Will my azaleas/rhodies make it?
deanna in ME Barely zone 6a, more like 5b
5 years ago
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
5 years agodeanna in ME Barely zone 6a, more like 5b thanked ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
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Rescuing large rhodys and azaleas
Comments (5)Mainegrower gave excellent advice. I would add: Â Take precautions to preserve the integrity of the root ball. Tie the ball together and support is so it doesn't fall apart. The very safest approach is to dig a trench up to 12 inches deep, around the dripline of the plant. Then undercut the plant to form a cone, removing the soil an inch or so at a time, moving all around the plant, until you begin to see that you are removing roots. If possible, then get a square of burlap under the plant. Tilt the plant to one side, put one edge of the burlap close to the center of the plant, wadded up so that only half of it is on the open side of the plant, then rock the plant the other way and pull the burlap through. Tie the corners of the burlap to each other across the plant. Tie the burlap tightly to keep the soil around the plant roots undisturbed. Then lift the plant by the burlap and the bottom, not by its stems. Â Pruning the top helps match the demands of the top to the capability of the roots after they are stressed by the move. People have been known to cut the top off wild rhododendrons before moving and the plants have come back with superior shape. This is drastic and not recommended for a plant you don't want to risk loosing. Rhododendrons and azaleas have dormant buds beneath the bark which sprout to form new growth after severe pruning, hence severe pruning which removes 1/3 to 1/2 of leaf area is quite common when transplanting. Make sure you watch the plant after it was moved like you would a new plant. Its roots are compromised and it will need a reliable source of moisture. If the weather has a dry spell, make sure you water any newly planted rhododendrons, large or small....See MoreSome photos of my azaleas & rhody
Comments (3)Mulch is necessary to prevent dead roots from pulling weeds, winter dessication, summer dessication, and heat in the soil which causes disease. Drainage is necessary to prevent root rot. Don't confuse the two. Both are necessary. One doesn't preempt the other. If you have a moisture problem use a raised bed. Don't mulch up against the trunks of the plants. If you do, voles can girdle the bark off the trunks in winter....See MoreLiquid copper fungicide same dose treatment azalea & rhodie
Comments (3)There are many fungal infections which can cause black spotting on rhododendron leaves. Unless it is so severe it's threatening the overall survival of the plant, spraying is rarely necessary and frequently ineffective especially once the leaves are showing symptoms. Removing fallen leaves in the autumn can help prevent re-infection, but most rhododendron growers just live with it. If you feel spraying is necessary, the dosage recommended for azaleas is probably fine, but it's not going to make the spotting disappear....See MoreHow much shade for rhodies/azaleas in Zone 7b/8a in central Alaba
Comments (3)The oaks and your liquidambar are both compatible with azaleas and rhododendrons. They generally provide filtered shade not dense, their leaves decompose slowly providing a long lasting acid mulch, and they are normally not surface rooted. I can't answer your questions on specific spacing though - here in this maritime climate I can grow rhododendrons in full sun. Is rainfall normally an issue for you or is it just this year in particular? Ideally, open sky above them would allow them to benefit from what rainfall you do have, while still receiving enough shade from adjacent trees as light patterns change during the day....See Moredeanna in ME Barely zone 6a, more like 5b
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoUser
5 years agodeanna in ME Barely zone 6a, more like 5b
5 years agogardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
5 years agodeanna in ME Barely zone 6a, more like 5b thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)deanna in ME Barely zone 6a, more like 5b
5 years agogardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
5 years agodeanna in ME Barely zone 6a, more like 5b thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)NHBabs z4b-5a NH
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agodeanna in ME Barely zone 6a, more like 5b thanked NHBabs z4b-5a NHdeanna in ME Barely zone 6a, more like 5b
5 years agodeanna in ME Barely zone 6a, more like 5b
4 years agodeanna in ME Barely zone 6a, more like 5b
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agodeanna in ME Barely zone 6a, more like 5b
4 years ago
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