Planting
Can you please give me some advice on planting a new rhododendron. I live in Folkestone & share a communal garden. I may have to plant it in a clay pot, but possibly in the ground if this is preferable for the plant. I need to know what conditions it likes, soil & feeding etc. & whether in an open space or diess it prefer to be near a fence or perhaos a brick wall? ( South,North,East or West? Which is best? )
my daughter in Guildford has 2 in clay pots, she planted 5 years ago & they are fabulous! They are a metre tall, & at least a metre wide. They are in glorious bloom right now. She spoke of special soil she had to buy to plant them in?
and dies it need attention during winter months ?
All information would be very greatly appreciated...thankyou.....
wincereyl
Tads, Folkestone 
Posts
hello Verdun
thanks for info.
i picked up a rhodie simply called "Red Jack" - I don't know any more about it than that i'm afraid! But it seems a full size variety to me! As you tell me they are pretty hardy, & my daughter's (in pots) have done sooooo well, I think I am going to try mine in a clay pot for now. Can I simply plant the rhodie in ericaceous compost or must this be mixed with acid soil? (if my soil isn't acid, can you buy such a thing as 'acid soil'?)
I have read-up about their "ball" root system & need to be kept well watered. Is that more or less it? how often do you feed your rhodies , & any particular food you think is best?
As you mention that you also grow azalea - may I ask you something else? i was given a standard azalea houseplant for Mothers Day. It has bloomed profusely for 5 weeks, & given me a great deal of pleasure, it's been really glorious! I should like to try not to lose it if that's possible? Can I try to get this to grow outside, do you think? Will that work or not? I have heard I will have to 'stagger, (take my time) trying to move it to new surroundings? first moving it to a very sheltered position outside, for perhaps a few weeks, before attempting to transplant it. Is this so? Again I should like to plant it in a clay pot outside; from what you say, the soil would be the same for both azalea & rhododendron, is that right? Is there any advice you can please spare on the subject?
I keep a "gratitude book" so the advice you have already given me, is my entry for tonight
.....thankyou for this... Nite!
Tads
plantfor Moghers Day, it has bloomed for 5 weeks