RHODODENDRON CULTURE 
The important considerations in growing rhododendrons are proper 
shading, good drainage and a sour soil. 
Site and Shelter 
Rhododendrons require some shade and will do well in fairly deep 
shade, although in deep shade the plants grow more upright and do not 
produce as many blooms. One should try to transplant them in an airy 
place where there is an interplay of sunlight and shade, as beneath oaks 
and pines, or at least where the plants are exposed to full sun, in summer, 
only during the early morning hours and in the late afternoon. The 
first type of location is preferable, and especially fitting are places shel- 
tered by oaks and pines near streams, ponds, or lakes or in well-drained 
ravines. One should not plant rhododendrons in any place, as the un- 
protected corner of a building, which is exposed to drying winds, and 
especially to cold winter blasts and strong March winds; nor should one 
plant them on a south slope which likely will become dry and parched 
in summer, or against a hot, dry wall. Neither should one plant them 
under or near a shallow-rooted tree, such as a maple, a sweetgum, or a 
poplar. 
Soil 
The type of soil in which our native rhododendrons grow is best for 
Asiatic and Catawba Hybrids. It is well-drained and composed primarily 
of molding oak leaves and pine needles, and normally has an acidity 
rating of pH 4.5 to 5.5. In the absence of an adequate supply of such a 
soil, a suitable medium may always be prepared easily. A mixture of 
peat, ¥s field or garden loam, and ¥4 fibrous woods mold will serve the 
average needs, though one may vary somewhat the proportions of the 
three ingredients as they are practicable to obtain. Good drainage should 
be assured by the addition of coarse sand up to a proportion of 10 to 
15 percent. The greater the amount of peat the more sand one should 
use, since peat fails to promote good drainage. 
Good drainage and satisfactory acid reaction are natural to fibrous 
woods mold. 
If one is ever uncertain of the acidity rating of one’s soil, the soil 
should be tested. ‘The local county agent will perform this service. Only 
after it is definitely established that chemicals are necessary, should one 
attempt to correct the soil with chemicals, for they may cause complica- 
tions harmful, if not fatal, to the plant. 
If the acidity rating of the soil is above pH 5.5, spread over the sur- 
face of the mulch either 4 to 6 handfuls of aluminum sulphate or 2 to 3 
handfuls of sulphur. The amount depends on the size of the plant. 
Though aluminum sulphate acts more quickly, when used in big doses 
it proves toxic to the plant. Because the effect of sulphur is longer last- 
ing and is not toxic, sulphur is preferable to aluminum sulphate. 
In the event that the soil tests too acid, below pH 4.5, apply a few 
handfuls of limestone, preferably dolomitic limestone, over the mulch 
and water it in well. 
@ Blooms of rhododendrons and mollis hybrid azaleas make very effective inside deco- 
rations, singly or in the creation of lovely cut-flower arrangements. 
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