Evergreens bring a color to the barrenness of winter. They make good windbreaks and privacy screens and are especially good for landscaping. Evergreens can be planted in early spring except, of course, in the cold areas of the north. They can be planted in late August or early September in the colder areas. Evergreens are best pruned in the late spring. Evergreens come in all types and sizes from small shrubs to the giant Sequoia.

Rhododendrons Can Be Either Deciduous or Evergreen.

By Larry Gildea

The name "rhododendron" derives from the Greek "rhodo", rose, and "dendron," tree. The genus belongs to the heather family, Ericaceae. The earliest historical record of rhododendron comes from a retreating army which feasted on honey from rhododendron blossoms and became very ill. This record is dated around 400 BC.

Rhododendrons require a specific set of tasks for proper planting.

Proper site selection and planting are necessary for the rhododendron to thrive.

Rhododendrons grow best when planted in acid soil with a pH of 4.0 to 6.0. Soils can be treated to make them more acidic. Adding liberal amounts of peat moss and decaying oak leaves tend to make soil more acid. The soil can also be treated with agricultural sulfur or ferrous sulfate. Check with a local Extension Agent or knowledgeable nurseryman or gardener to determine which chemicals and the amount required.

The planting area should not be in total sunlight.

Rhododendrons thrive when the have some shade throughout the day.

Be Sure the planting site is cultivated and weed free.

The planting hole should be twice as wide as the root ball around the plant

Dig the planting hole the same depth as vertical size of the root ball Dry root balls should be soaked in a tub of water before planting. Work loose some of the outer roots including fine ones so they will be in contact with the soil when planted.

Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.

Once the plant is properly situated in the hole, fill in around it with the soil dug from the planting hole. Make sure the soil is free of clods, rocks and debris.

Water the plant but don't apply any fertilizer.

Rhododendrons should be fertilized after they are established.

Finally, apply up to five inches of mulch around the plant

Mulching is important because it helps to conserve moisture, mitigate soil temperature fluctuation, and prevent weeds. Fall leaves and bark are good organic mulches

Rhododendrons first made history in 400BC in Asia Minor. Since then they have grown in popularity coming through China and Europe into modern times.

Rhododendrons are beautiful. They come in evergreen and deciduous varieties. They are easy to plant. Rhododendrons make beautiful bushes of large colorful flowers. Grow some today.

Dr. Larry Gildea has authored many articles on gardening. Dr. Gildea also created the Gardening Bonanza site, www.gardeningbonanza.com. Gardening Bonanza.com covers many types of gardening, including, bonsai design and cultivation, container gardening, flower gardening, rose gardening, hydroponics gardening and several others.

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