They have leathery leaves and are available in large and small flowered varieties. Likewise other rhododendrons can be shifted into the backyard for the summer after they have finished flowering. First dig out a planting hole twice the size of the root ball. They come in unusual colours like orange, salmon and red. These are evergreen shrubs, which flower from late autumn to early spring. When transplanting rhododendrons, the root ball must be as big as possible to ensure getting all the roots. Learn how to grow rhododendrons in your garden with the RHS expert guide on choosing, planting, feeding, pruning and propagating plants. It’s a good idea to buy them when they are in flower, that way you can see their colour. Please try searching by suburb or postcode. Most varieties hold their leaves for two years and then in the third year, as summer progresses and autumn nears, the lower leaves drop off the stems. This also helps suppress weeds and reduces watering need. These plants form a branch of the ericaceae family and can offer a wide variety of plant sizes, flower colours, foliage types and plant forms, as well as lending themselves to interesting groupings. Plants grown in shadier spots tend to be less compact than in full sun. Dig in plenty of compost and organic material before planting. Mulch and feed to keep the roots moist in summer. They are a perfect choice for mixed borders, especially under other trees. In early spring, the rhododendron buds swell. Like many groups of plants these are definitely one that you start to collect. Generally, the conditions will have one of the above three points going for it. Having evolved near the equator where the daylight hours are constant, vireya rhododendrons can flower at any time of year. In mild climates rhododendrons and azaleas can be planted almost any time of the year with reasonable success. One of the best time to take cuttings is after flowering and when the new growth has started to harden (semi-hardwood cuttings) - usually sometime around November but it can be earlier or later depending on whether the plant flowers early or late. Avoid weeding or cultivating around your Rhododendron as this can break the fine roots. In hot areas, fall planting is recommended, as this allows the As flowering approaches add 5 ml teaspoon of 9 month Osmocote Plus per 200 mm pot or 5 litres of mix.   0800 4 MITRE 10. Product safety recalls: HPM Hot Water Connection Kit. Enrich the soil with some compost and Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed before planting. Sorry, we're unable to determine your location. Note that if a plant dries out completely no amount of water will nurse it back to health. Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. However, they don’t like their feet to be sitting in water, so ensure that the soil is free draining. Mulch sparingly over the roots and feed with a rhododendron specific fertiliser in spring after the first flush of flowers. Cut the leaves in half to reduce water loss and stick in potting mix. Vireya (tropical) Rhododendrons have glossy leaves and flower for many months. When we started in the plant business back in the early 80s, rhododendrons were a hot ticket item. In favorable climates the transplanting can be done at almost any time when the plant is not in soft growth, except at the very hottest times. A comprehensive information resource covering all aspects of Vireya Rhododendron culture, including cultivation advice, background history, classification & distribution, together with complete listings of named hybrids and Photogallery containing over 900 images. Spray at two weekly intervals fungicide. Plant in semi shade, avoid Lime and mulch annually for best results. Most Wellington soils are the right pH for Rhododendron but you can dig through peat or add aluminium sulphate to bring it down. Space plants 2 to 6 feet apart, depending on their estimated mature size. How to grow rhododendrons in a garden. There’s a broad range of mature plant sizes and temperature tolerances among rhododendron varieties. The best time to plant is from winter to early spring before the new growth appears but they can be planted at any time of year as long as they are well watered through the summer months. Prune young plants and old plants to create the shape you like. A good mulch or gentle hand weed will take care of any weeds. Clusters of small sucking insects that appear on new growth. Wet or alkaline soils can cause a lack of vigour and yellowish leaves. When visiting your plant nursery, choose rhododendrons that are a deep green, and avoid yellowing or wilted plants. Plants grown in shadier spots tend to be less compact than in full sun. Rhododendrons must have plenty of water. Rhododendrons can be pruned easily and very effectively. Please try again. Use a Rhododendron specific fertiliser immediately after flowering. Rhododendrons are hardy, evergreen plants that flower from late winter to early spring. Without enough water in summer rhodos shut down their flower production for the following spring. PLANT HEALTH. Some tropical varieties are reasonably cold tolerant, but almost all of them dislike frost. There are over 100 varieties to choose from so see in-store for your preferred variety. Click here for more info. The sub-tropical vireya rhododendrons thrive in our warmer humid regions. Rhodos don't like their feet to be sitting in water, so ensure that the soil is free draining. I would like to know when is the best time to prune back the plant and how, so it can continue to bloom. Balling is when the flower bud starts to show colour but does not open and turns brown. After planting put down a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and help keep the weeds down. Noted for its abundant flowering, the quality of its foliage and its pleasant fall colors, Hamamelis x intermedia 'Pallida' is one