Planting Instructions for Rhodendrons and Azaleas:
Planting Rhododendrons is easier than people think. Regardless of climate, most rhododendrons should be planted on top of the ground, augmenting the plant's medium by adding well oxygenated soil that drains well. As you can see on the right... Using 100% bark dust or any type course organic material is ideal. Notice the shallow, bowl-like shape we make before placing the plant.
Take the plant out of the container and rough-up the roots with your finger tips. Inspect the roots. Thick white-tan, translucent roots are the sign of a healthy root system. Recognize that the plant's root system will grow wider than deep.
Place the plant in the hole whereby the plant spatially looks the most appropriate. Think about how the sun travels from morning to night, summer to winter.
Smooth the surface around the plant and lightly tap the soil surrounding the plant. Do not firmly step on the root system. You might do this with fruit trees, but not rhododendrons. Water the root system well and when your finished the base of the rhododendron should be just slightly mounded so that water will run away from the rhododendron.
