rhododendron

Rhododendron 'Helsinki University' should be watered on a regular basis throughout the growing season. Water thoroughly whenever the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch. During the warmest months this can be as much as twice weekly, while during the cooler months it can be watered every 1 to 2 weeks, or when the soil feels dry. During winter, keep the soil just barely moist, and then water again in the spring when the plant starts to grow. If you're mulching your rhododendron with organic matter such as wood chips or bark, be sure to keep the mulch away from the stem of the plant so that it does not stay damp.

Rhododendron 'Helsinki University' plants prefer at least 6 hours of direct, full sun each day; however, when the temperatures are higher, they thrive best with a few hours of shade during the hottest part of the day. When grown in full sun, the foliage may become scorched or burned. During periods of rapid growth, supplemental feeding with a well balanced fertilizer is recommended for best performance.

Rhododendron 'Helsinki University' should be pruned in early spring, before new growth starts. Generally, you should prune away dead, diseased, and damaged branches, as well as those that cross or rub on each other. Prune as much as necessary to shape and size the plant, and you can also thin out branches if needed to open up the plant’s canopy. After pruning, a light top dressing of an acid-forming fertilizer will help stimulate further growth.