Proper rhododendron care will ensure full bloom. However, the plant is very sensitive and demanding. But if you invest a little time, colorful rhododendron flowers will soon beautify your garden.
Rhododendron is the Greek name for rose tree. It belongs to the heather family and includes over 1,000 species. Of these, some grow in tropical rainforests, others along the seashore or even in the high mountains. The different species look different and have special requirements. They are all united by their enchanting blooms – provided they are cared for properly.
Contents
Planting rhododendron correctly
For your rhododendron to bloom vigorously, the shrub should have ideal growing conditions. To do this, pay attention to the preferences of the plant:
- The optimal location is in partial shade – rhododendron does not like direct sun.
- Rhododendron needs a loose soil with lime-free, humus-rich soil.
- The soil should be evenly moist.
- If your soil does not meet ideal conditions, you can prepare it for the plant. Dig up firm soil and make sure that the irrigation water can drain off well. To make sure your rhododendron gets enough nutrients, you can amend your soil with leaf compost or bark humus. To protect the roots, you can cover the soil with a layer of humus.
Caution: Rhododendrons are only suitable as container plants to a limited extent, as they prefer evenly moist soil. This is very difficult to achieve in a tub.
Rhododendron care for full blooms
For colorful flowers your rhododendron needs special care:
Water the plant only with rainwater or very low-lime groundwater. Because rhododendron does not tolerate lime.
Fertilize your rhododendron in the spring before flowering with horn shavings or organic rhododendron fertilizer. Make sure the fertilizer penetrates to the roots.
Remove wilted flowers so the plant has vigor for new blooms.
Remove wilted rhododendron flowers
In the withered flowers, the rhododendron forms new seeds – this takes a lot of strength. But if you don’t want the rhododendron to spread far, you can break out the flowers. This will give the plant more energy for the next flowering.
Be careful: under the withered flower lie the tender shoots of the new flower. Carefully break off the old flower so as not to injure the shoots. This is how you proceed:
- Carefully remove the old flower by hand.
- Take the stem under the flower in your hand. Hold it carefully so that it does not bend.
- Squeeze the old flower as close to the stem as possible.
- By removing old blooms, your rhododendron will have enough vigor for the next bloom – and will also grow more densely. The care is especially worthwhile for small and weakened plants.
Tip: Very old or weak rhododendrons sometimes do not bloom despite good care. In that case, it can help to cut your rhododendron back to about half a meter. After that, it may take a few years for the plant to thrive properly again.