Fertilizing a Rhododendron is an important part of the care and upkeep. A healthy, vibrant plant will have deep green leaves with lots of bright blooms throughout the year. Many people are unsure about when to fertilize their plants or which type of fertilizer they should use for their particular plant, so we’ve put together this blog post that addresses all your questions on how and when to fertilize a Rhododendron!
What is rhododendron and what does it need to grow best?
Rhododendron is a type of shrub that can grow up to 12 feet tall. It needs well-drained acidic soil, with a pH between four and six, in order to thrive. Rhododendrons also need plenty of organic matter in the soil and should be fertilized regularly.
What NPK ratio choose for rhododendron?
The NPK ratio you choose for your rhododendron will depend on the type of soil you have and the results you want to achieve. A general rule of thumb is to use a fertilizer that has an N-P-K ratio of 14-7-7 or 9-15-13. This will provide your plants with the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong. If your soil is sandy or gravely, you may want to opt for a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content (e.g., 16-0-16). If your soil is heavy or clayey, go with a fertilizer for rhododendrons that has more phosphorus and potassium (e.g., 0-30-20).
When to fertilize rhododendrons?
The best time to fertilize rhododendron is during the fall and early spring. The soil should be moist, but not wet when you apply fertilizer. If the soil is too dry, your plants will most likely burn from salt buildup in hot weather or die of damage caused by cold temperatures if it freezes. However, make sure that there are no signs of frost on the ground before applying a layer on top of the plant’s leaves and stems, this could cause burning as well. If applied at night while they’re sleeping, they won’t feel any pain because their leaf pores close up during sleep mode (cool nights). Always water right after fertilizing so that all nutrients get absorbed by roots properly!
How often to fertilize a rhododendron?
This will depend on the type of fertilizer you are using, as well as the age and size of your rhododendron. Generally, it is a good idea to fertilize every few weeks during the growing season.
What are the consequences if you don’t fertilize your rhododendron?
You will notice it first when your plant starts to bloom. When the blossoms appear, they get a little lighter and paler than usual because the lack of nutrients is causing pale colors in the leaves too. The flowers are also smaller than usual and they last a shorter amount of time on your rhododendron bush. You can see how these things happen: there’s not enough nitrogen for your Rhododendrons and other plants around them so their blooming phase is affected directly as well as every aspect that has something to do with fertilizing bushes!