- Rhododendrons need irrigation in winter to avoid physiological drought.
- Water the bushes during the thaw, directing the water to the roots and covering them.
- February fertilization with coffee grounds will acidify the soil and stimulate lush flowering.
- Find out how to properly prepare rhododendrons so that they will bloom in spring!
How to prepare rhododendrons for spring?
Most varieties tolerate negative temperatures and snow cover well. This does not mean, however, that these are armored shrubs and do not need additional support in winter. It is very common that at this time of year the leaves of rhododendrons wither and curl into characteristic rolls. This is the plant’s defense mechanism. This is how rhododendrons store water. Winter is a difficult time for plants to absorb water from the soil. Frozen ground practically excludes natural water absorption. The so-called physiological drought is a very dangerous phenomenon for many plants in the garden.
This is a very important care procedure to perform in winter. How to do this when the soil is frozen? First of all, the most important thing is observation. Experts from the American Rhododendron Society recommend regularly monitoring the weather and reacting to the thaw. When temperatures rise slightly, it is a sign that it is worth watering. It is best to pour water directly into the roots to speed up the regeneration and development of the bush. After watering, cover the roots with a mound of pine needles, peat or sawdust. Rhododendrons have a shallow root system, so it is very important to prevent evaporation and water loss. This treatment should be repeated regularly, whenever a thaw is forecast.
In February, he sprinkles it under the rhododendrons in handfuls. In spring they bloom like crazy
Depending on the weather, you can start in February. If the weather is favorable and there are no major frosts, it is in February that the plants come to life and begin preparations for the growing season. If February is very wintery, frosty and snowy, the first fertilization should be postponed until March. Rhododendrons grow best in acidic soil and this is what you should focus on at the beginning of the season. Gardeners recommend scattering coffee grounds around the roots. They are the best homemade fertilizer for many plants. They gently acidify the soil and provide nitrogen responsible for leaf growth and flowering. Coffee grounds scattered around the roots stimulate better growth of rhododendrons and make the bushes bloom twice as abundantly in spring.
