CyberSalad: Garden Pursuits: Shrubs: Rhododendron

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Rhododendron

The most impressive flowering shrub in the Northeast and the Northwest is the rhododendron. Most of the rhododendrons grown in gardens are hybrids, and their ability to resist cold differs remarkably from one variety to another. For this reason it is best to purchase rhododendrons from a local nurseryman who grows his own plants. Hybrid rhododendrons are immensely varied in color, size, shape, and winter hardiness as a result of their complex genetic backgound. Generally they are classified as large-leaved, with foliage 3 inches or more in length, and small-leaved, with foliage under 3 inches. The varieties with larger leaves usually have larger flowers, 5 inches or more across, composed of blossoms 2 inches or more in diameter. The individual blossoms of small-leaved types vary from tiny flowers to one 1 1/2 to 2 inches across, borne in clusters up to 4 inches across. The small-leaved, small flowered hybrid rhododendrons rarely exceed 3 feet in height, and most grow 2 feet tall. They are useful next to foundations, in rock gardens, and in front of taller rhododendrons.
All rhododendrons will grow well in light shade. Balled-and burlaped plants may be transplanted in blossom but it is better to transplant them early in spring in areas where their hardiness is questionable, and spring in areas where their is no likelihood of winter damage. The most importatnt factor in achieving vigorous growth is an acid soil mixture high in organic content. Because the roots grow near the surface, a bed prepared especially for rhododendrons need not be more than 12 inches deep; deep planting keeps the roots from getting the air they need. In fact, it is a good idea to set them about 1 inch higher than they grew at the nursery. Cultivating the soil around rhododendrons would damage their roots. Instead, keep the roots cool and moist with a permanent 2- to 3-inch mulch of wood chips, oak leaves, chunky peat moss or other light organic material. Plants that have been given a soil mixture rich in organic matter probably will not need feeding for several years. Do not stimulate fast growth because it produces long weak stems and few flowers. But if a plant seems weak or sicky, use cottonseed meal or a special rhododendron-azalea-camellia fertilizer, dusted on the soil early in the spring. For maximum flower production, pinch off faded flosers or the seed capsules that follow.

	'English Roseum', Broadleaf evergreen shrub with a fast growth rate. Light purple-pink blossoms April-May. Grows well under many conditions. Prefers some shade and cool acidic, organic soils. Tolerates humidity.
	'Roseum Elegans', Sturdy, compact, broadleaf evergreen to 6' in 10 years. Old favorite. Lavender flowers in rounded clusters. Vigorous with proper planting, mulch, water, and fertilizer.
	'Dora Amateis', Very pale-pink buds open pure white with pink markings and small green flecks in a lax truss of 6-8 flowers. Very free flowering and slightly aromatic. Compact growth, twice as wide as tall. Height in 10 years: 1 1/2 to 3 feet tall. Hardy to -15 F. Bloom time: March 15 to April 15.
	'Nova Zembla', Dark red flowers with darker spots in a full rounded truss. The red is somewhat bluish, but not unattractive. Deep green leaves on a sturdy, upright plant. Generally heat and sun tolerant; perhaps the most widely grown and successful red hybrid for severe climates. Hardy to -25 F. Height in 10 years: 4 1/2 to 6 feet. Bloom time: April 15-May 15.

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Site launched January 1, 2000.
Site updated September 1, 2007.