- When is the best time to plant rhododendrons?
- This is how the rhododendrons grow well and thrive
- tips and tricks
One of our favorite plants in the garden or park. The enormous variety of species and colors of the rhododendron makes some hobby gardeners become passionate collectors. Even if the plants are considered robust and easy to care for, the question of the right care and planting time arises…
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.
Advantage: if planted early in the fall, the plants will still root well in the warm soil, form new roots more quickly and thus get through the winter better.
The spring planting season begins in early March through May. The advantage of spring planting is that many varieties can be selected when they are in bloom.
This is how the rhododendrons grow well and thrive
Whether rhododendrons are planted in autumn or spring - rhododendrons are planted in the following steps: First, carefully loosen any bale cloth or wire mesh, but do not remove! Submerge the rhododendron in water for 5 minutes to soak the root ball.
Step 1 - Prepare and plant the rhododendron site
Dig the planting pit with a spade up to three times the size of the root ball. If the soil is not very permeable to water, avoid accumulating moisture under the bale by using gravel drainage. Now mix the excavated soil in the same ratio with moist, preferably light-colored peat and some sand.
Place the rhododendron in the middle with the root ball only 3 cm lower than when growing. No longer!
Inserting them deeper results in a lack of air and inhibits new root formation. Then carefully spread the soil around the bale and step on it lightly. Create a pouring edge with the remaining excavation - particularly important on slopes.
Step 2 - Rhododendron care after planting
After planting, pay particular attention to sufficient soil moisture. And thorough watering - about 8-12 liters per rhododendron. Water weekly in dry weather. Important: even soil moisture, no waterlogging.
tips and tricks
Pay attention to fertilizing during rhododendron planting time! Do not apply fertilizer in autumn. After planting in the spring, sprinkle 15 to 30 g of complete fertilizer around the plant and scratch it lightly. Never put fertilizer in the planting hole, otherwise there is a risk of root damage.