Has anyone grown rhodies or azaleas in CO?

16 years ago

Was wondering if anyone has successfully grown rhododendrons or azaleas in CO or the Denver area? What would I be up against? What needs to be done with the alkaline clay soil and is it a constant maintenance sort of thing? I miss the beautiful plants I had in Idaho.

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rhodyman

16 years ago

You face several problems in the Denver area. There are some areas with natural wind drainage from the mountains where hurricane force winds are not uncommon. I am familiar with one such area between Boulder and Denver. Also, when Littleton was a new community, people were having trouble getting any kind of tree started.

You will be facing several problems.

1) Alkaline Soil. Raised beds are the best solution for this. Rhododendrons and azaleas have shallow roots, so a raised bed that is 12 to 15 inches high is normal. Use a good acidic soil that is well drained.

2) Alkaline Water. The raised bed won't help if you use alkaline water. Use only rain water including water collected in cisterns or neutralized water.

3) Winter wind and sun. These are serious problems. A wind break and some winter shade are necessary. Summer sun is not trivial either. Some summer shade is necessary.

4) Hardy plants. Being from Idaho, you are probably familiar with this problem. All azaleas and rhododendrons have a characteristic hardiness. Winter hardiness and summer hardiness are both important. They usually go together.

Here are some interesting references:

Gardening challenges for newcomers to Colorado (Colorado Extension)

Iron chlorosis (Colorado Extension)

Growing Azaleas and Rhododendrons (Missouri Extension)

Azalea and Rhododendron Care and Culture (Oregon State University)

Here is a link that might be useful: How to grow rhododendrons and azaleas.

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Comments (7)

carlisa (CO-5a)
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the incredibly helpful advice. Ironically, I live in Littleton - all the landscaping around my house is 20 years old and with the exception of my lawn (that's for another forum - sigh) and some Aspens that didn't make it, is doing well.

After reading through your posting, I think the biggest problem I would face is collecting rain water. I don't think we get enough rain on a consistent basis. We are hopefully on the tail end of a ~7 year drought, but it is not like the "good old days" when it would rain every afternoon.

I have a ninebark and a couple spireas that get supplemental iron sulfite each year for chlorosis, and I'm wondering if I used that and something like miracid if it would work if I had to water with the hose.

You bring up a good point about the wind and sun. I live on a lake and it can get windy at times. And it sounds like I would have to shade the plants in the winter.

It sounds like a lot of obstacles - will have to think about it as I'm not sure if it's something I can tackle right now.
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rhodyman
16 years ago
I have no idea where Littleton gets its water. If it is from a watershed, it is rain water and should be good. If it is from a well, it may be treated by the water company. The problem with alkaline water in Colorado is with untreated well water.

I wouldn't give up, but I would proceed slowly and see what works. If you drive through the older communities in Denver they have huge cottonwood trees and nice landscaping. Perhaps Littleton is getting a little more plant friendly.
landplanman
16 years ago
As a recently moved landscape architect(35 yrs. Evergreen CO to Coastal Georgia) I can REALLY appreciate the yearning. All the previous advice is correct. Know too that PJM Rhodies are sold and can be hardy in the Colorado Front Range...and (far) Western Slope, in very protected and irrigated locations....almost courtyard-type areas.
Buy Hey...try a few!
gardeningnorthglenn
10 years ago
I just came back to Denver from vacation in Wa. St. I to am interested in growing rhodies in Co. I noticed that most Rhodies are growing around Conniferious veg. I have an area were junipers are growing that I would like to remove and replace with Phodies and Azalias, would the soil type be good for rhodies to thrive there?
rhodyman
10 years ago
Junipers are much more tolerant plants than rhododendrons. The desert of eastern Oregon is full of Juniper, but no rhododendrons. Rhododendrons need acidic soil, good drainage and partial shade. Colorado has a reputation of having alkaline well water, alkaline soil and severe winds. The water problem can be solved by using rain water. The alkaline soil problem can be solved by using raised beds. You will need varieties suitable in your climate. The wind problem must be addressed. High winds in winter desiccate evergreen plants severely. It is not the same as wind-chill, but similar. It is the dry air and the wind. But the cold is what makes the air dry.

Check the references in my August 8, 2006 response above.

Here is a link that might be useful: How to Grow Rhododendrons and Azaleas
fhund
7 years ago
Try Northern Lights azaleas developed by the Univ. of Minn. I have three in semi-shade (not sun as advocated). The soil has lots of compost and I fertilize occasionally with an acid based fertilizer and mulch. They laugh at our winter temperatures and seem to like it here in Boulder (and are spectacular in bloom!). They are available locally if you shop around. Have tried other azaleas with little luck.

Has anyone grown rhodies or azaleas in CO?

rhodyman

Comments (7)

carlisa (CO-5a)
Original Author

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Has anyone grown rhodies or azaleas in CO?

rhodyman

Comments (7)

carlisa (CO-5a)Original Author

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carlisa (CO-5a)
Original Author