Planting Rhododendrons and Azaleas

Rhododendrons and azaleas absolutely require an acid soil. Soil in the southern half of Ohio and for the most part in the eastern states are naturally only slightly acid or alkaline. The acidity must be increased before rhododendrons and azaleas will really thrive. Peat added to the soil will give this result best.

Mix a liberal quantity of baled peat (Canadian, Dutch, German or Swedish) with the soil in the bed. Peat sold in bulk are usually not satisfactory. Thoroughly soak the peat before mixing with the soil. Dry peat takes moisture from the newly planted material.

Use one-half peat and one-half soil (thoroughly mixed) and add 1 cup of "Flowers of Sulfur" or Aluminum Sulphate" for each bushel of soil mixture.

When planting, entirely remove the burlap from the earth balls about the plants and see that there are no large lumps of soil to form air pockets under or around the plant. The top of the ball should be level with the bed. Care should be taken not to get the plant too deep. Flood the bed well with water to settle the soil. Never pack soil about the roots. Be sure to remove all nursery labels and wires.

Where to Plant:

Rhododendrons and azaleas make handsome additions to foundation plantings. They do best in our locality when used on north and east exposures. They are also ideal for naturalistic plantings in wooded areas.

Do not plant either rhododendrons or azaleas in a location where they will get an extreme amount of whipping from winter wind, or, where the summer sun reflects an extreme amount of heat from buildings or pavements. If you are in doubt about the location, consult one of our experts.

Rhododendrons and azaleas have a shallow fine root system and are easily damaged by dry spells. Frequent watering during such dry spells are necessary.

Watering in the summer and fall helps prevent winter injury. The flower buds also benefit from this watering as they are formed about this time.

Plantings put in after September and some of the tender varieties will benefit by evergreen branches (such as a discarded Christmas tree) laid over the roots and worked in amount the branches of the plant. A windbreak made out of burlap placed around -- not over -- is also beneficial.

It is normal for rhododendron leaves to curl when the weather is below freezing. Brown specks on the underside of the leaves are generally caused by Lace Wing Flies. They are easily controlled by spraying with "Isotox", "Malathion", or "Orthene" used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Important - fertilize rhododendrons and azaleas twice yearly and add topdressing of peat moss. These are available at our garden stores. Care should be taken to use these fertilizers in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations in order to avoid over-feeding and possible injury to your plants. Cottonseed meal and soybean meal are also excellent fertilizers when available.

Yellow foliage can generally be corrected by the application of "Sequestrene" used at the recommended rate.