¨ If the spent flowers on rhododendron are removed and seed pods are not allowed to form, better bloom will be encouraged for the following season. However, this is a tedious task and if you have more than one or two rhododendrons don't worry about it.
¨ Besides color, always consider ultimate size, shape and hardiness rating for your area.
¨ One major cause of winter damage for evergreens, especially azaleas and rhododendrons is desiccation (loss of moisture). To prevent this, water your plants well before winter and/or spray them with an anti-transpirant product, that will put a waxy coating on the foliage which prevents the plant from drying out.
¨ A good rule of thumb for rhododendrons and shade is: The larger the leaf the more shade the plant can tolerate.
¨ Be careful when placing plants near a house or building. Azaleas and rhododendrons, although tough plants are not strong enough to be dumped on by ice or heavy snows that may fall from roof eaves. Also avoid planting too close to or under eaves where water is unable to reach the root system of the plant.
¨ Azaleas and rhododendrons or any acid loving plants root system, planted near concrete can absorb calcium that leaches from the cement. This can deter growth, and predispose them to damage from insects and disease because of too high a pH and/or cause death. Root prune the plants with a spade at least a foot from the concrete at least once a year or choose another plant. (If you really love your plant, you could take out the concrete.)
¨ Azaleas and rhododendrons love humus, (the decomposed material from organic matter) this keeps the root system strong and healthy as well as the foliage. If humus is not available when planting, the addition of peat moss to the backfill soil will work, but it must be mixed well with the existing soil. Never use peat moss alone, straight out of the bag, always mix it into the soil. Peat moss has very little nutrient value and it is next to impossible to wet, unless the water is warm or it has been treated with a wetting agent.
¨ Never cultivate around azaleas or rhododendrons, even avoid herbicides if you can or use them lightly. The root system is fine, fibrous and shallow. Either pull weeds by hand, mulch or plant a groundcover such as Sweet woodruff, Pachysandra or Ivy.
¨ Azaleas and rhododendrons love mulch, preferably one that is organic, one that breaks down and supplies nutrients while keeping the root system cool and maintaining proper moisture.
