The soil
requirement for these beauties is acidic. On the Ph scale that means around 5.5
or lower; if the soil is sweeter they will die. The reason is best explained
like this.
Look at the
Ph levels as if they were a screen filter; the higher the Ph (or sweeter the
soil) the bigger the openings in the screen. The lower the number (or acidic
the soil) the smaller the openings are. Rhododenrons need the smaller opening
screen the acid soils provide.
Big holes,
small holes???? So what!
Nutrients
come in different absorbable sizes; bone meal with its calcium foundation is a
bigger compound than the iron micro compounds. Acidic soils keep the Rhodo
killing bonemeal compounds out, while letting the micro compounds in. Which
brings up this important bit of info; when buying fertilizer for them buy only
Rhododendron/Azalea fertilizer, it does not have a bonemeal base like the
others.
If you are
wondering if your soil is right for Rhodos you can have it tested at most
garden centers by taking in a sample of your dirt. Make sure you go down deep
enough to where the roots will be.
One other
tell tale sign for good Rhododenronable soil is if your Blue Hydrangea flower
is indeed blue and not pink; a sign of good acidic soil.
If
you have any questions feel free to e-mail me at NiemeyerLandscaping@Gmail.com
or post a comment on this Blog. And like us on Facebook at Niemeyer
Landscaping. For more Landscape and garden info and pictures on the subject
check us out at www.NiemeyerLandscaping.com
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