3

I am in a 5b zone and I have a small Rhododendron (~1.5'' high) that I planted there last year. I am having second thoughts about that and I am thinking about moving it.

Update:The name of the plant is P.J.M Rhododendron

Two questions:

-how do I know if it is doing well there and I should not move it. My bet was that it will grow higher and then it will get more light. This is a south west fence corner.

-if the answer is yes move it, is this a good time to move it ?

the below pictures were taken around 7PM today

enter image description here enter image description here enter image description here

MiniMe
  • 1,819
  • 13
  • 18
  • You really need to send a picture. Rhododendrons like partial shade, do well as under story plants in forests with acidic soils. In shade they won't be prolific with flowers but they do flower...send a picture so we can see the...amount of shade. Is it planted near any concrete? Need to know the brand of rhody as well, species and variety? – stormy May 04 '18 at 19:18
  • Ok here are the pictures, I will try to find the store label, I always save them. OK I found the name see above in the post – MiniMe May 05 '18 at 00:03
  • Leave it there and buy another rhododendron. – blacksmith37 Jun 04 '18 at 16:01

1 Answers1

1

I think the total shade is marginally ok (rhodies do prefer some sun, though). Type of shade matters, too - tree shade is marginally brighter than wall shade, which seems to be what you have.

What's certain is that it's planted way too close to the fence. PJMs can get four feet wide, so it should be at least 2.5 feet from each side of the fence to account for mature width. This would also give it more (indirect?) light, since it would be further from the fence.

Rhodies require acidic soil as well, and planting it near the concrete pavers/edging that you have by the fence is not good for the plant (they'll cause the soil to become basic over time).

Have you done a soil test? If not, you should test the soil for pH where the plant will be located. If it's not low enough, I recommend applying soil sulfur (which is just granulated elemental sulfur) twice a year. Because this takes time to decompose, you might want to also apply ammonium sulfate this year and next year.

Yes, move the rhodie - at least get it away from the fence and concrete. And make sure you give it an acidic home.

Jurp
  • 18,009
  • 1
  • 15
  • 36