Rhododendrons are acid loving plants. An excellent choice for the landscape, Pieris 'Brouwer's Beauty' is a dense, compact, evergreen shrub that provides desirable winter interest, abundant spring blooms and a delightful foliage which holds its color across the seasons. As the leaves fall, they expose the rich brown exfoliating bark. In spring, racemes of cheerful, bright golden-yellow flowers appear just above the leaves. Rhododendron plants, similar to many other plants in the Ericaceae family, prefer acidic soils. Height 40-60cm in 10 years. Lasting about 3-4 weeks, the elongated flower clusters gradually turn pink as fall approches. Here is a list of favorite companion plants for your for Azaleas and Rhododendrons. Hardy, this medium to large, vase-shaped, deciduous shrub enjoys dense clusters of fragrant, frost-proof, bright sulphur-yellow flowers in mid- to late winter. When to Plant Rhododendron Resembling small grapes, they attract birds and wildlife. In late summer, the attractive blooms give way to drooping clusters of ornamental bright red berries that persist from fall through early winter. Fragrant, they attract pollinators before giving way to clusters of dark blue-purple, edible berries in late summer. Colorful, evergreen shrubs and bushes that are popular in the south, azaleas (Rhododendron) offer early color in many sizes and shapes. Proper soil preparation is also necessary for the health of this acid loving plant. Most azaleas and rhododendrons … Where to Plant: Rhododendrons will need an acidic soil environment about pH 4.5-6, and good drainalge. Inside these flowers the petals are marked with brown dots that look like sprinklings of nutmeg. Named after the shape of its beautiful leaves, it produces a profusion of magnificent grapes of creamy-white flowers, up to 12 in. Growing tips. Some examples of plants that succeed in the same conditions as rhododendrons are Muscari, narcissus, and bleeding hearts. Among the most popular companion plants for Rhododendrons and Azaleas are Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel) and Pieris japonica (Japanese andromeda). Ideal soil pH for rhododendron plants is somewhere between 4.5 and 6.0. All Rights Reserved. Only plants will be removed from the collection. Rhododendrons do not have taproots like trees: their roots grow very near the surface. Status Non-native, invasive : Best Time to See Colour Pink : Habitat Woodland, Heathland : Specifically the hybrid Rhododendron x superponticum, a non-native species that has become invasive in the British countryside. Rhododendrons and azaleas make wonderful companions to other acid-loving plants and trees, such as ferns and flowering dogwoods. Viburnum lentago (Nannyberry) is a large, suckering, deciduous shrub or single- or multi-stemmed small tree noted for its eye-catching flower clusters, shiny foliage, fall color and fruit display. In late spring, it is almost entirely covered with flat-topped, lacecap-like clusters, 6 in. A real tiny gem for the rock garden from Tibet & Yunnan. Rhododendron prefers soft soil with good air permeability, preferably rich humus, in which it will grow better and faster. Is it a Rhododendron or an Azalea? Give your rhododendron 2–6 feet (0.61–1.83 m) of space. What to Plant with Rhododendron and Azaleas. State flower of Connecticut, Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel) is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that gets covered with abundant clusters of bright pale pink flowers, opening from deeper pink buds and lasting for several weeks in late spring and early summer. USDA 5-9. Check these Great Plant Combination Insect and disease-resistant, its flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Each flower consists of 4 ribbon-like, crinkled, strap-shaped petals. Buy Azalea and Rhododendron plants which will produce an abundance of colour from April/May each year. In spring, masses of flat-topped creamy-white flower clusters, 4.5 in. They only thrive in certain areas of the country, often where acid heathland thrives. Rhododendrons have fiberous roots and prefer well-drained soils high in organic material. Primrose.co.uk. When planting companion plants for rhododendrons, choose plants with similar growing requirements. During the first couple of years watering the plants at least twice a week is a must. You can amend the soil by using some rhododendron / azalea compost in the planting hole, mix well before planting. The leaves are burgundy red, especially on young growth through the summer. There are low-growing ground cover azaleas, plants that grow from 1 to 2 feet, as well as plants that can grow up to 25 feet tall. Very ornamental, Viburnum prunifolium (Blackhaw) is a large, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub or small tree noted for its eye-catching flower clusters, colorful berries and attractive fall color. Meanwhile, Rhododendron’s leaf edges curl downward. Like other ericaceous plants, most rhododendrons prefer acid soils with a pH of roughly 4.5-5.5. Deleting this collection CANNOT be undone. The quality year-round foliage of oval, leathery, glossy leaves changes from light-green to dark-green to purple throughout the year and is reminiscent of the leaves of rhododendrons. Azaleas will grow in more open situations, but they prefer morning sun, with protection from hot afternoon sun in summer. Accept has been written based on numerous outside resources. Site and soil. Like most members of this family, azaleas and rhododendron thrive in acidic soils. Tall and very cannabis-like in appearance, sunn hemp definitely deserves a place on our list of legal plants that are similar to weed. Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is a more elegant version of the azalea or rhododendron that has cup-shaped blooms with five star-like points around the rim. 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