Rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias

If you’re in a rhododendron- or azalea-growing area, then this time of year is brilliant for their bright, showy blossom. Rhododendrons are generally easy-going plants, but they will appreciate a layer of mulch around their roots. Now is a good time to do that, as it’ll help protect the shrubs from drying out if we have another very dry summer.

The same goes for azaleas – now botanically considered to be rhododendrons, too – and camellias. All three will have fewer flowers next year if their roots dry out this summer.

You can still plant rhododendrons in April, although it’s generally considered better to plant them in autumn. Make sure they’re well watered.

When I visited the famous rhododendron garden Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in Sussex, the head gardener told me that it’s important to check the height of rhododendrons when you buy them.

Some will grow to 100ft high, while others are compact enough for a rock garden or a container. He also advised thinking about when it will flower when choosing the right spot for it in the garden.

It’s nice to place an early flowering rhododendron near the house, so you can enjoy it from a window. But you’ll be out in the garden more in May and June, so later-flowering rhododendrons can go further away.

Rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias are all good shrubs for partly shady areas of the garden, as they don’t like full sun. And they need protection from the wind. They like to grow in acid soil, but if you don’t have that, they’ll all do well in pots.

If you’re going to feed them as well as mulching, then now is a good time. Pick a feed for ericaceous plants and follow the instructions on the packet carefully. The RHS says that camellias in particular won’t flower as well if they are over-fed or fed too late.