Lavender rhododendrons are typically slow-growing plants, so you shouldn’t expect them to reach their mature size quickly. Typically, they can grow up to 1 foot each year and can reach a mature height of 4-6 feet, depending on the variety.
There are some dwarf varieties that may only reach a height of 2-3 feet. Lavender rhododendrons also grow outwards, so their mature width can reach up to 6 feet. While lavender rhododendrons prefer moist soil and partial to full shade, they can tolerate some sun and are generally hardy from zone 5 to zone 8.
With proper care, they can also live up to 25 years.
What is the easiest rhododendron to grow?
The Rhododendron catawbiense is generally considered to be one of the easiest rhododendrons to grow. In addition to being relatively easy to care for, it is also an adaptable plant that can grow in USDA hardiness zones ranging from 4 to 8.
It is often found in gardens because of its showy purple or lavender flowers and glossy evergreen foliage. It prefers well-drained, acidic soil, along with some shade or filtered sun, and is drought tolerant once established.
It should be watered regularly, however, and is intolerant of salty soils. Care should also be taken to fertilize the plant twice a year using an organic fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer, and to prune it regularly to maintain its desired shape.
With the proper care, Rhododendron catawbiense can live for well over 50 years, making it a low maintenance, long-lived addition to any garden.
How long does it take for a rhododendron to grow to full size?
The amount of time it takes for a rhododendron plant to grow to its full size depends on a number of factors, including the variety, the conditions in which it is planted, and its age when it was planted.
Generally speaking, it can take 3-7 years for a rhododendron plant to reach its full size. Many varieties reach approximately 5-8 feet in height and about 5-7 feet in width, although some varieties may grow larger or smaller depending on environmental factors.
In some cases, it may take a full decade before a planted rhododendron reaches its full size.
How much does a rhododendron grow each year?
The growth rate of a rhododendron varies depending on a few factors, such as the climate and variety. Generally, rhododendrons grow 3-6 inches per year. However, some hybrids can grow up to 10-12 inches per year.
Also, the height of the rhododendron at maturity may vary depending on the variety. For example, some varieties like ‘English Roseum’ can reach up to 8 feet in height, while others, like ‘Ramapo’, may only grow to 4 feet tall.
Additionally, some rhododendron species have an upright compact form, while others have an open spreading form and will continue to grow wider each year. Generally, the growth rate of a rhododendron also depends on how much moisture and sun it receives, so proper maintenance is important to promote healthy and continued growth.
How do you speed up rhododendrons?
In order to speed up the growth of rhododendrons, there are a few things you can do. First, these plants prefer full to partial sun, so make sure it gets at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sun per day. Second, water your rhododendron sparingly, providing just enough water that the top 2 inches of soil remain moist.
If you overwater, the plant’s growth and flowering can be stunted. Third, ensure you’re providing the proper mix of nutrients with a fertilizer containing ammonium sulfate, a balanced fertilizer, or a fertilizer with added micronutrients, and if you’re growing rhododendrons in containers, replace their soil with a bagged planting mix containing embedded fertilizer, as potting soils lack the expected range and longevity of nutrients.
Lastly, prune your rhododendrons in the late spring to early summer, removing any dead or diseased growth and shaping the branches to promote new growth and further flowering of the plant. If you adhere to these tips, you should be able to speed up rhododendron growth and help it reach its full potential.
Do rhododendrons bloom all summer?
No, rhododendrons typically do not bloom all summer long. In most areas, they are deciduous and will generally bloom from late spring to early or mid-summer. Some varieties may also bloom for a short period into early autumn.
In areas with mild climates, rhododendrons may be evergreen and may produce flowers throughout the year, but even then, their blooming periods will usually occur in late spring or at least in the late summer/early fall.
Should I remove dead flowers from rhododendron?
Yes, you should remove dead flowers from your rhododendron. Dead flowers not only detract from the overall health of the plant, but they can also spread disease to the surrounding foliage. Removing dead flowers can help promote new growth.
To do this, use pruning shears to cut off the dead flowers at their base. Avoid cutting into the new buds as this can slow down growth and encourage disease. When cutting back old foliage, make sure to leave at least two to three flower buds for the next flowering cycle.
Also, be sure to regularly monitor your rhododendron for disease and pests. Keeping a close eye on the health of your rhododendron can help prevent disease and ensure its long life.
What happens if you don’t deadhead rhododendrons?
If you don’t deadhead rhododendrons, you risk not only reducing the overall health and beauty of your plants, but also hindering future blooming capabilities. Deadheading rhododendrons generally means cutting off a spent flower stalk, leaving the foliage on the plant.
This helps encourage new, lush growth and more blooms in the future. If you don’t perform this task, the flower stalk will start to look untidy and invite pests, such as aphids and certain species of beetles, to settle around your plant.
Your rhododendron may also develop a fungal infection, such as Botrytis. This can lead to the spread of disease to other plants nearby due to spores that are spread by water droplets. Not deadheading rhododendrons also increases the possibility of self-seeding.
