Siting Your Rhododendrons
What is a good site
selection for planting Rhododendrons?
Rhodies naturally grow at the edge of a woodland environment so keep this
in mind when selecting your site.
In the Shade? Yes, as long as it’s high shade. Lowest branches of
trees should be 20-30’ off the ground.
In the Sun? Yes, but no more than 4 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Morning sunlight is best. Some rhodies are more sun tolerant than others.
Under or near a Maple tree? No, the roots of the Maple are surface roots
and will compete with the roots of the rhodie. The rhodie will lose the
competition!
Under or near a Black Walnut tree? NO, NO, NO, Black Walnut trees give
off a substance called juglone which is toxic to many plants growing within its
root zone. Ferns can live under them but not rhodies!
Under an Oak, Birch, or pine tree? Usually not a problem as long as the
branches are trimmed 20-30’ off the ground.
Next to a wall? Not on the South side of a wall or house because the
sunlight reflecting off the wall will burn the leaves of a rhodie. If
you’re adamant about planting in front of your house, make sure the plant
is at least 4’ from the foundation wall and is not under the roofline
where it will not receive adequate rain. You may also consider selecting a
shorter variety of rhodie so that in a few year’s time your windows
won’t be blocked. Periodically check the PH of the soil as lime may leach
out of the foundation walls and make it difficult for the plant to grow
properly.
In the Middle of your lawn? Yes, as long as the amount of direct
sunlight (morning preferred) is not more than 4 hours and your automatic sprinkler
system does not water the rhodie’s or the spray does not touch the leaves.
Lawns require more water than rhodie’s and automatic systems will
over-water your rhododendrons, leave them damp and at risk to disease. See "What is the best way to
water a rhododendron?"
On a hill? Yes, drainage on a hill is usually pretty good.
At the Bottom of a hill? Yes, if the soil drains well.
In heavy, clay soil? No, unless you plant the rhodie on top of the
existing soil by mounding it and supporting the mound with wood ties, stones,
etc. The important thing is the roots of the rhododendron are happiest (and
healthiest) in well-drained soil. Clay soil does not drain well!
In a windy area? It depends. If the area is exposed to a lot of winter
wind, the rhodie will or could suffer from "winter burn". If this
happens once every few years, it usually won’t kill the plant. It
doesn’t look very good, however!
In sandy soil? Yes, sandy soil provides good drainage. However, you must
be prepared to give some extra care, especially watering, to the plant during
hot and dry summers.