How to Grow Rhododendrons

Rhododendrons are spectacular spring flowering shrubs or trees that are suited to mild to temperate and cold climates. These plants are closely related to Azaleas and come in many varieties and colours. Warm climate rhododendrons have become readily available and are often called 'vireya'. These varieties however, prefer rainforest-type conditions with moderate temperatures, good watering and perfect drainage.

Dappled sunlight during the day, sheltered from afternoon sun

Regular watering

Good drainage & acidic soils

Best grown in colder climates. Some varieties can tolerate warmer temperate zones

How to grow rhododendrons in a garden

Step 1

Choose a well drained spot in the garden that gets dappled sunlight during the day and protection from the afternoon sun.

Step 2

Enrich the soil with some compost and Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser before planting.

Step 3

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 4

Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil lightly moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.

Step 5

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.

Step 6

Feed every 6-8 weeks with Yates Dynamic Lifter Plus Flower Food.

How to grow rhododendrons in a pot

Step 1

Choose a dwarf variety and pot that has adequate drainage holes and is double the size of the selected plant. Place it in a position that gets dappled sunlight during the day and protection from the afternoon sun.

Step 2

Fill the pot with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 3

Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 4

Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.

Step 5

Feed every 6-8 weeks with Yates Dynamic Lifter Plus Flower Food.

Growing tips

Rhododendrons like a slightly acidic soil with a pH of around 5. To achieve this you may need to apply Yates Soil Acidifier Liquid Sulfur to lower the pH of the soil.
Get your plants ready for the summer months by giving them a feed and a trim after flowering and apply Yates Waterwise Soil Wetter over the root area.
Rhododendrons grow quite slowly and don't require too much fertiliser. Using a slow release fertiliser such as Yates Dynamic Lifter Plus Flower Food will give them just the right amount of nutrients that they need to grow.
Rhododendrons are not recommended for planting in kids gardens as the plant is poisonous if consumed.
There is also one Australian native species, the red-flowered Rhododendron lochiae.
Vireya rhododendrons differentiate themselves from the Himalayan varieties by their glossy leaves, long flowering period and unusual colours. Many of the vireya flowers come in shades of orange and salmon as well as the more traditional rhododendron pink and white.
Vireyas don't produce the massed show that's so typical of the cold climate rhodos but, unlike their spring-blooming cousins, they continue flowering over many months.
'Sir Robert Peel' (deep pink) and 'Broughtonii' (crimson) are two cultivars that grow in reasonably warm areas.