Your beloved rhododendron has grown too big? Time for a change of location. You can find out how to properly transplant your rhododendron here.
Rhododendrons (rhododendron) are not only transplanted when they have become too big for the previous location or simply disturb the harmony of the newly created garden. Transplanting is usually the last hope for recovery and abundance of flowers for ailing or stunted rhododendrons. Because the popular ornamental shrubs place high demands on the soil in which their roots grow.
Rhododendron location: This is important to note
Rhododendrons are choosy when it comes to their location, with the soil in particular being the deciding factor between good and bad. Make sure the soil has a slightly acidic pH between four and five, is loose and humus rich. When it comes to the lighting conditions at the ideal location, a partially shaded location is usually preferred. However, if attention is paid to good soil properties and a sufficient supply of water and humidity, rhododendrons also thrive in full sun. Be sure to leave enough space between the rhododendron and other plants, as the roots spread out very flatly.
Transplanting rhododendrons: when is the best time?
May is the ideal month to transplant your rhododendron. However, it can also be transplanted in early autumn (September to October). After a radical pruning, you should not transplant your rhododendron for the first two years. The plant needs a lot of time and energy to drive crown growth forward. Plants lack this energy in the roots after transplanting.
Transplanting rhododendrons: instructions
The first and also one of the most important points when transplanting one of your leafy friends is to dig up the plant from the old location. It is crucial to know about root growth. Rhododendrons develop flat, extensive root systems. The dug up root area should have a large diameter, but does not need to be particularly deep. The diameter should be about three quarters of the growth height of the rhododendron. The bale height should be approximately half the bale diameter. Use a spade to cut out a circle of this measurement around the plant. Then this is used to lift the roots all around. Even if the main roots are injured, a rhododendron usually tolerates transplanting very well. If you still want to be particularly gentle, dig out the circle a little wider in March to April and fill it loosely with soil. Planting is then only carried out in autumn, when new fine roots have already formed. With some effort, the rhododendron and its roots can be pulled out of the ground. In the new location, follow these steps to expertly transplant your rhododendron:
- Dig a planting hole: Two to three times the diameter of the root ball
- Mix in the excavated soil with compost
- Sand is also mixed into heavy soil
- Loosen up surrounding soil
- Lay out a drainage layer of potsherds or gravel on the ground
- Put the plant with the roots in the planting hole
- Fill the planting hole with soil mixture so that about 2 cm of the root ball is still visible
- press earth
- Water vigorously and water more during the growth phase
- Fertilization with horn shavings, meal, compost (superficial incorporation)
- Application of a mulch layer in the root area
- Do not cut back the plant after transplanting
tip: You can also use ours Plantura organic hydrangea fertilizer give as a start fertilizer in the planting hole for the rhododendron. This contains all the nutrients for rich flowering and extra iron.
You can also completely replace the excavated garden soil with special rhododendron soil. This ensures optimal soil conditions and strong growth with rich flowering. If the plant is to be planted again in the same place, the hole created when digging up is doubled in size again. The plant is put back into the planting hole a little higher than before. A soil mixture as described above or special rhododendron soil is used to fill up the planting hole.
To ensure that your rhododendron continues to grow healthily, you will find all the important information about it here Caring for rhododendrons.
