Can I grow rhododendron indoors?
The rhododendron which will grow indoors is a tender variety called Rhododendron simsii – these used to be called azaleas. They have much smaller leaves than other rhododendron varieties. It is a twiggy evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub growing to 2 m (6. The flowers range from white to dark red. Some varieties of Rhododendron simsii are poisonous due to the presence of grayanotoxin.The rhododendron simsii is a good plant for soil and water conservation because of its developed root system. Its leaves and flowers can be used as medicine or for extracting aromatic oil; its bark and leaves can be used for extracting tannin extract and wood can be used for making handicrafts.Tap water, especially in hard water districts, reduces acidity around rhododendrons’ roots. Use rainwater for watering rhododendrons and azaleas, but if your water butts run dry, tap water is better than nothing for a month or so in summer.Most rhododendrons will take sun or shade, but dappled shade is best. Select a position with moist acidic soil (in the range pH 3. H4.
Can rhododendrons live in pots?
Rhododendrons work well both as individual containerised specimens or in groups (separate container for each plant) to create block colours and combine well with evergreens such as Pieris ‘Forest Flame’ and Euphorbia ‘Tasmanian Tiger’. At planting time, use 10-10-6 fertilizer before you water the plant in. In early spring, the rhododendron buds swell. At this time, apply a complete 10-8-6 fertilizer. Apply another light dose of this fertilizer when the leaves emerge.A rhododendron does not require much care. But it will only thrive in the right soil: a moist, humus-rich acidic soil. Cut off dead flowers. Do this carefully to avoid damaging the young flower buds.Keep in mind that all rhododendrons need some sun to produce the most profuse flowers – too much shade can be a cause of fewer blooms and spindly growth. In the wild, rhododendrons grow as woodland plants, so dappled sun below the canopies of trees is where they are most at home.If allowed to spread, a mature Rhododendron ponticum canopy will displace all ground flora, destroying the rich biodiversity of our natural habitats. Under the dark canopy, the heavy leaf litter acidifies and degrades the soil. A single bush can disperse a million seeds into the wider landscape.
Can Rhododendron simsii grow in pots?
Rhododendron simsii is one of them. It’s native to East Asia (China, India, Taiwan) and is commonly known for its Pot Alazea name. This is because this type of Azalea can be grown in containers and brought indoors. Its average height reaches 6. Indoors: Tender scented varieties can be grown in greenhouse/conservatory and brought in to house in flower. Rhododendrons do not like central heating and seldom succeed as house plants. They need to be grown in a cool greenhouse. Make sure you have good drainage and do not allow compost to get too dry.Soil type: Rhododendrons need rich, acidic (pH5-6) and moist but well-drained soil to thrive. If you have alkaline soil, you can grow rhododendrons in pots using ericaceous peat-free compost. Aspect & position: Dappled shade is perfect for most rhododendrons, though many will grow in more sun.Shortening the branches down to a cluster of leaves once the shrub has finished flowering will keep it from getting too big and encourage bushier growth. Should you have an old, established rhododendron that needs to be given a new lease of life, heavy pruning is possible.Look for a container about twice the size of the nursery pot your rhododendron is growing in. Rhododendrons are shallow-rooted shrubs, so the container does not need to be as tall as it is wide. This helps to prevent overwatering and will keep the cost of filling the container down.Rhododendrons need water, but not excessively so. Keep an eye on the soil, which should feel moist to the touch. Take special care during the first few weeks after planting. Sufficient water is important because it will ensure you plant has glossy leaves and abundant blooms and provides the densest cover.
Can rhododendrons stay outside in winter?
Rhododendrons are hardy, so they can withstand frost. Still, these evergreen plants appreciate a little extra protection. When there is a sharp frost combined with bright winter sunshine, drought damage can occur. On no account should you water them if this happens. Just like us, rhododendrons do need plenty of water and food! So many people forget to fertilize their plants and this is particularly important in the first years whilst the plants are establishing themselves. It is also essential if you are growing your plant in a pot.If you have alkaline soil, you can grow rhododendrons in pots using ericaceous peat-free compost. Aspect & position: Dappled shade is perfect for most rhododendrons, though many will grow in more sun. Generally, the larger the leaf, the more shade they require.