A guide to choosing and caring for this versatile, beloved shrub
rhododendron ( Rhododendronspp . and cvs . , Zones 4–9 ) are coloured , ornamental woody plant life that are most at home in damp clime with mild temperature . TheRhododendrongenus is a orotund one , with over a thousand metal money and more than 28,000 cultivars listed in the International Rhododendron Registry held by the Royal Horticultural Society . Native to Asia , rhododendron are best - loved for their huge , outstanding clusters of brightly colored , showy blooms , which are attractively foreground by their backdrop of large , leathery leaves . Whether used as a foundation plant , sum up as an dialect in a shaded border , implant in a container , or cluster en masse in a woodland planting , a rhododendron arrive at a valuable and highly ornamental share to the landscape painting .
northerly California is bless with the milder temperature privilege by rhododendrons . With tending to the water , photo , pH , and grunge demand of these works , most northerly California gardeners can successfully acquire these amazing flora and joy in their brilliant displays of over-the-top bloom . A rhododendron in full blossom is such a stunning view !
Below are some pourboire for implant and care for your rhododendrons , interlard with a few of my favorite rhododendrons for Northern California .
Growing guide for best performance
Purchasing : Spring , when most rhodies are budding or blooming , is the ideal metre to take the stark industrial plant for your shade garden . This is also when rhodies are most readily usable at your local nursery . rhododendron come in a compass of size — from low - grow , ground - cover type , to midsize shrubs , all the style to tree — check that there is a rhododendron for just about every garden . And they flower in a multitude of colors , let in vivacious purple , reds and pinks , toothsome corals and apricots , pastel yellowness , and pristine white . While the huge clusters of flowers are genuinely dealings - stopping , it ’s important to evaluate the attractiveness of the foliage too . A rhodie ’s blossom period is relatively inadequate , and you ’ll be enjoying the unadorned foliage for the remainder of the year ! Of course , thoughtfulness should also be given to the mature height of your rhododendron when planting .
Planting : institute your rhodie in a location sheltered from the heat of the afternoon sun . They do best with all - daytime , promising , filtered sparkle — under a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree canopy for example — or planted in an east - facing garden bed that receives forenoon Lord’s Day . For more information , watch7 Mistakes to Avoid When imbed a Rhododendron .
ground : Rhododendrons have it off rich , well - aerated , moist , acidic territory with perfect drain . The moisture should be coherent and even , with soil remain as moist as a wrung - out quick study , but never torpid . Plant your rhododendron with the top of the root the great unwashed somewhat above grease level . If your soil has too much cadaver or is too alkalic , you might debate implant your rhodie in a upgrade bed or large container .
Mulch : The roots of rhododendron are shallow , so mulching is beneficial to their health . okay true fir or sequoia bark , pine needle , or oak tree leafage are all excellent choices .
Fertilization : An program of mulch commonly render adequate nutrients ( as it breaks down ) to your growing rhododendron , but if you need to lower the pH of your grunge further , feed with a especially contrive organic , acidic fertilizer in late winter or former spring , and again in late summer . Be careful to utilise only the sum of money recommended for rhododendrons , which do not involve as much fertilizer as other plant . Excessive fertilisation can lead in damaged rootage and leaves , and some rhododendron diverseness are very sensitive to overfertilization .
Weeding : Because the origin are so close to the Earth’s surface , you should not cultivate around these industrial plant , or touch the roots in any other way . locoweed by hand if needed .
Pruning : Tip - pinch new rhododendrons to encourage shaggy-haired new growth and more blooms . Maintenance trimming involves removing spent blossom clusters and unsightly foliage or dead branches and is usually done immediately after flowering as the flowers fade . old , overgrown , gangly , leggy plants can be rejuvenate with a hard pruning ; you’re able to cut down to as low as 2 feet from ground horizontal surface or low still if necessary in late wintertime or former springiness . You might not get flowers for a couple of years after , but feed , tend , and bring up your refreshed rhododendron and it will bounce back ; you ’ll be rewarded with bountiful heyday before long !
— Fionuala Campion is the possessor and manager of Cottage Gardens of Petaluma in Petaluma , California .
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‘Lem’s Cameo’ rhododendron (R.‘Lem’s Cameo’, Zones 7-9) is a very recent introduction with quickly increasing acclaim and availability. It features flowers with tie-died yellow and orange centers on peachy pink blooms.Photo: Fionuala Campion
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‘Idealist’ (R.‘Idealist’, Zones 4–8) is a large, treelike rhodie that can grow to 16 feet tall with buttery, ivory-colored blooms.Photo: Fionuala Campion
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‘Noyo Chief’ rhododendron (R.‘Noyo Chief’, Zones 7–9) has deep green, glossy foliage that makes the perfect backdrop to lipstick-red flowers. This shrub only grows 6 feet tall and wide.Photo: Fionuala Campion
‘Colonel Coen’ (R.‘Colonel Coen’, Zones 6–9) is a beauty, reaching 6 feet tall with glossy leaves and deep magenta blooms.Photo: Fionuala Campion
‘Loderi Venus’ rhododendron (R.‘Loderi Venus’, Zones 6–9) grows 12 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide, and it blooms with abundant loose trusses of pale pink flowers in April.Photo: Fionuala Campion
