A Rhododendron prefers acid sandy soil, rich in humus and pleasantly moist. If this soil mixture is not present, you can create it by mixing peat, compost and potting soil into the existing soil. Planting is not recommended during periods of frost or in the middle of summer. It is best to plant Rhododendrons in September/October or in March/April when they can be well watered.
Rhododendrons are available in many sizes. Depending on the size of the Rhododendron chosen, it would be wise to not plant other plants too close to it. Until the Rhododendron has reached its full height, you can temporarily fill the open space with other plants. The desired position can vary per variety; take light, wind and the mature size of the plant into account. In general, a protected and slightly shaded to shady spot is preferable. With this in mind, it is important to take any neighbouring plants into account. As Rhododendrons do not appreciate harsh winds, it could be a good choice to plant them near a fence or conifers. As the roots of Rhododendrons are, on average, only 40 cm deep, shallow-rooted plants could present a problem. For this reason, it is better to avoid these in the vicinity.
Each variety has its own desired climate. Take this into account when you make your purchase. For colder countries, select the hardier types and plant them in a protected area. For warmer countries, select those varieties that can adequately cope with heat. This should be stated on the label.
