Rhododendron Container Care Growing Rhododendrons In Containers

Maintenance: Place the container in a location with lots of indirect sunlight, part shade or dappled shade—somewhere that the plant has access to the sun but without risking the flowers and foliage of becoming scorched and damaged. Make sure to water rhododendrons thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch.

Can I grow rhododendron in a container?

Rhododendrons are nice shrubs perfectly suited to being grown in pots. Here are our tips to ensure your potted rhododendrons will develop and bloom year after year. We recommend choosing dwarf species for growing in pots, since these are varieties that never grow taller than 32 inches tall even when mature.

Why is my potted rhododendron wilting?

Rhododendron plants may be prone to root rot, which is often caused by the Phytophthora cinnamomi fungus. ... Root rot is characterized by slow growth, drooping or wilting foliage and dark discoloration up the base of the plant.

When should I feed my rhododendron in pots?

Sprinkle a small handful of pellets around the plants in early spring and repeat as the flowers fade. If the weather is dry, water thoroughly after application. Vitax Azalea, Rhododendron and Shrub fertiliser can be used on plants in pots and in the open ground.

Do rhododendrons like full sun or shade?

Most large-leafed varieties require dappled shade; avoid deep shade or full sun. A sunny spot that receives a few hours of shade is perfect. See regional guidelines below. Soil should be well-drained, humus-rich, moist, and acidic (pH 4.5–6).

Are coffee grounds good for rhododendrons?

Fresh Coffee Grounds for Acid-Loving Plants

Your acid-loving plants like hydrangeas, rhododendrons, azaleas, lily of the valley, blueberries, carrots, and radishes can get a boost from fresh grounds. ... Fresh coffee grounds still have most of their caffeine content as well as the acid.

Where is the best place to plant a rhododendron?

Unlike many blooming plants, rhododendron does not like full morning sun in winter and does best when planted in dappled shade on the north side of a building. Growing rhododendrons are happiest in a location protected from the wind and not under eves of a building.

How do you revive a dying rhododendron?

Prune away any dying tissue. ...
Spray the leaves and stem of your rhododendron plant with insecticides. ...
Move your rhododendron if you think it may be getting direct afternoon sunlight. ...
Change your rhododendron's soil if you believe it retains too much water.

Why do my rhododendrons keep dying?

Answer: Rhododendrons and azaleas are susceptible to a fungal wilt disease called Phytophthora root rot. The Phytophthora fungus enters the roots of the plant from infested soil and clogs the water-conducting vessels of the plant. Symptoms include poor growth, rolling of leaves, and the eventual death of the plant.

How do you keep a rhododendron healthy?

Avoid frost pockets and sites exposed to early morning sun.

Rhododendrons need moist but well-drained, acid soil between pH 5.0 and 6.0 that is rich in organic matter.
If you have alkaline soil, grow rhododendrons as container plants or see our page on more tolerant species and cultivars.

What is the best fertilizer for rhododendrons?

You'll want to use a particular fertilizer composition for the different stages of your rhododendron growth. At planting time, use 10-10-6 fertilizer before you water the plant in. In early spring, the rhododendron buds swell. At this time, apply a complete 10-8-6 fertilizer.

What happens if you don't Deadhead rhododendrons?

If you don't do this task, your rhody will pump out about the same amount of flowers next spring as it did this year. If your goal is to produce more flowers, deadheading will encourage increased branching, and that usually results in more blooms (note the word “usually”).

Can you over water rhododendrons?

Too much water promotes root rot that can cause plant death. Too little water, and it feels like a dry sponge, and the plant will suffer and be badly damaged. ... Because of their shallow roots, little or no cultivation should be done around rhododendrons.

Is Rhododendron poisonous to dogs?

All parts of the rhododendron plant are toxic for dogs. Symptoms include gastrointestinal upset followed by weakness, paralysis, and abnormal heart rhythms.

What soil type do rhododendrons like?

Rhododendrons and soil pH

Rhododendrons grow best in soils with a pH of 4.5-6.0. They do not grow well in soils with appreciable levels of calcium.

Are rhododendrons difficult to grow?

Rhododendrons need moist, acid, loose, well-drained soil that contains a good bit of organic matter. This is why they're hard to grow here. Most Southerners have either acid, clay soil or alkaline, clay soil. Rhododendrons hate both, because clay drains slowly and roots rot.

Are eggshells good for rhododendrons?

Crush the shells with your hands, and sprinkle the powder near flowering bushes like rhododendrons and hydrangeas. ... Your plants will thrive from the calcium boost the eggshells provide.

Is Epsom salt good for rhododendrons?

Magnesium in the form of Epsom salts is sometimes recommended for rhododendrons. Magnesium is an essential element and lack of it will cause yellowish areas between the leaf veins on older leaves. If the leaves are a solid green the addition of Epsom salts would not be useful.

Are banana peels good for the garden?

Banana peels are good for gardens because they contain 42 percent potassium (abbreviated to its scientific name K), one of the three major components of fertilizer along with nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) and shown on fertilizer labels as NPK. In fact, banana peels have the highest organic sources of potassium.

What time of year should you plant rhododendrons?

In mild climates rhododendrons and azaleas can be planted almost any time of the year with reasonable success. In colder areas, early spring planting is recommended, with early fall planting being a second choice.

Should I deadhead rhododendron?

Deadheading prevents the flowers from going to seed and rhododendrons should be deadheaded too in order to give the plant energy for more flower production next year. ... Deadheading will also give your rhododendron a tidier appearance until next year's flowering period.

When should rhododendrons be planted?

When to plant:

Mild climates: Rhododendrons and azaleas can be planted year-round.
Cold climates: Early spring planting is best, with early fall planting a good second choice.
Hot climates: Fall planting allows the plant's root system to establish during the cooler months.