of the most popular hybrid witch hazels and one of the finest winter-flowering shrubs. We were but one of several rhododendron nurseries in Taranaki and to … Do not use lime. ... ©2020 New Zealand Plant … Choose a well drained spot in the garden that gets dappled sunlight during the day and protection from the afternoon sun. In cold climates early spring transplanting is recommended. Slow, stunted growth. R. macgregoriae is still going strong in our garden after 60 years They add drama and a pop of colour to your garden, and come in a range of varieties. Wet or alkaline soils can cause a lack of vigour and yellowish leaves. Plant Of The Month February - Tropical Vireya Add a touch of the tropics to your garden with vireyas, the tropical rhododendron. An acidic (no lime), well draining but moisture retentive soil is preferred. When pruning, look for a growth bud on the stem that you are wanting to cut. Leaves yellow and/or develop dark purple tone. Plant Doctor Archive. The two main things to consider when selecting rhododendrons are your hardiness zone and the amount of space available for the plant to grow. First published in the April issue of NZ Gardener and reprinted here with their permission. Early symptom - light brown or whitish coloured circular spots on petals. On the whole Rhododendrons are really hardy, so if something looks amiss use ageneral insecticide or fungicide, or come and see us in-store. Caring for my Vireya . Rhododendrons enjoy a cool spot in dappled shade but will tolerate full sun if well watered during dry spells. Each flower consists of 4 narrow, crinkled, strap-shaped petals with red-p… Named to commemorate 100 years of nursing in New Zealand, it forms a reliable and floriferous mid-height shrub at 1.5m. A lovely Rhododendron with deep green foliage and a neat and tidy habit. I have a Vireya rhodo Tropical Glow in a container plant in a semi shaded area and is about 1 m high. This is caused by frost, rain or sunburn. Keep mulch away from the plant’s stem as this can lead to rot and pests. If garden soil is poor, feeding rhododendrons is one way to provide the plants with nutrients. They combine well with Azalea, Camellia and Pieris and will look good with trees such as Cornus (Dogwood), Acer (Maples) and the range of Magnolia. Mix compost to the existing soil and back fill gently. The compact trusses of bloom appear in spring and are in tones of pale lavender and purple with a hint of red at the throat. For example, P.J.M. How to Plant Rhododendron & Azaleas Plant in spring or early fall. Rhododendron are appealing and colourful shrubs that are available in a wide range of sizes, leaf textures and forms and in shades of pink, red, white, yellow and blue. Spray early spring and summer to break the cycle, ensuring you get underneath the leaves. Shear your rhododendrons in the winter when you are doing large cuts. This stops them trying to grow seed and will put all that energy into new growth and next season’s flowers. Rhododendrons & Azaleas. Check out the range we grow and see which will be your favourite. Scale Insects suck the plant sap and appear as small brown lumps on the stems and foliage. Prune just above the bud and new growth will appear there. They have a very shallow root system so they can be easily grown in the garden. In heavy frost climates prune in summer/ autumn. Most amateur gardeners do not grow rhododendrons from seed, as they take between 2-10 years to flower. Fertilizing rhododendron bushes isn't necessary if the shrubs are planted in fertile soil. As a rule of thumb, the smaller the leaf, the more sun tolerant they are. Without enough in summer they will shut down their flower production for the following spring. Position in full sun to dense shade. Rhododendrons and their relatives such as pieris and azaleas are very easy to move because they have a dense mat of fibrous roots very near the surface. Improve drainage or lift up plants in wet soils. Keep the pot in shaded conditions until roots start to form – usually within about six weeks. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and 2 times as wide. Enrich the soil with some compost and Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser before planting. (06) 368-5025. How to grow rhododendrons in a garden Choose a well-drained spot in the garden that gets dappled sunlight during the day and protection from the afternoon sun. It is commonly thought that Rhododendrons only grow in a cold climate, but tropical varieties are also available that prefer more temperate climates. Avoid overhead watering. Growing them is easy, this guide will show you how. Make sure they are not shaded too heavily over the summer as this could inhibit flower bud set for the following season as well as encourage the plant to grow leggy and become sparsely foliaged. Small black sucking insect that cause the leaves to go silver and dry. These Rhododendrons grow best in cooler climates with deep soil and high rainfall. Pick off diseased flowers. Some tropical varieties are reasonably cold tolerant, but almost all of them dislike frost. Deep watering is more effective than light sprinkling. Pruning is best done after flowering in late spring, this gives the plants the best possible chance of flowers for the following season. Spray with insecticide at 2-3 weekly intervals through summer. Additional payment options available at selected stores, To contact your local store 0800 4 6487310 Decline in vigour and leaves turn yellow while the veins remain green. Best planted from September through to March. Rhododendrons have a few requirements: excellent drainage, a soil pH between 4.5 and 6.0, and protection from hot afternoon sun. The biggest pest is Thrips which causes silver leaves with brown spots underneath. Breeding has created many compact forms for smaller gardens. At planting time, use 10-10-6 fertilizer before you