rhododendron

Rhododendron 'Capistrano' should be watered often enough to keep the soil evenly moist. During the growing season (spring and summer) it should be watered deeply once every week to 10 days. In between waterings, the top inch or 2 of the soil should be checked, and if dry, the plant should be watered lightly. In the fall and winter, it should be watered once every 3 to 4 weeks. If the weather is very hot and dry, however, it should be watered more often.

Rhododendron 'Capistrano' prefers a location with part sun to part shade and requires at least 3-4 hours of direct sunlight per day. During mid-day, it’s best to provide some shade as the plant may become scorched in the intense sun. In the early morning and late afternoon, when the sun is less direct, the rhododendron will be able to soak up more of the sun’s rays without wilting and sunburn. As the seasons progress, some thinning of branches may be required to encourage new growth and help maximize the amount of sunlight to the living parts of the plant.

Rhododendron 'Capistrano' should be pruned once per year in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning should be done lightly to maintain the desired size and shape of the plant, as well as to encourage abundant flowering and increased branching. Start by removing any dead, damaged or weak branches. Then thin out any overly dense growth to improve air circulation and light penetration. Finally, selectively prune to achieve the desired shape and size of the plant. Make sure to leave at least 3 to 4 leaves on each branch to promote new growth. Pruning this species can also help encourage more flowers and better flowering for the following year.