Transplanting 
Time to Plant —In the Southeast, rhododendrons are best trans- 
planted in the late fall, during winter, and in early spring. The most 
appropriate time may vary with climatic conditions of the specific area. 
Planting in September, October and early November is normally to be 
avoided because of usual autumn dryness, which makes necessary the 
task of keeping the plants well watered until rainfall is abundant. Spring 
is ordinarily the best planting season. At that time the conditions of both 
soil and climate are most favorable. The plants may be in full bloom 
but should not have begun to grow. 
Spacing — As a rule rhododendrons grow rather large and should be 
planted at least as far as 5 to 6 feet apart and the same distance from 
other shrubs or trees, and 3 to 4 feet from buildings. 
Planting —1. Dig hole 2 to 3 times larger in diameter than the ball 
of earth of the plant and, in sandy soils, 2 to 4 inches below its original 
depth, or in clay soils, 4 to 6 inches. 
2. Put enough planting soil in the hole and pack it down firmly so 
that when the plant is set, its crown (that point where the upper roots 
extend from the stem) is even with the surface. For attaining this, a nar- 
row board laid across the hole is useful. The burlap need not be removed 
unless it is of heavy material. 
3. Settle the plant firmly by thorough watering. Water twice a week 
thereafter in the absence of sufficient rain. It is a good idea to improvise 
some extra shading for a week or so after planting, especially if the 
weather is sunny. 
Mulching — Particularly good mulching materials are rotting leaves 
and other plant litter found under oaks and pine trees. Fresh oak leaves 
tend to form a tight mat which hinders soil aeration and ready absorption 
of water, but they may be used if the leaves are loosened cccasionally and 
if small limbs and branches are laid over them to prevent their being 
blown away by winds. Should sawdust be used, it should be at least 3 
years old and treated with sulphate of ammonia, mixing | pint to 1 
bushel of sawdust. We do not recommend lawn clippings for mulching 
rhododendrons, because the material mats and the soft grass decays 
too rapidly. 
About 30 days after planting, allowing time first for the plant to 
become well anchored, cover the ground under and around the plant 
with mulch 2 to 3 inches deep, and apply fertilizer (see Fertilizing under 
MAINTENANCE), and then water the area well. 
Acquisition of Plants 
Buy rhododendrons from a recognized grower, preferably from a 
nursery which specializes in growing rhododendrons, or through a land- 
scape planter of known reliability, particularly one who fully appreci- 
ates the character of these valuable plants. 
Though grafted plants and plants grown on their own roots may be 
had, rhododendrons grown on their own roots ordinarily are recom- 
mended for transplanting in the South. 
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