one of the most momentous celebrations of spring is the sight of a rhododendron in full floral glory – not only due to their captivating beauty, but also because of the long period of anticipation from bud in early autumn, to flowering in spring. Then, before you know it, the show is over! Flowering can be fleeting, but these ephemeral showgirls have other attributes and with careful selection of varieties, you can spread the show out over a longer period.
Rhododendrons in full bloom are a splendid celebration of spring
WEATHER PERoITTING
Prior to vireya rhododendrons becoming more widely available, temperate rhodos were the most commonly planted across New Zealand. Now, many warm-climate gardeners opt for tropical vireyas, which cope better with warmth and humidity.
Jury Hybrids, bred specifically to cope with a warmer, coastal climate, also fare well in warm regions. Abbie Jury, of Tikorangi, says their hybrids bring new vigour and reliability, without the need for constant spraying to combat thrips, which is a common problem in warm regions.
In fact, rhododendrons are often difficult to grow – most of the popular varieties are the result of hybridisation. Dennis Hughes of Blue oountain Nurseries, Tapanui, touts the R yakushimanum hybrids as some of the best. They are extremely hardy and have a neat, compact habit and extremely attractive foliage, usually with a heavily felted under-surface.
While rhodos tend to flower with a hiss and a roar, many also have wonderfully handsome foliage, making them useful for structural and feature planting. New spring foliage is often coloured or candlelike, and plump winter flower buds add a decorative touch. There is also such a wealth of varieties, ranging in size and colour, that there’s bound to be one to suit your purpose. Success with rhododendrons comes in selecting the right varieties for your climate and correct planting
VARIETY SHoW
Those plants that gardeners know as evergreen azaleas, deciduous azaleas and vireyas all belong to the genus
Rhododendron. Apart from vireyas, they have similar cultural requirements to temperate rhododendrons, but different uses in the garden. Evergreen azaleas grow happily throughout New Zealand but prefer shade in warmer areas. Smaller-growing varieties are neat and compact, while larger growers tend to be more open.
Colours are mainly restricted to white, pinks and reds and flowering extends from March to December – depending on variety. Use tall growers as filler or background planting and smaller varieties as group planting around larger shrubs.
Deciduous azaleas form a multi-stemmed shrub, one to two metres high and wide. Flowers appear just prior to, or simultaneous with, leaf burst. They are loved for their brilliant show of vivid orange, gold and scarlet hues. Paler varieties are also available and many are highly fragrant. Use deciduous azaleas as background, filler or island planting and screening. Plant in full sun or a cool, southerly aspect in warmer regions.
Vireya rhododendrons, also known as tropical rhodos, are frost-tender but grow well under cover in colder climes. Their spasmodic flowering always comes as a surprise and hot colours of oranges, yellows and reds give them an exotic appeal. White and pastel varieties are also available, some of which are highly fragrant. Vireyas need several hours of sun a day and prefer to be grown in a small container or planted in a shallow impression in the ground surrounded by an open potting mix, similar to orchid mix.
PLANTING AND CARING FoR RHoDoS AND AZALEAS
All rhododendrons require some sun to set flower buds
Small-leaved types are more cold-hardy and sun tolerant
Large-leaved types require semi-shade and shelter
Plant in well-drained, well-composted soil and mulch with compost or fine bark (and every year thereafter)
Water deeply and frequently through dry spells
Rhododendrons detest drying out!
Constant moisture is essential
Apply controlled release fertiliser to young plants (up to three years old) in spring
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