water the plant in. If the plant cannot be transplanted immediately, it can be put in a container with plenty of mulch to keep the roots from dying in cold temperatures. Both Himalayan and tropical varieties grow best in a moist, well-drained lime-free acidic soil. Brown-black specks on the underside of leaves. Spots enlarge to form irregular blotches until whole flower collapses. Rhododendron specific fertiliser in late spring after flower finishes and just before new growth starts. Site: Plant the rhododendron out of the wind and in dappled shade, preferably from a high cover of limbs that will give filtered shade all day. They make fantastic container plants with thick shiny leaves and waxy flowers. Advanced symptoms - Petals feel slimy. Here are a few varieties to consider: PLANT TYPES Himalayan (cold climate) Rhododendrons. (04) 564-8391        Levin (Ohau), 132 McLeavey Road. Winter pruning is better for more shocking trims because the plant is dormant, so its energy is not in its leaves or flowers. Brown edges on the leaf can be stress caused by dehydration from wind, sun or dry soil. Improve drainage or lift up plants in wet soils. The flowers appear in … These varieties require plenty of water when new growth appears after flowering has finished. Vireya (tropical) Rhododendrons have glossy leaves and flower for many months. Protection from the afternoon sun will help prevent leaves from sun damage. Spray with insecticide at two weekly intervals. After flowering is also the right time for pruning. Azaleas and Rhododendrons are versatile evergreen shrubs, popular for their vivid displays of flowers from late winter to early summer. They can grow from 50cm up to 4 metres. Move the plant to a more sheltered position. They prefer full sun in winter, and part shade in summer. Mites are minute sucking insects found on the underside of leaves in a fine webbing causing distortion, speckling and silvering of leaves to cause the leaves to go yellow (stippled or mottled) and dehydrated in hot dry weather. Wainuiomata, 285 Moores Valley Road. Rhododendrons have fibrous root structures which are masses of tiny hair like roots that stay close to the surface. They come in unusual colours like orange, salmon and red. Well suited to Auckland’s climate, most varieties produce stunning bursts of flowers multiple times a year. They work well in most styles of gardens especially oriental and woodland. Posted by on 18 November 2019. Most Wellington soils are the right pH for Rhododendron but you can dig through peat or add aluminium sulphate to bring it down. When they finish flowering you should prune or trim the spent flowering heads. YELLOWING OF LEAVES AND NATURAL LEAF FALL IN AUTUMN Rhododendrons, although evergreen plants, do lose some of their leaves. Spray with insecticide at two weekly intervals. When planting, dig a hole that is roughly twice the size of the root ball and loosen the removed soil. Sorry, this page is unavailable right now. Most rhododendrons and azaleas in the landscape, even large ones, can be moved using proper care. Try not to prune during a freeze. Water each shrub deeply through the drier months. They prefer full sun in winter, and part shade in summer. Here are a few varieties to consider: Best planted from March through to September. Usually hardy and easy care, they can be affected by Aphids and Mites which are easily sprayed for. Here is a quick guide to pests and diseases that Rhododendrons can be prone to. Rhododendrons are neat, bright shrubs that deserve a spot in your garden. Rhododendrons must have plenty of water. Stamping down the soil can break the delicate root ball. They have a very shallow root system so they can be easily grown in the garden. Rhodo tips: Plant … Many varieties keep a naturally tidy habit but pinching off the new shoots at the end of the stems will encourage more buds further down to burst away. hybrids are among the most reliably cold-hardy rhododendrons. They do not like having wet feet and benefit from having a mound created for them to sit up above the soil level to improve drainage. Adding compost, potting mix or coir fibre will help. Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Look carefully on old wood to find growth buds. Rhododendron Fertilizer Schedule You’ll want to use a particular fertilizer composition for the different stages of your rhododendron growth. Cutting in the winter is the best way to ensure that your plant will have new growth after you prune it. You can also take stem cuttings from existing rhododendrons and plant them to grow a new plant. Rhododendron specific fertiliser in late spring after flower finishes and just before new growth starts. As you travel around New Zealand you will notice rhododendrons growing in certain environments that you might not recognise as being particularly textbook conditions. Hardy, this medium to large, vase-shaped, deciduous shrub enjoys dense clusters of fragrant, frost-proof, bright sulphur-yellow flowers in mid- to late winter. If only growing a few plants, an easy mix to convert is, a good indoor plant potting mix with the addition of 25% chopped sphagnum moss. In colder areas, early spring planting is recommended, with early fall planting being a second choice. Tropical: Position in full sun to dense shade. Move the plant to a more sheltered position, increase watering and mulch around the shrub. Making sure the fertiliser is watered in immediately. Click on this article to learn how to fertilize rhododendrons. These Rhododendrons grow best in cooler climates with deep soil and high rainfall. In the first few years make sure they don’t fry out in summer. Autumn and Winter (in mild and moderate climates) is the best time to plant Rhododendrons. Spray early spring and summer to break the cycle, ensuring you get underneath the leaves. 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