Table of contents
- Flowering times of different rhododendron varieties
- Note on flowering time
- What to do if there is no flowering?
- care mistakes
- seed rearing
- Frozen buds
- room culture
What would a garden be without its colorful flowering plants? It is not without reason that spring is the most beautiful season of all for many people. The colorful bloom of some shrubs lasts into summer, even into autumn. For example, with the rhododendron, the numerous varieties of which delight the gardener with magnificent flowers almost all year round. Outdoors, the flowering period extends from January to August.
Flowering times of different rhododendron varieties
Early flowering varieties
- Rh. dauricum 'April Reign'
- Rh. impeditum 'Ronny'
- Rh. ponticum 'Filigree'
- Rh.calophytum 'Sarastro'
- Rh. hybrid 'Kromlauer Parkperle'
- Rh. yakushimanum 'April morning'
- Rh. hybrid 'Friesiane'
- Rh. hybrid 'Minas Snow'
- Rh. yakushimanum 'Wanna Bee'
- Rh. yakushimanum 'Sasonade'
- Rh. yakushimanum 'Priscilla'
April to mid-May
- 'Andrea'
- 'bengal'
- ,Baden-Baden'
- 'Hachmann's Andrea'
- 'susan'
- 'Princess Anne'
- 'P.J.M.Elite'
- city of Essen
Late May - mid June
- 'Azurro'
- 'Anastasia'
- 'Blue Peter'
- 'Berlin love'
- 'Caslap'
- 'Ice Princess'
- ,Bouzouki
- ,Germania
- 'Gold Bucket'
- 'Hachmann's Charming'
- 'Gomer Waterer'
- 'Kermesina Rosé'
- 'Marcel Menard'
- 'Cocardia'
- 'Rasputin'
- 'Nefertiti'
- 'scintillation'
- 'Sachiko'
- 'City of Westerstede'
Varieties flowering in July
- Rh. viscosum varieties
- Wild species, for example Rh. camtschaticum
Late flowering varieties in early fall
- 'Autumn Joy'
- 'Cunningham's White'
- Rh. yakushimanum 'Koichiro Wada'
- 'autumn magic'
- 'autumn greeting'
- 'vintage'
Note on flowering time
Of course, the exact time when the flowers open is subject to natural influences such as weather conditions and temperature. The flowering periods of the different varieties can therefore overlap. The trade names of the late-flowering plants already show that in most cases they are breeds or hybrids. The latter are hybrids of different rhododendron species. The natural flowering time of the shrub is spring. Varieties that deviate from this period were specially cultivated to inspire with their foliage throughout the garden season.
It is interesting that the actual formation of buds begins in August after the flowering period. Therefore, the bred species are incorrectly referred to as late flowering. In reality, these are fresh flowers. Specimens that open their buds in the spring of the following year are the real latecomers.
Tip:
There are plants that you just never get tired of looking at. If you want to enjoy the rose-like flowers of the rhododendron all year round, it is best to plant different varieties in your garden. No sooner has one shrub finished blooming than the next one opens its buds. Thus, the gardener not only ensures a variety of colors, but also durability.
What to do if there is no flowering?
Even if the exact timing of bud development cannot be precisely predicted, a long delay indicates inconsistencies. In some cases there is no flowering at all. This could be due to the following reasons:
care mistakes
If the rhododendron does not bloom at the typical time, the first thing the gardener should consider is maintenance mistakes.
These include:
Location
Especially when the rhododendron is too dark, it needs more energy to carry out photosynthesis with the few rays of sunshine. Consequently, it lacks the vigor to develop a lush bloom.
substrate
Under no circumstances should the rhododendron be planted in soil that is too calcareous. For healthy growth and the associated flowering, the shrub needs a slightly acidic pH value (4.0-5.0). This is best achieved with special rhododendron soil from specialist shops. Alternatively, a mixture of peat and sand is recommended.
pouring behaviour
It is just as important that the root ball is always kept moist. However, waterlogging must not form, as this leads to root rot.
fertilizer application
A bit of fertilizer can definitely lead to more flowering, especially if it's high in phosphorus. Too much of a good thing, in turn, has a negative effect. The rhododendron does not tolerate additional nitrogen.
pruning
Due to the already mentioned flowering in the previous year, the rhododendron must not be cut in the spring.
Tip:
The crown should be regularly thinned out. Among other things, this increases the supply of light.
seed rearing
Anyone who proudly grew their own rhododendron from seeds will be disappointed a few months later. Only rearing from cuttings or grafting produces flowers relatively quickly. Seedlings take many years before they form the first buds.
Frozen buds
If the winter is particularly mild, the rhododendron will open its buds prematurely. If he is then surprised again by frost, the young flowers die and do not form again until spring.
room culture
Potted plants that are kept indoors usually only last one season. Moreover, this attitude is only possible with varieties that bloom from January to April. A cool location and regular watering are essential for indoor culture. If you want to enjoy the flowering in the following year as well, you should put the rhododendron outside after the night frosts have subsided.
Home editorial office
Learn more about trees & shrubs
Spindle tree (euonymus): care from A to Z
Spindle trees are very popular because of their abundance of flowers. Although they are considered very undemanding, some details should be considered when caring for them.
Golden Elm: Care Instructions | 6 cutting tips
From spring to autumn, the golden elm Ulmus hollandica 'Wredei' boasts a unique foliage colour. With its slender growth, it finds space in every garden and sets colorful accents.
Sloe hedge: plant and cut properly
Planting a sloe hedge and trimming it properly is relatively easy with the right knowledge. Because the sloe is easy to care for and at the same time useful for humans and animals. Here you can find out what to look out for when it comes to care.
pruning yew tree | 15 tips for yew rejuvenation
The yew (Taxus) impresses with numerous properties. To ensure that it grows old healthily and develops magnificently in the long term, it needs to be pruned occasionally. Above all, a taper cut is of great importance. With the right tips, it's easy.
Beech - Instructions for care and pruning
Beeches (Fagus) are not only known from forests, public facilities or parks. The beech tree is also becoming increasingly popular in your own garden. Maintenance is pretty easy here. The cut should be carried out according to the instructions so that the tree can freely develop its original growth.
How big does a walnut tree get? | 11 facts about growth
Walnut trees usually have a stately size and often tower over entire stands of trees. They carry tasty and healthy nuts and the wood is also very noble and expensive. They can reach an almost biblical age of 150 years on average.