This means that small plants will start to appear around the mother plant, crowding it and taking away much-needed resources. If these rogue plants are not removed, they will start to suck nutrients and water from the original, resulting in an unattractive and unhealthy plant.
Why did my rhododendron stop blooming?
It is normal for a rhododendron to occasionally stop blooming. One possibility is a lack of water. Rhododendrons require a lot of water throughout the blooming season, and prolonged dry periods can cause the flowers to stop blooming.
Another potential cause could be too much or too little sunlight. Rhododendrons like bright, indirect light for best results, and too much or too little can play a role in preventing blooms. Finally, the soil may be too acidic or alkaline for the rhododendron.
Rhododendrons need soil that is slightly acidic (pH of 5.5 to 6), so soil that is too alkaline can prevent blooms.
These are just some of the potential causes of a rhododendron not blooming, and a gardener should perform some basic tests in order to rule out potential causes and determine potential solutions. Test the soil pH level to ensure that it is in the right range, and ensure that the plant is receiving adequate water and sunlight.
If, after all these steps, the rhododendron is still not blooming, it might need an additional nutrient boost. Feed the plant with a fertilizer meant specifically for rhododendrons, and with proper care and luck, the plant should soon begin to bloom again.
What is the difference between a rhododendron and an azalea?
Rhododendrons and azaleas are both part of the genus Rhododendron, and both are woody evergreen shrubs with fragrant flowers. However, there are some distinct differences between them. Rhododendrons can grow to be quite large, with mature plants ranging anywhere from 2 – 25 feet tall and 3 – 20 feet wide.
Azaleas, on the other hand, usually max out at around 6 feet high and wide. In terms of their foliage, rhododendrons feature thick, leathery leaves, while azaleas tend to have more delicate leaves.
Rhododendrons generally have larger flowers that bloom in clusters while azaleas often have smaller solitary flowers. Rhododendrons have broader blooms that open up completely and often have 10 or more stamens while azaleas have narrower blooms and fewer stamens.
The colors of rhododendrons and azaleas can vary widely, with both having many varieties that are shades of pink, red, white, yellow, orange and purple. The difference between these colors is usually more noticeable in rhododendrons as they tend to be more vivid than azaleas.
Culturally, rhododendrons are most closely associated with mountainous forests, while azaleas are native to swampy, wet regions. In gardening, rhododendrons are preferred as they require minimal pruning and care, whereas azaleas require more regular pruning and clipping to keep them looking nice.
In conclusion, while rhododendrons and azaleas are both part of the same genus, there are some very distinct differences between them. Rhododendrons are larger plants with thicker, leathery leaves and larger, broader blooms, while azaleas are smaller plants with finer, more delicate foliage and smaller flowers with fewer stamens.
When should rhododendrons be planted?
Rhododendrons should be planted during early spring, before the temperatures rise too high. This will help ensure the root ball has time to become established before the summer. Be sure to pick the right location for your rhododendron, as it requires well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
Before planting, loosen the soil and mix in some organic matter, such as compost or peat moss. Rhododendrons should be planted at their own depth or slightly higher. Once planted, water the soil well and feed your rhododendron with a general-purpose fertilizer.
Mulch around the base of the rhododendron to retain moisture and discourage weed growth. Additionally, prune your rhododendron every spring, removing any dead shoots and crossing branches.
Do rhododendrons like sun or shade?
Rhododendrons generally prefer shade or filtered sunlight. Ideally, they should receive 4-6 hours of dappled sun or full morning sun and be protected from intense afternoon light. Too much sun can cause leaf scorch or bleaching.
It is important to note that different types of Rhododendrons have varying sun requirements. For example, evergreen Rhododendrons like ‘English Roseum’ prefers more shade that most other varieties. When planting, select the best site for your particular type of Rhododendron.
Can you plant rhododendrons in spring?
Yes, it is possible to plant rhododendrons in the spring. Rhododendrons are considered partial shade plants and as such, they prefer moist, well-drained soil with lots of organic matter and plenty of mulch.
They are not overly fussy and can tolerate a range of pH levels in the soil. Planting should take place when the temperature is above freezing and with plenty of water on hand to ensure the root ball is well moistened.
Rhododendrons have shallow, fibrous roots and can dry out quickly; therefore, the soil should be kept lightly moist until new roots have begun to develop in the soil. Fertilizer should not be applied to the newly planted rhododendrons until they are established and some initial growth has occurred.
Can rhododendrons grow in full shade?
Yes, rhododendrons can grow in full shade, however they need at least two to four hours of sunlight each day to thrive. Rhododendrons prefer a partially shaded to semi-shaded area, and should be planted in well-drained, rich soil, with mulch to keep weeds down and the roots cool.
These plants do not tolerate harsh conditions where temperatures remain above 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, or below 15 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. When planting in full shade, it is important to keep the area evenly moist, but never soggy, to keep the plant healthy.
Pruning should also be done each year, as this will help maintain an upright shape of the shrub and will help keep the flower clusters from being covered by too much foliage in the spring.