Planting
Rhododendrons can be a wonderful addition to any shady area planting. As a broadleaf evergreen, they do require special care to insure their continued ability to thrive in your garden. Rhododendrons should be planted where they receive full winter shade, usually the north or east side of the house, or under the protection of a large evergreen. Some fences cast enough shadow to create this microclimate. Container planting is not recommended for rhododendrons.
Rhododendrons require good drainage for best flower and root production. We recommend digging the planting hole twice the width and one and one half times the depth of the container in which the rhodie is purchased. Plastic containers should be removed prior to planting; peat pots from field dug rhodies may be left on; however we do recommend that a portion of the pot be removed to encourage good root growth. Handouts about planting peat pots are available upon request.

Fertilizing

Amend the soil with peat moss, compost or Gardner & Bloom Acid Planting Mix, but not steer manure, as the salt residual left in most manure products may damage the plant. Master Nursery Master Start Fertilizer may be used as fertilizer at the time of planting. Master Nursery Rootmaster , an anti-shock and rooting hormone is also advised.
Rhododendrons thrive on acid fertilizer. Master Nursery Acid Plant Food or Sterns Miracid, (all mixed with water when applied) are excellent choices if applied with frequency—usually once to twice monthly during the flowering and growing season. For those who desire less tedious fertilization programs, Jobe’s Evergreen Fertilizer Stakes, Master Nursery Camellia, Azalea & Gardenia Food, or Best Rhododendron, Azalea or Camellia Food require less frequent use—usually 3-4 times per year.

Watering
Rhododendrons do not like wet feet—beware of over watering. For this reason, be careful about planting thirsty annuals beneath your rhodies. Drip irrigation utilizing infrequent (twice to once weekly when established) deep watering is best; however, deep garden hose soaking or soaker hoses will work also. Winter watering, at least once monthly November through March, is essential.  CloudCover, Wilt Pruf, or Anti-Stress 2000, all flexible polymer sprays applied directly to rhodie leaves, help eliminate water loss through evaporation. These products may be applied at the time of planting, and from October through March.