Re: Rhododendron's won't bloom
- Subject: Re: [SG] Rhododendron's won't bloom
- From: B* P*
- Date: Thu, 9 May 2002 07:00:05 -0400
The only Rhodo in Greer's "Guidebook to Rhododendrons" that comes close to
"multoides" is R. myrtifolium, which is hardy to -10F. There is also a
hybrid 'Myrtifolium' which is hardy to -15F. You did not mention whether it
set flower buds. If it did not then Ran Lydel's statement about wet soil in
the fall is the most reasonable answer since you say you use an organic
fertilizer which would not be high in nitrogen. I have a R. 'Mist Maiden'
which in 25 years has only flowered profusely once after a very dry summer
and fall.
If it sets flower buds then they have been blasted in the fall, winter or
spring. Flower buds are 5-10 degrees more tender than the shrub itself.
Bill Plummer
Painted Post, New York, USA
Zone 5
77º 07' 27'' West; 42º 09' 10" North
----- Original Message -----
From: "David Edwards" <David-Edwards@UTC.EDU>
To: <shadegardens@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU>
Sent: Wednesday, May 08, 2002 10:41 PM
Subject: [SG] Rhododendron's won't bloom
> I have several three year old multoides rhododendrons that will not
> bloom. They are about three to four feet away from the east wall of my
> garage so they get plenty of morning sun, filtered through a few oak
> trees. They are in a bed with azaleas, which do just fine, hydrangeas,
> which also do well, and a couple of large mountain laurels. They have
> plenty of space. I mulch with shredded leaves, water more or less
> conscientiously, and feed them with an organic fertilizer. The foliage
> looks good except for some feeding damage, we think from rabbits. Any
> ideas why the things won't bloom?
>
