Rhododendrons are shallow-rooted plants that require water twice per week during the first growing season. Until recently, our exploration of water requirements has been guided by the need to avoid adverse events such as dehydration. If possible, work in at least 3 inches of Cedar Grove Compost, Fertil-Mulch®, or other good compost before planting rhododendrons in a bed. Many materials can be used to amend the soil. Fertilise in spring with a product specifically designed for ericaceous plants. Soil requirements. Rhododendrons can often fail when grown in pots due to poor drainage. Introduction to rhododendrons and azaleas. Settled sediment in the ponds is generally left in place, reprocessed as a salable material , or used in mine reclamation activities. Noteworthy Characteristics. Once plants are established, though, you should only have to water during dry periods (2 to 3 weeks without rain). Growing tips. (See Figure below.) Rhododendron is a genus of 500 to 900 species and includes both of what we commonly call rhododendrons and azaleas. To achieve this you may need to apply Yates Soil Acidifier Liquid Sulfur to lower the pH of the soil. While all azaleas are rhododendrons, not all rhododendrons are azaleas. Your shrub will require acid soil and if planted in a container you should use ericaceous compost. Most are evergreen but some are deciduous. lastly, rhodies are shallow rooted, so they may like a wide, shallow pan rather than a … It would take a whole book to understand this wide world! Water is an essential nutrient for all known forms of life and the mechanisms by which fluid and electrolyte homeostasis is maintained in humans are well understood. Be attentive the first spring and summer after a rhododendron is planted. They originate mostly from the Northern Hemisphere with high concentrations in western China, the Himalayas and Myanmar (Burma). Rhododendron and azalea roots also need oxygen for healthy growth. process water. ( Try using pot feet to not only keep your wooden floorings safe but to also keep your plants from sitting in excess water.) The root zone should be moist to at least 8 inches deep. Leaves and flower characteristics differ, but site requirements, soil, and care are for the most part identical. Clarified wastewater is sometimes used to wash aggregate if the water quality Fertilizer requirements. During the growing season rhododendrons require adequate water from the time the leaves begin to emerge until they are mature; failure to do so will often result in smaller, misshapen foliage. How to Water Rhododendrons. In general, rhododendrons need supplemental water during our dry months. Once every three to four weeks generally works well. See Sky Nursery’s General Planting Instructions sheet for details on soil preparation and planting. Heavy clay soils collect and retain water so it is recommended to plant rhododendrons and azaleas above the base clay soil in a mound of desirable soil. You may be interested in joining the American Rhododendron Society, which runs a database with information on more than 2,000 rhododendrons and azaleas.On an annual basis, the society selects a number of rhododendrons to be awarded the Rhododendron of … Although considered distinctly different by many horticulturalists and gardeners, botanists place both rhododendrons and azaleas in the genus Rhododendron.Linnaeus classified azaleas separately, as genus Azalea, but subsequent generations of botanists have decided that the two are closely enough related that they should share a classification. Compost or decomposed pine bark are very effective. Rhododendrons like a slightly acidic soil with a pH of around 5. 9. Typically, aggregate facilities are supplied water using an onsite groundwater production well. While this article applies to Rhododendrons, 99% of it also applies to planting and care for Azaleas, as they are in the same genus, Rhododendron. ; Get your plants ready for the summer months by giving them a feed and a trim after flowering and apply Yates Waterwise Soil Wetter over the root area. There are more than 900 species in the Rhododendron genus, which vary greatly. Tap water in some areas of the country is quite alkaline so use rain water wherever possible. Rhododendrons prefer rich soil with good aeration, drainage, and water retention.