Rhododendrons are a gardeners delight - and so are Azaleas. Both thrive in acidic, well-drained soil with lots of organic matter. But what to do when your is clay or loam?
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The American Rhododendron Society gives lots of valuable tips:
"Before planting test the drainage, dig a hole about 10 to 12 inches deep and fill it with water. Then after it drains, fill it with water again and see how long it takes to drain. If the hole drains within an hour you have good drainage. If the water has not drained out of the hole within one hour, the soil is poorly drained and you must correct the drainage problem before planting. Planting in raised beds is the best solution in heavy soils."
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Soil pH Value:
"Rhododendrons and Azaleas will let you know if the pH is not correct. If the leaves turn yellow between green veins then you most likely have a pH problem. Materials commonly used to lower soil pH are wettable sulfur or ferrous sulfate. Do not use aluminum sulfate to acidify the soil; it is toxic to rhododendron and azalea roots. Avoid planting azaleas near concrete sidewalks, driveways or foundations that may leach out lime which raises the pH."
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Soil Mix:
"About half of the planting medium should be organic material. Combinations of sphagnum peat moss, pine or fir bark fines, compost, and aged, chopped leaves should be worked into the soil to a depth of about 12". Oak leaves are excellent." Read more tips at their website.
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The South Shore of Nova Scotia, Canada, is blessed with a mild climate, perfect for Rhododendrons. No wonder that there is such an abundance of Rhododendron in all colors in every garden and here, the Rhododendrons are not just small shrubs, but huge ones, almost tree-like. See images of gardens on the South Shore at a former blog post.
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Shade gardens can be as lovely and even more interesting than sunny flower beds. One of the advantages of deciduous shade trees for example is that many lovely flowers which require spring sun but summer shade will grow beneath them: Anemones, Trout Lilies, Shooting Stars, Trilliums, Bleeding Hearts, Foam Flowers, Primulas, Salomon's Seal, Goats Beard, Azaleas and Rhododendrons. A great benefit is that flowers grown in shade last longer and maintain their colour intensity better than those grown in full sun, such as Heucheras or Hostas.
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Another tips for very dark and dry shade areas: Get bright, light colored, large planters to place your flowers in, and if there is a fence or dark wall behind, decorate it with lots of mirrors or a white trellis.
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Nutritious Soil and Sufficient Water.
No matter where you garden - in shade or sun - your plants will only thrive when you feed them well with the right soil, compost and regularly watering, especially near or beneath trees and large shrubs. Trees take up all the moisture (even prevent rain to reach the soil) and nutrients, so there is nothing left for your attractive flowers if you don't soak the soil every other day.
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What to Plant in Shade Areas?
Often there is not only light shade, but almost dark areas underneath a group of trees. Choose the lightest colors you can find in flowers and leaves, such as yellow or light copper Heucheras, white Bleeding Hearts, white or pink Astilbes, orange Azaleas, white, yellow or light pink Rhododendrons or the classic, white-blooming Hydrangeas.
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Find a long list of plants for for different types of shade for gardening zones 3 - 7 at Canadian Gardening or at a former post of this Garden-Dream blog, including images of shade-loving plants.
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