No, this isn’t about the roadies for your favorite band.

This is about the care and feeding of rhododendrons, that glorious though sometimes overused flowering shrub.

Given the right stuff, these girls will rock and roll for years and years.

If you’re blessed with a fairly mature landscape you may already have rhodies growing in your yard. Many start blooming in late April here in the northwest, home to a multitude of species. There are also early blooming species.

The time to prune is just after flowering. The main task is to remove spent blossoms by simply snapping them off. Dead-heading, as this task is called, will reduce the chance of fungus forming on the shrub, and also prevents many seeds from forming, which takes energy away from the plant.

Take a look at this video featuring Frederick R. Spicer Jr., Executive Director of the Birmingham Botanical Garden, for the skinny on deadheading:

If your rhodies are getting in the way of pathways or other plants, or perhaps just getting leggy, it’s time for more serious pruning. The following videos again feature Mr. Spicer, showing how to help the plants look their best and allow for other needs in the landscape.

Water

Rhododendrons have very fine, fibrous roots and cannot tolerate their roots drying out. How to tell if they need water? If you notice them drooping and looking tired during the morning, chances are they need a good soaking. If the summer temperature climbs above 95 degrees, give them a watering to keep the leaves from dehydrating. A coarse mulch of organic material will help keep the roots from drying out too much. Caution: wood chips and fresh sawdust aren’t the best mulch, as they leach nitrogen from the soil while they decompose. You’re better off with pine needles, leaves, etc.

Feeding

All plants love the gardener who maintains a compost pile, and rhodies are no exception. Compost is the most balanced way to provide nutrients to any kind of plant. In addition, compost helps the soil structure and can even balance the alkaline/acid ratio.

Most rhododendrons planted in a fairly decent, fertile soil will need no special plant food. However, you may note certain areas that indicate a need for special nutrients.

If older leaves show yellow between the leaf veins, Epsom salts can provide magnesium. Younger leaves turning yellow may indicate an iron deficiency.

Problems

Check with your local extension service to learn which insects may pose the greatest threat to your shrubs. Bringing home a can of insecticide is usually not the best answer. Look for a more integrative approach to pest management.

Fungus and associated diseases can be prevented by taking a close look at the shrub at pruning time. Adequate water, mulch, and protection from high speed winter winds go a long way toward keeping things under control.