Content
- Fertilize rhododendron properly
- The most important thing about rhododendrons
- Best fertilization time and dosage
- Post-fertilizing after rainy months
- Yellow leaves alarm - high time for special fertilizer
- Compost and coffee grounds as biofertilizer
- Fertilize large-area rhododendrons yourself - but how?
- Tips & Tricks
Fertilize rhododendron properly
In spring, lush flowering rhododendrons delight our senses. This annual splendor requires a uniformly dosed nutrient intake. Fertilize Rhododendrons - but right! More about the basics for healthy evergreen plant growth ...
In order to support the good growth of rhododendrons, proper fertilization plays an important role. Because the root system in Rhododendron superficial branches, nutrients must be absorbed directly into the soil. To fertilize rhododendrons, it is best to use organic fertilizer or special rhododendron fertilizers.
But compost, leaves and coffee grounds provide the plants with organic nutrients. In addition, the use of organic fertilizer prevents over-fertilization.
The most important thing about rhododendrons
Avoid using fertilizers that are enriched with lime, such as rock salt. Most rhododendron varieties are sensitive to calcareous soils in addition to high pH. On the other hand, like all shrubs, they value mulch in the loose soil.
Best fertilization time and dosage
Rhododendrons, ideally placed without waterlogging in partial shade in slightly acidic soil, benefit considerably from the right fertilizer. Even if the site or soil does not offer ideal conditions for the easy-care ornamental shrubs, good fertilizer compensates for the disadvantages. From April to October is the best time for a uniformly dosed food intake.
Cultivating ornamental trees by nature, means to meet special requirements for location and nutrient supply. How much fertilizer depends on the size of the plant and leaves. As a rule of thumb, the following dose per square meter applies:
The first low-salt depot fertilizer you work loose in the top soil layer under the outer third of the leaf crown. An additional addition of horn shavings at 50 - 70 grams per square meter promotes deep green foliage and forms plenty of flower buds.
Good to know: do not fertilize freshly planted rhododendrons directly. But only next spring, when the shrub is vigorously rooted.
Post-fertilizing after rainy months
Rhododendron after fertilizing is recommended in early July. Especially the leached soil after a rainy spring allows you fertilize from 30 to 50 grams per square meter. For small-leaved rhododendrons, half of the fertilizer is sufficient.
Do not forget to water enough plants after each nutrient.
Yellow leaves alarm - high time for special fertilizer
Rhododendrons, which grow, green and bloom, need trace elements, magnesium, nitrogen and phosphorus. Yellow colored leaves are an alarm signal for acute nitrogen deficiency,. immediate care requires the plant to grow back to healthy green.
Compost and coffee grounds as biofertilizer
Regular composting never hurts. The soil stores moisture better, remains loose and nutrient-rich.
Coffee grounds contain phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen. All three activate metabolism. Either add fresh coffee grounds to the irrigation water or distribute it directly around the plant. Because fresh coffee grounds quickly mold, you must first dry it on a plate or plate. Remains of the dried fertilizer are kept in an airtight can for several months.
Potting soil mixed with coffee grounds is ideal for potting a mini rhododendron. The slightly acidic pH of coffee neutralizes soils with high pH and calcareous irrigation water. He also sells some pests.
Fertilize large-area rhododendrons yourself - but how?
In older, large rhododendron areas, the pH of the soil is often above pH 5. Therefore, soil analysis by means of test strips from the gardening trade is the first to be recommended.
Spreading 200 grams of unrefined sulfur flower per square meter lowers the pH of the soil surface. This is available in drugstores or horticultural companies. This is followed by fertilization with a special organo-mineral rhododendron fertilizer of the classification
8 - 5 - 8 - 3. About 100 grams per square meter.
From mid-April, you will be supported with a cheap blue fertilizer gift. at the beginning of the planting season, the growth of giant rhododendron at 60 grams per square meter.
Important: Add 40 grams of Kieserite per square meter to each fertilizer to ensure optimal magnesium supply.
Tips & Tricks
With coffee grounds you can fertilize all year round. Provided there is no coffee mountain in the garden;). For a super fertilizer that goes off right you mixed coffee grounds with horn chips and distribute grass clippings on it. That saves money and garbage ...