Rhododendrons are extremely popular in this country. But so that your rhododendron also unfolds its blooming splendor, there are a few things to consider when buying.
Rhododendrons (rhododendron) are with their year-round foliage, with simultaneous winter hardiness and the large flowers that show up from May, welcome garden dwellers. Whether as a hedge or solitary plant, a rhododendron enriches the home garden. But not all rhododendrons are created equal. The different species and breeds have different requirements that should be taken into account when choosing a variety. We help with the right one Variety choice, give tips on buying and introduce you to selected sources of supply.
Buying rhododendrons: what should be considered?
Before going to the hardware store, garden center or tree nursery, you should think about where the rhododendron should be located in the home garden. Because the soil conditions and the light conditions at the planting site decide which rhododendron variety suits you best. In general, most varieties are suitable for partially shaded locations with slightly acidic soil. But there are also suitable varieties for sunny or chalky soils. The existing space conditions should also be taken into account, as there are varieties that can grow into real trees. Once the right variety has been found, you have the choice between root and container goods. Reach for root crops if you want to save some money and the plants can be planted in the ground immediately after purchase. Container plants are a bit more expensive, but can be stored better, the planting time is more flexible and there are fewer failures after planting. Apart from these general aspects, you should take a close look at each individual plant. If you can answer the following questions with "No", the is there
planting Nothing in the way of your rhododendron.
- Is the plant damaged (broken shoots, damaged root ball)?
- Are there any pests on the plant?
- Are there any signs of illness (withered leaves, evidence on parts of plants, dried up twigs, brown buds)?
- Was the plant stored too wet / dry / dark during cultivation / sale?
In general, make sure you look healthy and have regular, branched growth.
tip: If you buy your rhododendron in spring, you can spot the first flowers while walking through garden centers and the like and be sure that the flowers will keep what they promise.
Rhododendrons: Helpful Where to Buy
Rhododendrons can be found in almost every hardware store or garden center, especially in spring. But if you don't just want to be satisfied with the common varieties, the offer here is of course not enough. Online mail order companies or specialized tree nurseries offer a much larger selection. The German Rhododendron Society recommends the following tree nurseries that specialize in rhododendrons:
- Böhlje plant trade bei Westerstedt is one of the oldest tree nurseries in Germany.
- Hobbie Rhododendron Park near Westerstedt. There is not only a tree nursery here, but also a beautiful park.
- Nursery H. Hachmann in Barmstedt has almost 600 rhododendron varieties on offer.
- Nursery Neumann bei Berlin not only offers a wide range of rhododendrons, but also azaleas, calamias, magnolias and Japanese maples.
- Dittersdorf tree nursery in Amtsberg not only offers a large selection, the tree nursery also pays attention to a bee-friendly cultivation method.
- Nielsen tree nursery in Soltau, 90% of the plants they offer produce themselves, and in-house breeds are also offered.
- As a private person, you can also examine a large number of varieties at these tree nurseries and take them home with you if necessary. Other sources of supply are online retailers such as:
- Rhododendrons and Azaleas: As the name suggests, this dealer specializes in both types of plants.
- Nursery Horstmann: Offers not only a large selection of rhododendrons, but also a wide variety of garden plants from ground cover to deciduous trees.
- Plantmich.de: In addition to other plants for the home garden, the shop also offers a wide range of rhododendrons.
Once the right plant has been found and bought, you will find everything about planting here and here about Caring for your rhododendron.
