rhododendron

For Rhododendron 'Nova Zembla', the watering amount and frequency will depend on the season. During the spring and summer, water it thoroughly every 5-7 days with enough water so that the soil becomes moist but not saturated. During the fall and winter, water it only when the soil begins to dry out, so usually every 10-14 days. Make sure to avoid over-watering, as this will cause root rot in the plant.

Rhododendron 'Nova Zembla' prefers partial sun to bright shade and a minimum of 6 hours of filtered sunlight per day. This species of rhododendron does best in a spot that gets morning sun and is shaded from afternoon sun. Any exposure to direct, hot afternoon sun can lead to leaf burn. Proper sunlight is especially essential during the blooming period from late May until mid-June. During this time, Rhododendron 'Nova Zembla' prefers 6 hours of direct sunlight with bright shade in the afternoon for best flowering success.

Rhododendron 'Nova Zembla' should be pruned twice a year, once in the early spring and then again after the blooming period in the late summer or early fall. Pruning the shrub in early spring is important to encourage blooming, while pruning in late summer helps to maintain the shape and size of the shrub. Before pruning, use a pair of hand pruners to remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches. When pruning, selectively trim away long or matted branches to improve air flow throughout the shrub and create a tighter shape. Clip off branches that cross the center and remove branches that are growing towards the inside of the shrub. Aim for a uniform height and shape and don’t over-prune, as this can cause damage to the shrub.