The rhododendron can be found in fossils from the Tertiary and is therefore a very old plant species. It originally comes from the Himalayas. Herrmann Seidel planted the first hardy rhododendron hybrids in Dresden in 1865.

Rhododendrons belong to the heather family (Ericaceae). There are 1150 species worldwide. Of these, 10 are native to Germany and are undoubtedly among the most beautiful flowering trees.

  • Rhododendron ferrugineum
  • Rhododendron hirsutum
  • Rhododendron tomentosum
  • Rhododendron Caucasicum
  • Rhododendron Lapponicum
  • Rhododendron luteum
  • Rhododendron Myrtifolium
  • Rhododendron Ponticum
  • Rhododendron smirnowii
  • Rhododendron ungernii

In the year 2000 alone, German tree nurseries produced 20 million rhododendrons.

Rhododendron location - sun or shade?

When you replant or move a rhododendron, the question arises: Where is the optimal location? Which soil does the evergreen ornamental shrub prefer?

Rhododendrons 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. They thrive best in high humidity on thin, acidic humus layers with a pH of 4.0 to 5.0.

Sowing and planting rhododendrons, what should be considered?

You can plant home-grown rhododendrons from the third pair of leaves. But beware! The seedlings dry out quickly and are not yet particularly resistant. Small amounts of fertilizer promote growth. With patience you will be rewarded with the first flowers in the second year at the earliest.

When planting young rhododendrons, the planting hole should be about 3 times the size of the root ball. Keep in mind that rhododendrons are flat-rooted. Therefore make the opening more wide than deep. Mix half of the excavation with peat.

Well moistened, place the rhododendron in the center of the planting hole. Fill up with the excavated earth mixture and press down lightly. Then pour in - done.

Can you grow rhododendron from seed?

If you want to prefer rhododendrons, collect the more voluminous, fertilized seed pods in autumn. In a dry, warm place, they open after about a week.

To grow: fill the special rhododendron growing soil about 5 cm high in the growing bowl. Spread some finely sifted moist peat on top. Sow rhododendron seeds on top and moisten with a fine mist. As an Ericaceae family, rhododendrons germinate in the sun and do not need to be covered with soil! Keep moist in a bright, warm place out of direct sun under a transparent hood. After about four weeks, the seedlings will sprout.

Transplanting rhododendrons - when is the best time?

A rhododendron prefers a semi-shady location and acidic soil with a pH of 4.0 to a maximum of 5.5.

Early autumn or spring are equally recommended for rhododendrons in pots or in the garden. As with all evergreen flat-root trees, they need enough time after transplanting to take root before the first minus temperatures.

Multiply rhododendrons - is it worth it?

Rhododendrons arouse the passion for collecting in many hobby gardeners. Because successfully creating the joy of one plant with two or more is fun and cheaper than buying. But it takes time and patience. Most rhododendron varieties can be propagated by grafting them. Propagation by offshoots or cuttings is only recommended for certain rhododendron varieties. You can find the 7 most common propagation practices at a glance here.

When is the best time to plant rhododendrons?

As with other shrubs, the best time to plant rhododendrons is autumn, from early September to mid-November. The spring planting season begins at the beginning of March to mid-May until the leaves sprout. Provided it is above zero and the ground is no longer frozen.

Rhododendron harvest time and flowering time - only ornamental or ecologically useful?

Do you like to surround yourself with lush flowers in the garden? Then not only the evergreen, hardy rhododendrons, but especially the colorful ones in the flowering period from January to August are an eye-catcher for your senses. The 3 to 6 mm long capsule fruits are only good as a feast for the eyes.

Because these are inedible for humans and animals - but every poison is medicine at the same time. Asian rhododendrons are administered as a cardiotonic and antihypertensive drug. Siberian Rhododendron chryseum is recommended homeopathically for gout and rheumatism.

Rhododendron substrate - does that make sense?

In general, a substrate loosens the soil, ensures good air permeability and optimal nutrient supply. Special rhododendron substrate has a pH of 4.0 to 5.0.
In addition, the lava or clay slate it contains stores water and prevents waterlogging. This also prevents mold growth in the soil.

In contrast to potting soil, nutrients do not wash out, but are available to the rhododendron in solid form in lava and mineralized algae. This means you don't have to constantly change the soil or fertilize excessively - and it's peat-free and therefore ecologically valuable!

Rhododendron - good or bad neighbors?

Rhododendrons love shady trees. But it has to be the right ones. Good neighbors are
Trees with deep roots - for example oaks, flowering cherries, fruit trees, magnolias or laburnums.
Birch, chestnut, linden, maple and willow compete for water and nutrients and are among the bad neighbors.

tips and tricks

An ideal partner for your rhododendron is the Kalmia. An evergreen laurel rose and profusely flowering companion.

Category:

Vegetable garden