2013 Western Regional Rhododendron Conference, American Rhododendron Society
Newport, OR Sept 27-29
"Rhododendron Culture"
Things to consider before buying new rhody:
Size. How quick will it grow?
Sun Tolerance?
Hardiness?
Bloom color, shape, time, (garden design)
Where plants from? alpine vs. temperate? alpine likes more sun, but cool soil.
Species garden plant tag codes:
(-10/R1/5)
-10 = hardiness temperature
R1 = easy to grow
R2 = moderate difficulty to grow
R3 = hard to grow (the experts kill them)
5 = size (in ft) in ten years
Also have collector number on tag, tells if the plant was made from a cutting (and what the source plant was) or if planted from seed (which expedition and seed lot)
Planting Mix from Species Garden:
50% beauty bark, 25% bark nuggets, 25% rubber bark (porous lava rock)
Garden soil:
If your soil is light and sandy, add organic material.
If your soil is heavy clay, add coarse sand to increase drainage.
Planting Tips:
1. Best time to plant is fall, early spring at latest.
2. Select site, prepare soil. Dig hole, loosen soil in bottom of hole. Backfill with planting mix.
3. If plant is root bound, cut 1/3 of roots off and scar rootball. Loosen roots.
4. build mound in center of hole, spread roots over mound. Stuff planting mix up under roots to ensure no airgaps.
5. Cover with mulch (~3"), build berm around plant to control water.
Rhody Care Tips:
Watch new growth for water cues. Wilty leaves, crinkly new leaves show stress need water.
Rhododendron roots need air, they can't handle being submerged in water.
It is possible to cook roots, if overwatered during hot weather.
Fertilize in spring (feb-march). Apex 21-7-6 cool weather special, better for cooler climate.
Big Leaf and/or large flower varieties need to be dead headed.
Problems:
Chlorosis = soil pH too high, needs iron
Brown foliage = winter damage or sunburn
No bloom = too young or in too shady location
Sudden death = root rot, planted too deep, poor drainage
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