Rhododendrons are actually considered to be very easy to care for. But the right soil is essential for you to feel comfortable in your garden.
Rhododendrons (Rhododendron) belong to the heather family (Ericaceae) and, like other bog plants, are sensitive to calcareous soils. In addition, thanks to their evergreen appearance, they have a considerable nutritional content. All of this and more should be kept in mind if you have one Plant rhododendrons want. Here you can find out everything about the properties of good rhododendron soil, when it is worth buying special soil or how you can upgrade your garden soil in a rhododendron-friendly manner.
Rhododendron soil: properties and benefits
So that a rhododendron feels comfortable in your garden, it is important to pay attention to the right soil. It is particularly important that the pH value in the soil is correct. Most rhododendrons feel comfortable with a pH value between 4 and 5. The composition of the plant substrate is not only important so that the pH is right. It should also contain nutrients and minerals in a concentration that is adapted to the needs of your rhododendron. Since the evergreen shrubs have a good consumption of nutrients, a nice, humus-rich soil should be used when planting. Rhododendrons also have a shallow root system, so the soil should have a good moisture storage capacity, otherwise deeper-lying groundwater cannot be reached. However, the substrate must be well drained, as your rhododendron does not like standing in the wet. Waterlogging here quickly leads to fungal diseases. Once the soil has been adapted to the needs of your plant, you will be rewarded with optimal growth, impressive flowering and a healthy, resilient plant.
Rhododendron earth: what should be considered when buying?
When buying soil for your rhododendron, look for the following properties:
- pH between 4 and 5
- High nutrient content, best from organic sources (bark humus, humus, guano)
- Good water storage capacity (clay, loam)
- Good permeability to avoid waterlogging and for better ventilation (sand, wood fiber)
All these properties are combined in special rhododendron soil. This offers the optimal conditions for vigorous growth of lime-sensitive plants such as your rhododendron, but also for Azaleas and other bog plants. Above all, if you decide on the bucket culture, you should attach importance to the quality of the soil used. Buying a special soil is particularly worthwhile here.
In the garden, it is also sufficient to mix in compost with the existing garden soil. This lowers the soil pH and ensures an adequate supply of nutrients. Because of the influence on the soil pH, you should check it and adjust the amount of mixed compost so that the pH is around five. Clay can also be mixed in to better bind nutrients in the soil. Heavy soils can be loosened up by mixing in sand.
Note: Because the roots of the rhododendron grow just below the surface, they can be easily injured when working in the garden. Therefore, apply a layer of mulch in the root area. This prevents weed growth and also keeps the soil pH low.
What you at the Care of rhododendrons should be noted, we have summarized it here in a special article.