rhododendron

For Rhododendron 'Pohjola's Daughter', water the plant when the top 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of soil has dried out completely. When watering, thoroughly saturate the root system, but be careful not to over-water. In general, these plants require roughly 1 to 2 inches of rain or equivalent watering each week during the growing season, and about half of that during the resting period (usually winter). Make sure the soil is well-draining as standing water can damage the roots. Pay extra attention to watering in the summer months, as these plants are more sensitive to dry soil during hot weather than during cooler months.

Rhododendrons require a minimum of 4 to 6 hours of direct, unblocked sunlight per day for optimal growth and flowering. The Rhododendron 'Pohjola's Daughter' species is considered a partial shade-loving plant, meaning it grows best in morning or late afternoon sunlight. Plants can tolerate full sun for some periods of the day, however, they should never be exposed to prolonged full sun conditions. Keeping Rhododendrons in some light shade will help prevent leaf burn, wilting, and dry blooms.

Pruning Rhododendron 'Pohjola's Daughter' is best done when the plant is in an active growth period, which usually takes place in early spring. Normally, pruning should be done after flowering. Pruning should focus on removing dead or damaged leaves and branches, thinning out congested plants, and removing any crossed or rubbing branches. If the plant is very large, it may also be useful to thin out some of the lower branches to open up the center of the plant. This will give the plant more air circulation. As a general rule, do not remove more than 1-third of the plant when pruning. Too much pruning can not only lead to a poor growth response, but can also harm the plant's health.