roots.
Step 7: Before you plant your rhododendron, make sure the roots are loosened.
If you want to cut into the root ball of the plant, you have to water it.Pull the roots near the cuts with your hands.Your rhododendron's root growth is stimulated by this.
Step 8: It's a good idea to give your rhododendron 2 feet of space.
Depending on the size of the plants, place them between 2 and 6 feet apart.If you are only planting the rhododendron, give it enough room to grow.
Step 9: The hole should be set with the rhododendron's roots in it.
The hole should be twice as wide as the root ball.Place the plant in the soil so its roots are close to the ground.The root rot can be caused by planting the rhododendron below the soil level.
Step 10: The rhododendron's roots should be covered with soil and watered at half way.
Water the rhododendron to help the soil settle after you fill the hole back up.When you're done watering, fill the rest of the hole with soil.
Step 11: It's a good idea to water your plant every day for the first year.
New rhododendrons need to be watered daily.If the rain is less than 2.5 cm a week, the plant should be able to get its own water.The soil surrounding your rhododendron should be moist.root rot and other diseases can be caused by over watering.
Step 12: Your rhododendron is mulched.
The root system of your plants is protected by mulch.The acidic mulch or compost should be made with pine wood chips or needles.The mulch should be 1–2 inches away from the rhododendron's trunk.Most plant nurseries and garden centers sell acidic mulches.
Step 13: fertilize your plant.
If your rhododendron is a spring or fall bloomer, fertilize it annually in the springtime.If you want to burn the rhododendron, spray or apply a light coating offertilizer.If you use high nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and calcium, the rhyolites will thrive.For the best results, look for fertilizers that is labeled for rhododendrons and azaleas.
Step 14: You can protect your rhododendron from the harsh weather by wrapping them in burlap.
The shrubs need protection from the weather.Wrap your branches with twine.It's a good idea to wrap your rhododendron before the first frost.
Step 15: Prune.
After planting your rhododendron, Prune it in the early spring.Pruning established plants can prevent them from flowering for a long time.