The Rhododendron, an ornamental plant with exceptionally beautiful and colourful flowers...
Rhododendrons can traditionally be found near country estates, castles and parks and they are well-known for their spectacular flowering and flower size. Rhododendrons are green both during the summer and winter and when they flower they are a feast for the eye. The Rhododendrons grown by Kortenhorst Boomkwekerij are suitable for many other applications such as smaller gardens, balconies, terraces and living rooms. The wide range of varieties grown by us covers an extensive colour palette. Depending on variety, the first ones start flowering in March and the flowering time is about 3 weeks.
Characteristics of the Rhododendron. As mentioned before, Rhododendrons are evergreens that carry many flowers and that demand a moist and sheltered spot (half in the shadow). Rhododendrons like acid soil (a low pH value, between 4 and 5.5). This means they grow best in peaty soil or in sandy soil mixed with garden peat. Depending on the variety, Rhododendrons are hardy (-12° C to -32° C). The 2 videos below show you how to plant Rhododendrons in your garden or how you can move them to a larger ornamental pot.
Video is under constuction
Maintaining Rhododendrons Watering Rhododendrons like moist soil. This plant absorbs most of its water between June and August. We recommend watering it regularly during this period, especially when its leaves and flowers are wilting.
Fertilisation Rhododendrons must be sufficiently fertilised every year. You can use a slow-acting fertiliser once a year, in April. During your purchase, you do have to take note of the effective time, this should be no more than 5 or 6 months. You can also use fast-acting fertilisers, which are used twice a year, in March and July.
Pruning Rhododendrons are easy plants, especially when they have been planted with care. You can prune a Rhododendron when it grows too fast or if you want to prevent this. The best time to prune is shortly after it has flowered. For larger varieties, remove the flowers that have finished flowering with your thumb and index finger. For smaller varieties, you can prune the plant to the size you want using pruning shears.
