Abstract

CHAPMAN, DOUGLAS. 1981. Rhododendrons flourish with plantings in acid soil. Weeds, Trees & Turf 20(3): 30, 32.

Rhododendron is a low maintenance, broad-leaved, evergreen shrub which can provide color from mid-April through July. This color can vary from deep red to clear white, with the most common color being magenta. Selection of the correct species and/or cultivar can result in a shrub 2 to 3 feet in height or one 10 to 15 feet in height. Many cultivars are hardy from Chicago to Michigan to Boston and south. These hardy specimens provide a gene pool for breeding colorful, disease-resistant, and hardy rhododendrons. Some of the hardy species for the northern Midwest and Northeast include Rhododendron carolinianum, R. catawbiense, R. fortunei, R. xlaetivirens, R. maximum, R. mucronulatum, and R. smirnowii. The real key to growing rhododendrons is to understand their requirements. These requirements include: protection from sun and wind, high humidity, acid soil pH (below 7.0), and high organic soils.

• © 1982, International Society of Arboriculture. All rights reserved.