One Hundred Dollars a Month reader Claudia recently sent me an email asking how she should take care of a rhododendron shrub her mother in law gave her.
Here in Washington you cannot drive down the street without seeing a giant rhododendron in someones yard. A rhododendron is an evergreen that has beautiful big blooms in the spring. It is very similar to an Azalea {except Azalea’s aren’t evergreens}. They are perfect if you have a shady spot that is in need of some color. {I have plenty of shady spots in my backyard, but Rhododendrons are poisonous to dogs, so sadly, I cannot have them.}
They require just a bit of TLC, but once you get the basics down, they make a great addition to your landscaping.
With Rhododendrons, the first thing to consider is soil. They prefer a slightly acidic soil {kind of like blueberry bushes}. So, some soil amendments might be in order. {I use coffee grounds and pine needles to amend my soil}.
Next, consider placement. They do not like direct sunlight, and can’t withstand a ton of wind. So choose a shady protected area. They are perfect for those shady areas that might be up against the house.
Next, mulch, mulch, mulch. Rhododendrons have shallow roots that need to be protected from weather extremes, both hot and cold. The mulching will help keep the moisture level consistent too–they like that delicate balance of not drying out and not sitting in stagnant water. Mulching with pine needles or pine straw can help with the soil pH and protect the roots.
Finally, make sure to prune your Rhododendron immediately after they finish blooming {usually June-July}. If you wait too long, they get a bit cranky, and may not give you flowers the next year. To prune, just pinch back dead blooms. Over-pruning can also lead to a couple of years of no-blooms. If you have an established Rhododendron that has gotten too big, you may just have to bite the bullet, prune it way back, and accept a couple of years with no flowers. They are grudge holders, but they always come back around, eventually.
Rhododendrons do not really have a ton of insect problems, and with a bit of routine maintenance, they will provide years of year-round color to your yard.
The Perennial Care Manual: A Plant-by-Plant Guide: What to Do & When to Do It
Becky says
Thanks for mentioning the toxicity issue. Our 400 lb llama died a very quick painful death recently after eating only 6 or so leaves. I’d hate for anyone else to lose an animal that way. It was devistating!
Michele says
We are in Bellingham and there are certainly lots of rhododendrons here! We have around 8 different bushes, some quite large, in our yard. They are lovely for my 6yo to climb on and they are such nice evergreens.
I’ve been saving my coffee grounds for the last week or so to put on them and some other plants in my yard. I think our yard service may have over-pruned our one hydrangea two years ago as we didn’t have any flowers last summer. I’m hoping with some loving it will come back this year. We’ve only lived in this house two out of the eight years we’ve owned it so the yard has mostly been neglected. So far the rhododendrons haven’t minded.
Laura says
I have never known an azalea that wasn’t evergreen! I looked it up, and there are two kinds.
I have a dying rhododendron. The house was built in the early 60s, and I think it was planted then. I have no idea how long they live, but it is stunted, gnarled, ugly and right at my front door, so it’s going! It is in a poor spot too, full sun.
I’ve never had a dog who ate the landscape or vegetable garden plants. Good thing, as even tomato plants are toxic! There is such a long list on the SPCA website, our yards would be deserts if we didn’t plant something on the list!
Carol says
It probably is too sunny where yours is planted, but the soil may also be too alkaline, if the rhody is planted next to a concrete foundation. You might try some pruning to make it look better and the acid soil amendments that Mavis suggested. I have one that I inherited, when I moved in to my house @ twenty years ago. It was really unhealthy looking and was planted right by the foundation on the east side of my house. With some pruning to improve the structure of the plant and some appropriate soil ammending this rhododendron now looks healthy and happy. It’s amazing how much you can prune them and have them come back. The plants will outlive us, if they are nurtured. Good luck, no matter what your plan!
celina says
I have to move one, will it kill it to dig it up…
although it’s assure a death regardless as the honeysuckle and blackberries cover it every year..
Katie NC says
Can you do one of these on azaleas? I have one as tall as my roof along my screen porch and a couple probably 7 feet tall in the front yard. I’d love to cut them back but i’m afraid it will die or the leaves won’t ever grow back. The one works as a privacy screen against the neighbors so I’d hate to lose it. I’m just not sure how to deal with them.
Celine says
On the east coast, way down south, our native azaleas are ever green. Must be the second kind mentioned by Laura above. I never knew there was one that wasn’t an evergreen!