Rhododendrons have a shallow root system, therefore they are exposed to drying out, freezing or mechanical damage. Rhododendron root system is up to60 cmdeep, but the underlying root mass develops in the layer30-40 cmand the delicate absorbent roots are just below the surface soil, to a depth of15 cm The roots placed so close to the ground make the plant less resistant to harsh weather conditions and should be cared for with care and attention.
Taking care ofrhododendrons , first of all remember that they should not be dug or weed with tools. One of the most important care activities is mulching. In summer, the temperature of the soil under the mulch is by5-6 ° Clower than that of non-mulched soil, while in winter the mulched soil freezes later and shallower or does not freeze at all. This allows the shrubs to replenish water losses caused during wintertranspirationThe best mulching is:
- bark from conifers,
- fermented cattle manure,
- oak leaves,
- pine needles,
- thick pine or oak sawdust,
- wood shavings.
The litter should be kept moist. Its thickness depends on the height of the bush. With such large specimens, the litter layer can reach up to 30 cm. In the fall of each year, the litter should be replenished.
From April to July, rhododendrons have the greatest water demand. During this time, droughts often occur in our country, so you should water the bushes preferably with previously collected water rainwaterorartificially acidified , e.g. by soaking acidic peat inlinen bagAlso before winter, on at the turn of October and November, rhododendrons should be watered abundantly.
The best fertilizers for this group of plants arefertilizers organic- cattle manure (once every 3 years) oracidic compostmade from unseeded weeds,mown grasswith pine needles pine, oak or willow leaves and triple superphosphate (up to 40 kg of compost fertilizer gives 0.2 kg of superphosphate - dose per 10 m2 ).Additionally, the bushes are fed with mineral fertilizers intended for rhododendrons. Fertilizers are used twice a year - in March and June. In order for the shrubs to bloom profusely every year, you need to break out the faded inflorescences with your fingers after flowering. This promotes the formation of new shoots. Dry shoots should be removed.
