Rhododendrons are among the most popular, but also the most demanding evergreen garden plants among the Germans. Here you will learn everything about planting and care.
- Rhododendron can be found in many German gardens.
- However, the garden plant is very demanding - the location is particularly important.
- We explain what you should know about planting time, location and care .
Rhododendron perennials like to make big eyes in neighbors, after all, they impress with their beautiful and colorful blooms. In order for the evergreen garden plant to grow healthily, there are a few things you need to consider. We have tips for you.
When is rhododendron planted?
The optimal planting time for rhododendron is in autumn from early September to mid-November . Here the plant has the opportunity to take root in the still warm soil and thus get through the winter. However, rhododendron can still be planted in spring from the beginning of March to mid-May , as long as it is ensured that there are plus degrees and the ground is no longer frozen. Rhododendron blooms between May and mid-June.
What is a suitable location for rhododendron?
The location plays a major role in rhododendrons and their development. The perennials feel particularly comfortable in sunny or partially shaded locations . It is best to find a place where the midday sun does not shine down too hard on the plant - casting a shadow through a less dominant tree would be optimal . The shadow must not be too big, otherwise rhododendrons will not produce enough flowers. In addition, it should be a wind-protected location .
Another important factor for successful flowering is the soil itself: This is as humus-rich and loose as possible so that the fine roots can work in well. It should also contain hardly any lime . It is also important that the floor is evenly moist and cool. The roots of rhododendrons usually have no chance in loamy soils.
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Planting rhododendron: what distance do the plants need?
Once you've identified the optimal location, you'll need to prepare the floor. To do this, dig a hole per plant that is approximately three times the size of the root ball and approximately as deep as the root ball . You can mix the excavated soil with peat and some sand to improve the pH of the plant. With a layer of sand, you also prevent waterlogging in the ground. Bark compost or cow dung also lend themselves to improving the soil .
Then it is time to plant rhododendron. Place the bare root ball in the excavated hole and dig it in with the upgraded soil excavation . Make sure that the top of the root ball protrudes about one to two centimeters from the ground to prevent the sensitive root system from shrinking. Then lightly press the soil with your foot and thoroughly water the planted rhododendron *.
Maintaining and fertilizing rhododendrons - how it works
After the rhododendron has been planted, you can fertilize it with horn shavings and give the ground a layer of bark mulch three to five centimeters high , especially if planted in spring, to protect the plant from temperature fluctuations. In addition, rhododendron should be watered weekly on dry soil. In dry winter phases, however, minimal irrigation is sufficient. In order to continue to offer the fine roots a lot of space, you should loosen the soil from time to time - be careful not to damage the roots. Once the rhododendron has perished, the flowers should break out.
How to plant rhododendrons in a pot
Rhododendrons can also be planted in a pot, as long as they provide similar site conditions as when planting in the flower bed. It is important that you provide the largest possible tub for the plant * so that the flat-growing roots find enough space . For example, many varieties of Japanese azaleas are very short and are therefore suitable for planting in pots. In order to avoid waterlogging in the planter, the tub should have a drain hole, over which you create a drainage layer.
For wintering, look for a warm location that protects your rhododendron from drafts. A house wall or a higher fence is suitable for this - but you can also lay a fleece or similar over the plant to avoid heat loss.
Also read : When and where are hydrangeas planted?
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* Merkur.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.
