rhododendron

The Rhododendron 'Solidarity' should be watered once a week with 1-2 inches of water. It is best to water thoroughly, making sure moisture reaches the roots. Make sure to keep the soil relatively moist, but never overly soggy. Watering should be reduced in the winter months, with the plant requiring minimal water during this time. However, if the soil is exceptionally dry, the plant should be watered every couple of weeks. As a general rule, towards the end of winter a light fertilization with an acidic fertilizer should be applied.

Rhododendron 'Solidarity' is a low-growing evergreen shrub that enjoys abundant sunlight. It grows best in USDA zones 6 to 8, where it prefers partial sunlight for most of the day, ideally with some morning sun and some shade in the afternoon. Rhododendron 'Solidarity' should not be placed in direct, intense sunlight for more than a few hours a day, as this can cause the foliage to become scorched and may even kill the plant. For ideal growth, Rhododendron 'Solidarity' should receive a minimum of 4 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Prune Rhododendron 'Solidarity' twice a year, once in late spring to remove old, dead branches and once in late summer or early fall to shape the shrub and control its size. When forming the shape of the shrub, always prune back to healthy wood with 2 buds. Pruning in late spring should be light, removing only dead or damaged branches and any overly long or poorly placed branches. Prune to balance the top and bottom of the shrub in late summer, taking out 1-third of the longest shoots. Take out shoots that cross or rub against each other and any shoots that bud out too close to the ground.