The rhododendron is a beautiful flowering shrub. If it feels comfortable in its place in the garden, then with good care it will please the eye for years to come. In England there are specimens that grow over 100 years old. In the home garden, however, it often comes up against walls, fences or other obstacles. In this case, there is a solution - transplant the rhododendron. We answer the most frequently asked questions about implementation and explain how you can save the wood.
The most important questions at a glance
The flowering plant looks good both in the garden and on the balcony. Its large flowers delight the hobby gardener's eye in spring and autumn. However, the shrub is very demanding when it comes to location and soil conditions. The rhododendron prefers airy, nutrient-rich, moderately moist to fresh soil. A location in partial shade is ideal, ideally under a deep-rooted tree.The beautiful flowering bushGets along well with Chinese redwood, forest tupelo and red oak.
If the location or soil conditions are not suitable for the tree, flower production will slow down and the shrub will become ill. So it's not due to aging, but rather to the requirements of the plant. Nevertheless, the term “old rhododendron” has become popularly established as a synonym for a diseased plant.
Can you transplant an old rhododendron?
It's not just young plants that can change locations. Even if the rhododendron has already developed its roots and is large, you can transplant it. This often involves an attempt at rescue because the shrub does not feel comfortable in its current location. However, there is one exception: if you already have theRhododendron cut back close to the groundthen you should leave it alone for the next two years so that it can recover from the pruning. Otherwise the tree can die.
Transplanting old rhododendrons: When is the best time?
Two-year-old trees are transplanted in spring. Then they have enough time to sprout again in spring and summer and to develop the root system. Flowering bushes that are several years old can tolerate a change of location in May to early June. If you have missed the right time, then transplanting in the September - early November period is an option.
Does the flowering bush have deep or shallow roots?
The flowering shrub is a shallow-rooted plant. Its root ball is compact and very dense and grows significantly slower than the above-ground parts of the plant. It is located in the upper layer of soil and can be dug out without much effort.
How do I dig up rhododendrons?
The first step in digging up the plant is finding the right tools. For young and still small bushes, the clearing hoe is ideal. You can use a gardener's spade for old shrubs. The size of the root ball can be based on the growth width. This is usually the same size or slightly smaller than the crown of the flowering bush. Since the roots grow very densely, you should be very careful when cutting them out. Loosen the root ball and lift it up. Cover it with fleece and place the shrub in a shady place in the garden.
Then you can dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. The garden soil withBio-Compost(preferably with a high proportion of leaves) and mix with medium-grain sand. Then place the root system in the soil, leaving the root collar sticking out.
Transplanting rhododendrons: Which soil should you use in the pot?
The tree thrives best in slightly acidic soil with a specific composition. You can find special rhododendron soil in garden centers, but you can also make it yourself.
Mix rhododendron soil:
- 5 parts of medium grain sand (between 0 and 4 mm)
- 3 parts clay soil
- 1 part medium textured pine bark (between 15 and 25 mm)
- 1 part topsoil with a pH between 5 and 6
When cutting rhododendron radically?
Especially when it comes to saving the plant, many hobby gardeners ask themselves whether they should cut back the rhododendron before or after transplanting. As already mentioned, the tree needs time to recover from severe pruning - so it is not an option before transplanting.
Even after transplanting, there is a phase in which the tree has to get used to the new conditions. Pruning the following spring is definitely worth a try. However, since the shrub forms flower buds the previous year, it will not bloom in the spring after pruning.
