Most rhododendrons come from the luminous mountain forests of far Asia.This explains a lot and provides valuable knowledge about their requirements.Let us remind you, rhododendrons like humus soil and a stabilized microclimate. By observing their natural environment, you can get to know in what company they feel good.
Recommended company for Rhododendrons
There is no doubt that rhododendrons look best in natural arrangements, especially those with a forest character. Wood, stone and water are elements that often appear in rhododendron assumptions.They are used to make paths, benches, edging of flower beds.If there is a lot of space in the garden, it is worth planning a water course with a red bridge characteristic for Far Eastern gardens.When choosing companion plants, two things are important.
Firstly, they must have the same environmental requirements as rhododendrons, i.e. tolerate partial shading and like an acidic, humus substrate, and secondly, they must be attractive enough to decorate the garden before and preferably also after flowering rhododendrons , i.e. in the period when the bushes are covered with dark foliage.
The selection of available plants is quite large. Let's start with the biggest ones. Proven shade companions are pines.These trees root deeply, so they do not compete with rhododendrons for food.Besides, they shield not only from the sun, but also from the wind.
Evergreen plants such as yew, boxwood and holly take up less space than pines.They also protect against wind and sun.The pagoda dogwood is a good companion.It is a tree distinguished by its original loose habit and thus counterbalancing the densely growing rhododendrons. The summer-blooming hydrangeas are dotted.
Fern decoration
The assumption can be additionally diversified with a few decorative plants from leaves. The fresh green of ferns and funkia beautifully stands out from the dark green of the rhododendron leaves. The soaring ears of grass, e.g. sedge. Plants with marbled leaves are also worth recommending.
Ground cover species play a special role in rhododendron gardens.Lungwort or tiarellas are like living lining. Thanks to them, a microclimate is maintained near the soil.
For positions with a pH above 6.5, Rhododendron 'Inkarho' is recommended. These are quite popular varieties grafted on rootstocks that tolerate a calcareous substrate.However, the soil should also be fed with humus in these crops,
and improve heavy soils with sand.
Plants enriching plantings with rhododendrons
- Kalmia enriches the rhododendron planting with white and pink flowers. The bush grows slowly and does not exceed 2 meters.
- Tiarella of the 'Iron Butterfly' strain produces attractive carpets of fragrant flowers in May.
- Dogwood Kousa 'China Girl' brightens shaded corners of the garden with bright inflorescences.
- Miodunka is an interesting ground cover plant, available in many varieties. One of them is 'Majeste', distinguished by its silvery-gray leaves.
- Japanese pieris produces white bell-shaped flowers in April. The 'Carnaval' variety is characterized by a fiery red color of the leaves. This small shrub keeps its leaves during the winter.
