Rhododendrons

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Rhododendrons are one of the most popular spring-blooming plants available. These plants are very hardy in our area and once established will grow profusely with very little maintenance required. Rhododendrons do best in moist, rich, well-drained soil that gets full sun to full shade.

Planting Rhododendrons

Dig a hole twice the width and one half the depth of the root ball. Mix the soil removed from the hole with a 50/50 mix of Meadows Farms Planting mix and your existing soil. Backfill the hole to about half with the soil mix. Loosen the burlap or wrap once the ball is set in the desired position (If in plastic or metal container, remove before placing the plant in the desired position). Finish filling the hole and mound soil mix around the root ball, using care not to pile soil on the stem. Cover with a layer of your favorite Meadows Farms mulch. Water thoroughly and use Plant Starter to prevent transplant shock and to stimulate new root growth.

Caring for Your Rhododendrons

Water existing plants sufficiently and fertilize with Hollytone or Miracle-Gro Azalea and Rhododendron Food. Do not fertilize after June 1st. Apply fresh mulch anytime after fertilizing and again in fall, if needed. Prune between May and July after the plants have bloomed. Avoid pruning after late July, as the blossoms are being set for next Spring.

Rhododendron Varieties

Here is just a sampling of the rhododendron varieties you can find at Meadows Farms. Please note that not all locations carry every item so please call your local Meadows Farms retail location for availability.

BOURSAULT

An attractive broadleaf evergreen shrub with lavender flowers in spring and a compact upright habit, quite hardy, good in partial shade; absolutely must have well-drained, highly acidic and organic soil, use plenty of peat moss when planting.

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CUNNINGHAM’S WHITE

An elegant variety with large white blooms with a copper blotch that cover the branches in mid-spring; eye-catching as a garden accent; absolutely must have well-drained, highly acidic and organic soil, use plenty of peat moss when planting.

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ENGLISH ROSEUM

An attractive broadleaf evergreen shrub with cheerful pink flowers in spring and a compact upright habit, quite hardy, good in partial shade; absolutely must have well-drained, highly acidic and organic soil, use plenty of peat moss when planting.

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NOVA ZEMBLA

A popular and attractive broadleaf evergreen shrub with rich red flowers in spring and an upright rounded habit, quite hardy, good in partial shade; absolutely must have well-drained, highly acidic and organic soil, use plenty of peat moss when planting.

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ERCY WISEMAN

Bright red buds produce beautiful pink blooms that fade to creamy white with yellow throats on this majestic shrub in mid-spring; an accent shrub that will definitely make an impact; absolutely must have well-drained, highly acidic and organic soil.

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P.J.M.

A pretty broadleaf evergreen shrub with showy purple-pink flowers in spring and a compact upright habit, very hardy, interesting fall coloration; absolutely must have well-drained, highly acidic and organic soil, use plenty of peat moss when planting.

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ROSEUM ELEGANS

An outstanding broadleaf evergreen shrub with purple-pink flowers in spring and an upright rounded habit, quite hardy, good in partial shade; absolutely must have well-drained, highly acidic and organic soil, use plenty of peat moss when planting.

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VULCAN

A red flowering rhododendron that is one of the last red to bloom; is heat and sun tolerant; a tall, deciduous shrub with broad habit; prefers well-drained, cool, highly acidic and organic soil, use plenty of peat moss when planting.

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