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rhododendron care instructions?

Hereford, United Kingdom

Morning all,i bought a rhododendron from homebase,it was in flower and absolutely beautiful but there werent any care instructions with it,i mistakingly repotted it with normal compost,it got upset and was wilting so got advice,repotted in huge pot with 120litres of ericacous compost,then i made mistake of leaving it in full sun for hours,ive now moved it in a shaded area but it aint impressed with me at all,i feed it everyday at the moment because of the weather and someone advised putting a drop of vinegar in the water as i dont have a water but yet and was wondering if anyone here could confirm this and also give me any ideas,ive removed most of the sun burnt flowers and have dead headed it,i think in the right way,leaving next years buds in contact,i do have a picture in my photos,any help would be grateful as its a lovely plant and would like to keep it for many years,i think its name is virginia richard,thankyou all kindly for info and for all the info youve given up to now


On plant Rhododendron


Answers

 

Hi Future GF, keep in shade, water daily and add ericaceous feed to, forget the vinegar, mist the leaves regularly and pray.

3 Jun, 2009

 

I agree with Moon grower on the shade and watering but I wouldn't feed it at all for the moment, there will be all the feed it needs in the fresh ericacious compost. Remember in the wild they only get leaf mould. Give it a chance to settle down without encouraging loads of new growth.

3 Jun, 2009

 

Good point Wagger

3 Jun, 2009

 

I agree...and feeding EVERY day is too much....

3 Jun, 2009

 

Ah but I didn't say to feed every day :-)

3 Jun, 2009

 

I think Motinot is referring to Future on that point, Moon grower.

3 Jun, 2009

 

thanks for advice all, by the way moon, daily does mean everyday so you kinda did

3 Jun, 2009

 

Stupid question, but why did someone recommend putting vinegar in the water? I know these plants prefer rainwater, so can only imagine it's to do with that?

3 Jun, 2009

 

No idea Craftnutter... rain water is slightly acidic, or can be, but to add vinegar makes no sense to me.

Now a plea to everyone if you are thinking of buying something like a Rhododendron and don't know what it needs in terms of growing and looking after, either ask us or google the plant's requirements. Losing a tray of bedding plants is one thing but a Roddy is an expensive loss.

3 Jun, 2009

 

Thanks Moongrower! Just curious.....

Yep, you're right about the cost of Rhodo's!

4 Jun, 2009

 

it was something to do with the acid in it but now everyones said not to ive stopped,more than likely why its not to impressed with me,cheers aqgain everyone

4 Jun, 2009

 

I know this is the American Rhododendron Soc. but they have some good advice on growing Roddys... http://www.rhododendron.org/v48n2p85.htm

4 Jun, 2009

 

ill check it out,thankyou moon grower

4 Jun, 2009

 

You are welcome

4 Jun, 2009

 

Actually rhodedendrons need acidic soil and that's what the vinegar does. Depending on where you live some soil isn't acidic enough for them. I put about half a cup in a gallon and water mine and it thrives. Also mulching it with coffee grounds will also help as it makes the soil acidic as well. The same goes for gardenias, the directions on the tags say to add some vinegar. It works!

23 Dec, 2009

 

Hi Ostrander and welcome to GoY I reckon it is much easier to plant in ericacious compost than it is to add vinegar to the water. Especially if it is a large rhoddy. in the ground.

23 Dec, 2009

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