- In order for rhododendrons to bloom profusely in spring, proper fertilization in early spring is crucial.
- Instead of expensive fertilizers, you can use home remedies that will nourish the plants and acidify the soil.
- Proper wintering and frost protection are essential for rhododendrons to survive low temperatures.
- Discover simple methods of fertilizing and protecting rhododendrons to enjoy their lush flowering!
you must remember about proper fertilization. when there is no risk of heavy frosts and the plants are slowly getting ready for the new season. Avoid fertilizing in late autumn so as not to stimulate the plant to grow before winter.
In February, I sprinkle handfuls under the rhododendron, and in spring it blooms like crazy. Homemade fertilizer for rhododendrons
Rhododendrons grow well in acidic soil, so choose a fertilizer that is suitable for acid-loving plants. Suitable mixtures are available in gardening stores, but you can also prepare a homemade conditioner from kitchen waste. Coffee grounds are perfect. They are rich in nitrogen, which supports plant growth. Additionally, they help acidify the soil, which, as we wrote above, is beneficial for rhododendrons. At the end of February, spread a thin layer of coffee grounds around the rhododendrons (avoid direct contact of the grounds with shoots and leaves). Gently mix the grounds into the top layer of soil. Water the plants so that the fertilizer can dissolve and penetrate the soil. Also remember not to overdo it with fertilization, especially if you use concentrated preparations. Too much fertilizer can harm the plants by causing the roots to burn.
How to protect a rhododendron for the winter? Wintering of rhododendrons and azaleas
Rhododendron is the general name of plants from the Ericaceae family. In Polish gardens, we most often grow evergreens and azaleas, which shed their leaves in winter. In our climate, they need to be helped to survive the winter. Deeply frozen ground means that rhododendron roots cannot absorb water, making them vulnerable to drought. In the case of rhododendron, the plant rolls its leaves to reduce water loss. This is a natural phenomenon and should not worry us. However, to reduce winter drought and save rhododendrons, you must not forget about mulching. In case of severe frosts, it is worth covering the flowers with agrotextile.
Watering rhododendrons in winter
We start watering rhododendrons before the cold weather. You must also remember that a lot depends on the soil. The more humus the soil, the more water it stores. However, regardless of this, in the case of a rainless autumn, it is a good idea to water the plants before severe frosts occur. Rhododendrons can also be watered in winter, during the thaw, especially if there is little snow.
Wintering of rhododendrons
The basic rules for wintering rhododendrons apply to frost-resistant varieties. As we wrote above, drought is the most harmful to rhododendrons, so it is worth spreading bio-textile under the mulch and making a mound of bark at the base of the bush. In the case of varieties that are less resistant to low temperatures, you can cover the bush with agrotextile. You can also use protection against the drying frosty wind and cover the plants with a special screen or hood available in gardening stores. We start mulching rhododendrons in autumn, and the gaps can be supplemented in winter. When it comes to covering plants, it is best to do it during longer low temperatures. Most rhododendrons available on the market are resistant to temperatures down to -25 and even -30 degrees Celsius.
How to overwinter a rhododendron in a pot?
Rhododendrons in pots, both on terraces and balconies, need better winter protection. It is best to keep the plants in the ground and follow the above wintering rules. However, we cannot always afford this. Then we place the pot on a board or Styrofoam. We cover the whole thing with straw or a special straw mat or biotextile. Ideally, we can store the rhododendron for the winter in a cooler room with a window, e.g. a garage or an unheated staircase.
