Rhododendrons do need consideration as to planting position. They prefer rich deep soil that has an acid ph. Basically this excludes heavy clay or chalky soils. Soil condition can be improved with the addition of peat or bark mulch. Avoid lime. Rhododendrons prefer a little dapled light in the afternoon but can be surprisingly tolerant of sun as long as their roots are kept cool with a nice layer of mulch or compost. The root system is fibrous which means lots of little roots all massed together and near the surface. The good thing about fibrous root systems is it means the plants are easy to move should you wish to give them a ride in your wheelbarrow - something I do far too much of!   What else do you need to know? Unfortunately here in New Zealand Rhododendrons are susceptible to damage from a nasty little insect called Thrip. This eats through the top green layer of the leaf leaving it with a silver apearance, when it's done it then goes and hides beneath the leaf. Thrips can easily be controlled by spraying regularly with a systemic chemical insecticide which penetrates through the plant, poisoning the insect when it attacks the foliage. If you prefer a more gentle method of destruction then use an organic surfactant spray i.e. it doesn't penetrate the plant tissue, but you will have to make sure that you spray underneath the leaf as well as on the top. Some  Rhododendrons can start flowering  from winter onwards in warmer areas of N.Z. but the main flowering period is considered to be spring. In full flower they add a dramatic beauty to the garden and are particularly superb under tall deciduous trees. If you really want to see Rhododendrons at their best I highly recommend a trip to the New Plymouth Rhododendron festival in October/November of each year. You can then get an idea of the type of Rhododendron that suits you and your garden and here at Wairere we'll do our best to match your desires. All plants called Rhododendrons in New Zealand are evergreen and fully hardy to cold. Azaleas are also classified as Rhododendrons and some of these are deciduous - for further information see our separate category.  

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Rhododendron. With a nice tight foliage it puts on a magnificent display lavender-pink trusses on a compact plant making it a perfect plant for the home garden. It will tolerate full sun and free draining acidic soil. Evergreen.

Growing Rhododendrons

 

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Rhododendron Frosted Ice has pure white flowers are held in a tight trusses on a compact plant.The compact habit and attractive dark green foliage are an added bonus for this plant. Thrives in semi-shaded well-drained conditions. Evergreen

Growing Rhododendrons

 

aka Rhodo Senator Henry Jackson

An excellent yak hybrid with deep green leaves and velvety hairs underneath that help support round, ball-shaped trusses of pure white flowers. Flowering mid Spring becomes a lovely specimen in any garden. Compact. Plant in well drained, acidic soil and partial sun and shade. Hardy. Evergreen.

 

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Each year, quite early in the spring season, Spring Dance bursts out and covers itself completely in pale lilac flowers. Plant in semi shade, avoid Lime and mulch annually for best results. Evergreen.

 

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Attractive reddish flower buds followed by beautiful rosy-cerise flowers which are bright and glowing. Very free flowering in spring. Compact habit with attractive, small pointed foliage that has coppery tones when young. Prefers semi-shade and acid soil. Evergreen.