Replanting rhododendronsshould be done in such a way as to reduce the stress associated with transplanting and provide the plant with the best possible conditions in a new position.How and when to replant rhododendronsso that they survive this procedure in the best possible condition? Learn7 simple rules for rhododendrons to withstand transplanting , bloom profusely and enjoy he althy green leaves all year round!
Replanting rhododendrons
Fig. Christina Richards, Shutterstock.com
1. Choose the right date for rhododendron replanting
Rhododendrons are replanted in the fall or spring before flowering again.Replanting rhododendrons in autumnshould be completed by mid-October for the bushes to take root well before winter. If there are high temperatures and excessive sunlight in the planned period, it is best to wait for a cooler, cloudy day.Replanting rhododendrons in springshould be done after the frost subsides, by mid-April at the latest, so that the bushes have time to take root before flowering.
2. Prepare the hole for the planted plantFor the transplanted rhododendron you should dig a hole with a minimum depth of about 0.5 m and a width of about 0.8 - 1 m. To fill the hole, prepare a mixture of acid peat and composted bark pine and garden soil or compost, used in equal proportions. The substrate must be acidic, with a pH of 4.5 - 5.5.Pour the prepared mixture onto the bottom of the hole dug for the plant.
To prepare the soil for planting rhododendrons even better, add TerraCottem to itIt contains a starting dose of fertilizer, fragments of volcanic rock that will loosen the soil around the rhododendron roots, and a hydrogel, thanks to which the soil remains moist for a long time . This will greatly facilitate the adoption of the newly planted rhododendron and provide it with greater resistance to drought.
3. Replant rhododendrons with as much root ball as possible
Dig the rhododendron from the old site with the largest possible root ball, being careful not to damage it. After planting the plant in a new well, fill it with the prepared substrate mixture, then thoroughly knead the substrate.
4. It is worth using the mycorrhizal vaccine
The mycorrhiza vaccine improves the he alth of plants and increases their resistance to diseases.In the case of rhododendrons, mycorrhiza is used for heather plants. Mycorrhiza is the symbiosis of fungi and plant roots. The hyphae of symbiotic fungi, by surrounding the roots, increase their absorbent surface. They reach places inaccessible to the roots, transporting water and nutrients from them. The preparation should be applied to the roots of the transplanted plant.Thanks to this, the rhododendron will adapt to a new location more easily and will bear the stress of replanting better
5. Water the replanted rhododendrons abundantly
Moisture is necessary for the rapid rooting of the plant in the new substrate and the start of the process of water and nutrient uptake by the roots.
6. Provide more shade during the first period after replanting the rhododendrons
You can, for example, cover them. This reduces the evaporation and loss of water. A similar effect is achieved by mulching the soil under the shrubs with pine bark.
7. Protect rhododendrons from winter
Newly planted plants, until they grow stronger, are more likely to freeze. Therefore, remember to water them abundantly before the onset of frosts and cover them from the bottom with pine bark or spruce twigs. Young copies should also be wrapped in agrotextile.
MSc Eng. Katarzyna Żywot-Górecka
