The name rhododendron is derived from the Greek wordrhodos(meaning rose) anddendron(meaning tree).
The flowers are tubular or trumpet shaped, gathered in large trusses.
In some varieties the individual trumpets may be up to five inches across.
Some, too are fragrant.
Individual rhododendrons have a relatively short, albeit brilliant, flowering season.
However, collectively they produce a display which can last from early spring to early summer.
Their only disadvantage is that almost all of them need a lime free soil.
With this qualification, theres a rhododendron for every garden, however large or small.
Rhododendron leaves grow in a variety of shapes too.
Rhododendrons flower from January through August, depending on the location and the climate.
Rhododendrons usually require adequate rain fall and moderate temperatures to flourish most successfully.
Azaleas actually belong to theRhododendrongenus and the botanical name for azaleas includesRhododendronin the species name.
Rhododendrons are a diverse and interesting plant species with beautiful flowers; the rhododendron species grows in various climates.
Check the growing height details carefully.
Rhododendrons can be dwarf,(Percy Wiseman, about 3ft.tall) right up to 20ft.
The colors available are pink, mauve, white, lavender, red, salmon and purple.
The flowers are in clusters which cover the entire shrub.
Rhododendrons are the beautiful large bushes that flower with pom-pom like blooms during the spring.
Rhododendrons have a lance shaped leathery leaf while Azaleas have smaller, softer leaves.
Taking a graft from an established plant is possible but home gardeners rarely have the equipment to do this.
Planting and/or transplanting should be done in early spring or early fall.
Plant a nursery plant by digging a hole 2 to 3 times the size of the root ball.
The top 1 or 2 inches of the root ball should be above the soil line.
Be sure to mulch after planting.
Growing
Rhododendrons are acid lovers.
They love a pH of about 5.5.
They do not appreciate bark or wood mulch.
They also enjoy shade and dont particularly like to be planted where the sun would hit them directly.
You may see many Rhododendrons planted near buildings.
This is a shade loving plant so remember to never plant a Rhododendron in full sun.
Never cultivate under a rhododendron as you will have the risk of disturbing the shallow roots.
Pruning
Prune right after blooming.
If you oughta prune back an unruly bush it may not bloom for a year or two.
There are other diseases that can harm rhododendrons and make their leaves turn a different color and fall off.
Check your nursery to find the best cure and what works best in your area.
If you plant a tender variety of rhododendron in a cold area you may see damage from the cold.
The leaves will be brown and brittle.
Cut those leaves and branches off once the weather warms up.
Do not fertilize at initial planting as this could harm the roots.
Spray this on the entire plant and let it drip onto the soil beneath.
This will green up the leaves and make the plant look healthy.
Some people say that putting coffee grounds around the bottom on the soil benefit the plants as well.
It certainly would make the soil more acidic.
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