Can rhododendron grow in Canada?
The Canadian Rhododendron Society flourishes in Southern Ontario, British Columbia and the Atlantic provinces, and there are now good nurseries who sell locally grown plants. The neat thing about rhododendrons is that now is just as good a time to plant as spring.
How do I take care of a rhododendron?
Shrubs need six hours of sun daily. If you live in the warmer end of their growing zones, be sure you choose a site that gets afternoon shade. Soil should be well-drained, moist, and acidic (pH 4.5 to 6). Rhododendrons don’t do well in heavy soils that drain poorly.
What do you do with rhododendrons in the winter?
PJM type rhododendrons in most years will not require extra winter care. For the other years protection from the winter sun and wind is the most important measure you can take. This is best accomplished by wrapping the plant in burlap, or enclosing it in a burlap tent.
Are rhododendrons winter hardy?
Many Azaleas and Rhododendrons are fully cold hardy, however a few of them have frost-resistant flowers. Any flowers blooming before the last spring frost are susceptible to damage.
How do you prepare rhododendrons for winter?
- Add 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the rhododendron to protect the roots.
- Cover the rhododendron plant with an anti-desiccant spray before the first frost arrives.
- Avoid fertilizing the plants after July.
- Water the plants well until the first frost.
- Protect the rhododendron from strong winter winds with burlap.
How do you care for rhododendrons in Ontario?
Rhododendrons and azaleas do not like to dry out, therefore, your soil must be consistently moist but never soggy. Rhododendrons and azaleas benefit from an application of acid fertilizers in the spring such as CIL Rhododendron, Azalea and Camillia Food 4-12-8. Do not over feed and do not fertilize after June 30.
How do you keep a rhododendron blooming?
To maximize your spring display, always prune rhododendrons right after they finish blooming — before new flower buds form. Remove dead or damaged branches any time of year. Schedule any major pruning projects for late winter when the plant is dormant. Just remember that late-season pruning equals lost blooms.
How do you protect rhododendrons from snow?
Cover the rhododendron plant with an anti-desiccant spray before the first frost arrives. This will ensure that the leaves do not lose moisture during the winter.
Do rhododendrons need to be protected from frost?
Certain rhododendrons and deciduous azaleas can survive temperatures as low as -35°F (-37°C). It is normal for some rhododendrons to exhibit leaf droop and curl at around 32°F (0°C).; the lower the temperature the tighter the curl. Leaf movement occurs rapidly and it is reversible as temperature warms.
Do rhododendrons need to be covered for frost?
Never cover the top of the plant. The ideal location of a rhododendron is where it is protected from cold winter winds, gets some winter shade but early spring sun.
What time of year do you cut back rhododendrons?
Sometimes large, long-established rhododendrons have to be moved. This is a sizeable but relatively simple job. For best results, it should be done in the fall or in early spring before new growth begins. The roots are cut back (pruned) with a sharp shovel, leaving a wide but shallow pad of roots and soil.