In both northern and southern climates , rhododendron are popular landscape gardening plants . stalwart and low upkeep , evergreen plant rhododendron flower reliably in summertime and provide a hint of colouring throughout the winter month . When grown under favorable conditions , " rhodies " will perform well and resist common insensate weather harm such as leaf burn mark , bud putting to death or bark splits . With appropriate care , they will survive even the harshest winter .
Step 1
prefer the ripe plant . Some rhododendron are suitable for areas as far south as geographical zone 8 and as far northward as zona 3 . quick weather motley may suffer cellular harm and decease in a hard frost . If planted too far south , cold weather smorgasbord may break quiescency in a winter lovesome piece of cake .
Step 2
Amend the soil if necessary . rhododendron require splendid drainage and an acid soil pH. The healthier and stronger your rhododendron are , the better they brave the wintertime . To amend drainage , add compost and sand to the planting area . To crushed ground pH , supply cottonseed meal , composted folio or peat moss .
Step 3
Do not fertilize after June . Fertilizing in late summertime or early fall can make new growth that will be vulnerable to wintertime leaf burn mark or bud go bad off .
Step 4
water system until the first hard Robert Lee Frost . All shrubbery should be water through the fall to prevent winter dehydration .
Step 5
Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch to protect Rhododendron ’s shallow base . Allow a 2 to 3 inch ring around the body of the plant life . This will reduce rodent damage .
Step 6
obstruct drying wintertime winds . If your Rhododendron is planted in a smear that receive unmediated winter winds , consider erecting a burlap wind barrier just about 1 foot from your plant . Pound several 2 in by 2 inch by 8 foot Ellen Price Wood bet into the ground to a depth of 1 human foot . Staple burlap from top to bottom to create a screen .
Step 7
Apply an anti - desiccant spray before the first hard frost and again in mid - winter . These sprays are also known as antitranspirants . They coat the leaves to prevent moisture personnel casualty and degrade over clock time . To foreclose interfere the spring growth , do not apply after mid - February .
Step 8
Build a snow shelter . If your rhododendron are subject to snow damage , protect them with wooden bush tipi . These structures area available from nurseries and dwelling house kernel and are localize over bush to deflect fleshy snow accumulation .
