Rhododendrons need protection from the Winter sun, so a location that gets Summer shade from trees but Winter sun when the leaves have fallen may not be the best location. A sheltered location on the east or north side of a building will suite them just fine.

Prepare the planting area for rhododendrons and azaleas by adding about one-third peat moss to the existing soil. Azaleas and rhododendrons do not do well in heavy, poorly drained soil. Amend the soil in an area at least two-to-three times the width of the root ball. Do not use sand to amend clay; instead use organic materials, such as peat moss or compost. It is very important that these plants are at the right planting level. Set them a little above the existing ground level. Most failures in transplanting result from the root ball being planted too deeply. Bonide Startup should be used every two weeks if planted in the Spring or early Summer. Stop fertilizing these, and all plants except annuals, by mid-July. Always use Bachman's Excel Gro water-soluble acid fertilizer on established rhododendrons and azaleas. Follow the label directions carefully.

Revised: 03/10/98