rhododendron

It's important to water your rhododendron regularly to ensure it stays healthy and blooms consistently. Generally, plan on watering your rhododendron once a week in high summer and once every 2 weeks the rest of the year. When watering the rhododendron, make sure to water deeply and slowly, so that the water penetrates the entire root system. During especially hot days, you can increase the amount of water used to twice a week or more. Let the soil dry out slightly in between waterings. It is also important to avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot. Finally, if the weather has been especially dry or windy, check the soil moisture and water as needed.

Rhododendrons require several hours of direct sunlight each day. During the summer months, 5-6 hours of sunlight is recommended, while in the winter, 4-5 hours is sufficient. In zones 3-7 (where rhododendrons are hardy), full sun in the morning provides best results, particularly in northern locations. In warm climates, such as those of zones 8-9, providing some shade in the afternoon for rhododendrons may be beneficial. When planting rhododendrons, it's important to choose a location with morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled all day light.

Pruning Rhododendrons (evergreen spp. & cvs.) should be done differently depending on the species and cultivar. For Spring-flowering Species: Prune after the flowers have bloomed or in the early fall before exposure to cold temperatures. Summer-flowering species should be pruned in late winter or early spring. During pruning, remove the old, dead, or damaged wood as well as any crossing branches. The same applies for Autumn-flowering species, but pruning should occur in early summer instead. When pruning, always make sure to cut back above a healthy bud, at a branch collar. This is where the branch meets the stem. Be careful not to cut too deep into the stems. Doing so can damage the plant and cause dieback. Also, when pruning for a shape, consider the plant’s natural form, how it will look from all angles, and try not to create a lopsided appearance. Lastly, it’s best to prune in small increments each year, rather than attempting to clip away large amounts of growth all at once.