rhododendron

Rhododendrons should be watered 1-2 times a week, but it will need more if it is in the full sun, if the temperatures are above 70℉, or if the soil is sandy. Make sure the soil is damp but not wet, wait until the top layer is dry before watering again. In hot weather, additional weekly watering may be necessary. During colder months, when the plant is dormant, it should only be watered on an as-needed basis.

Rhododendron lanatum requires full sun to partial shade for optimum health and growth. Partial shade is ideal during the hottest parts of the day, in the afternoon and in areas with longer hours of light. During the growing season, this species should receive around 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in the winter months, when the plant is dormant, it may need less direct sunlight, around 2 to 4 hours a day.

Pruning a rhododendron (Rhododendron lanatum) is necessary to promote healthy growth and flowering. This type of evergreen shrub prefers light pruning to maintain a neat and attractive appearance. The best time to prune a rhododendron is when it is actively growing, generally in late spring, after its bloom cycle has ended and the stems are actively growing. The amount of pruning largely depends upon the desired size and shape of the shrub; however, it is generally recommended to only remove up to 1-third of the total canopy for any given season. When pruning, make sure to remove dead and broken branches and faded blooms, and always use sharp, clean pruning shears to get clean cuts.