The Rhododendron – The Shrub with Magnificent Flowers

Few shrubs are as popular in domestic gardens as the rhododendron. This is mainly due to the magnificent flowers that the shrub produces. The species are as diverse as the colors in which the flowers appear.

By now, around 1,000 different species are known, and although the rhododendron is actually an exotic beauty, some varieties are native to high mountain regions and thus hardy even in our country.

Most well-known species of rhododendrons are evergreen shrubs and can develop into massive bushes. This is despite the fact that rhododendrons grow relatively slowly compared to other shrubs. In addition to the evergreen species, there are also rhododendrons that shed their leaves and can even develop into proper trees. The evergreen leaves of rhododendrons are something special: when they sprout, they develop a yellow, rusty-red, or white felt on the underside of the leaf. This protects the leaves from sunburn in the summer, and over the course of the summer, the fuzz disappears. If the rhododendron is deciduous, it shows a beautiful yellow-orange leaf color in autumn. So, the rhododendron is still a highlight even when the blooming period is over. Who needs flowers all the time to look beautiful?

Of the more than 1,000 known species, only about 10 are native to Europe. These 10 species include the Rust-leaved Alpine Rose, the Transylvanian Alpine Rose, the Yellow Azalea, and the Caucasian Rhododendron. Few plants divide opinions as much as the rhododendron. For some, the rhododendron has become a passion, and different varieties are even collected. Others believe the rhododendron looks artificial and doesn't belong in local gardens. Regardless of personal opinions, it is clear that the rhododendron is one of the most popular garden plants. And this is despite the fact that it has specific needs for its location. It requires lime-free, humus-rich soil that should be as loose as possible. Additionally, the rhododendron needs regular watering to keep the soil constantly moist. Most species thrive in a moist, semi-shady location where it doesn’t get too warm.

To ensure that a newly planted rhododendron doesn't wither away right after blooming, there are a few care tips to follow. It all starts with the planting time and soil. The best time to plant rhododendrons is from spring to May. When planting, it is advisable to use specialized rhododendron soil from a garden center. This way, the plant gets exactly the soil it needs from the very beginning. It's important that the planting hole is at least twice, or ideally three times, as large as the plant’s root ball. The hole should then be filled with the specialized soil. Don’t forget to water the plant because the rhododendron is always thirsty, and the soil should be kept consistently moist. If you also spread mulch on the soil and lightly mix it in, you’ll have created the perfect spot for the rhododendron. In spring, a special rhododendron fertilizer provides new strength, and the plant will develop healthily and happily. If the leaves turn yellow, it’s likely a sign of nitrogen deficiency, but this can be easily corrected with specialized fertilizer.