When you replant or move a rhododendron, the question arises: Where is the optimal location? Which soil does the evergreen ornamental shrub prefer? What rhododendrons love and what not is summarized here clearly…

Rhododendron wish list location and soil

originally come from . Rhododendrons from Far Eastern high regions. There they thrive in high humidity on thin layers of humus. They love light and shade under deep-rooted trees such as oak, pine and fir. Light foliage or a canopy of needles offers protection from direct midday sun and acts as an ideal backdrop for the voluminous rhododendron blossoms.

Due to the wide range of locations from light to shade, rhododendrons feel at home almost anywhere.
Nevertheless, one should always observe the following optimal soil and site conditions:

  • shady to semi-shady location
  • loose, slightly acidic soil (pH value 4.0 - 5.0)
  • low in lime, water and air permeable
  • Humus or sour peat
  • bog soil
  • windbreak
  • sufficient minerals and nutrients

The optimal rhododendron location in domestic gardens

Those cultivated in our gardens . Rhododendron species love sheltered, partially shaded locations with high humidity. In terms of climate, they prefer cool, damp summers and short cold spells with little frost in winter.

Ideal shade providers for rhododendrons: deep-rooted, light deciduous or coniferous trees or the north wall of a building. Too much shade restricts flowering and growth becomes loose and sparse.

Basically, the higher the humidity, the more the rhododendron tolerates a sunny location and vice versa.
Alpine, hardy wild varieties from locations above the tree line also tolerate full sun, such as:

  • Alpenrose Rhododendron hirsutum
  • Rhododendron ferrugineum
  • Rhododendron carolinianum
  • Rhododendron russatum

The ideal soil condition

Rhododendrons prefer humus-rich, acidic, evenly moist soil and cool soil. The optimum soil pH is between 4.0 and 5.0.
Exception: The INKARHO rhododendron varieties are particularly suitable for alkaline and calcareous soils.

Waterlogging and soil compaction lead to a lack of nitrogen and oxygen. The result: Harmful organisms such as Phytophthora spread and the rhododendron dies.
An excessive pH above 6.0 limits the availability of iron. The growth of the plant decreases significantly. The result is growth depression and chlorosis on the leaves.
Countermeasures: Soil improvement to correct the pH value and fertilization with trace element preparations lead to regeneration of the plant.

Keep an eye out when buying rhododendrons

When buying a rhododendron, look for compact growth, healthy, dark green leaves and lots of flower buds. Healthy, vigorous plants will acclimate and grow better in their new location in your garden.
Steer clear of rhododendrons with brown or yellow leaves, these are signs of root disease or nutrient deficiencies.

tips and tricks

You can use rhododendrons for all garden areas: as an eye-catcher in the middle of the garden or as colorful highlights of individual areas. They also offer blooming privacy protection for balconies and terraces as a hedge or container plant.

Category:

Vegetable garden