Re: Rhododendrons for dry areas?



Nan Sterman wrote:

> Can anyone recommend a rhododendron that I can grow in sandy soil, beneath
> a huge Pine tree in an area that gets only moderate water?
>

I can ask around among growers if they can recommend any regular rhododendron
for "moderate water".  It is unikely that any regular rhododendrons will grow,
where they are ever allowed to dry out.  Rhododendrons by nature, come from
areas of frequent rainfall (almost daily).  So, if you want a regular
rhododendron, it would be best if the plant (if even only that plant) gets
water frequently.  Also, it is best not to "plant" rhododendrons in any soil.
They are best grown in a mound of barky, mulchy material, above the soil
surface.  They are surface rooting.  You could grow them in sandy soil, so
long as you amended it with as much as one half or more fir bark.  The native,
Rh. occidentale (more like an azalea) is found in forests north of San Diego.
 You can probably better grow vireya rhododendrons in San Diego.  They are
mostly from asian tropical mountain areas, where they get less frequent rain.
Being mostly epiphytic, they can go on the dry side between waterings.  There
are species and hybrids with large fragrant flowers.  A mail order source is
Bovees, at bovees.com.  They will, however, want a few hours of sun
(preferably morning sun) if they are to flower.
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