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Encouraging rhododendrons to flower

Garden noobGarden noob Posts: 260
in Plants
We have a couple of rhododendrons, one in a pot and one in the ground. The one in the ground is next to the east fence of the garden and the one in the pot is next to the west fence, so both have partial shade.

It feels pretty hit and miss as to whether they flower; it seems to be only once every 2-3 years.

Is this normal? Or can you encourage them to flower every year? If so, how?

Posts

  • Joyce21Joyce21 Posts: 15,489
    When they have finished flowering, carefully pinch out the dead flower between your finger and thumb being careful not to take out the new growth. Give a feed suitable for ericaceous plants. 
    SW Scotland
  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    They are probably like camellias and need sufficient moisture when the buds are forming in the previous summer.
    Mine all flower every year in the wet and chilly Pennines!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    As B'cupdays says = they need loads of moisture, especially late summer as she explains. They should flower every year no problem if they have that. My guess is they're far too dry.
    Grow like weeds here too B'cupdays  ;)

    They don't make great pot specimens either - unless the pot is vast [a purpose built, large container is better] and you have everything right for them.
    If you don't live in an area with softer water - try and harvest rainwater to water them with too.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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