When does the rhododendron bloom?

It is one of the most spectacular ornamental shrubs that exist and, perhaps for this reason, one of the most common in gardens and terraces. Beyond its perennial and intensely green beauty, there is a moment that consecrates this plant as one of the favorites: when it is full of flowers. A moment more than expected by gardening lovers, which makes us wonder a lot! when does rhododendron bloom

Doubt is logical. Flowering is the most attractive time for this rustic bush that, despite being native to Japan, has been in our latitudes for almost two centuries. That it has had such an impact among lovers of outdoor plants in Europe is not only due to its flowers. It is also largely due to auge being one of those cold-hardy garden shrubs that can handle harsh winters quite normally.

Beyond its virtues, knowing when the rhododendron blooms will allow us to enjoy its cultivation. Because the beauty of this season is such that there is no gardener who does not wait and despair waiting for his bush to display those flower bouquets so characteristic of this plant.

WHEN DOES THE RHODODENDRON BLOSSOM

Far from following a strict guideline, knowing when your rhododendron blooms depends on several factors. Beyond that we follow the care of the rhododendron to the letter, there are other details that will determine its flowering time and that should be known.

The first of all and that we usually neglect: the variety to which ours corresponds. In general, it is believed that the rhododendron blooms from the end of winter until the arrival of summer. However, there are varieties that flower between April and June and, also, others that do so from the end of August until well into October.

To know when the rhododendron blooms, we will not only have to look at the variety. There are other important factors that also affect its flowering time. The most important: the climate of the place where we live. Excessively cold winters can delay the flowering of our plant. In the same way, an early spring can cause it to bloom when it is not yet time, with the risk that this entails. And we say risk because a spring frost can substantially shorten the life of your flowers. Some that, under normal conditions, usually last between 15 and 25 days.

And we leave for the end another aspect that we cannot leave aside. And it is that flowering can also depend on the age of the plant at the time of planting. As heartbreaking as it sounds, a rhododendron can take years to flower. An acclimatization period that depends largely on the youth of the plant that we buy. If we plant it from seeds, it can take up to seven years to flower. If it is a young plant, it will not flower before four years. And if it’s an adult plant, it will most likely take at least a couple to get it right.

AND WHAT TO DO WHEN THE RHODODENDRON IS NOT BLOSSOMING?

Another common question among lovers of this bush. Beyond contemplating the detail of the age of our plant, there are other aspects that we must review if our plant does not bloom as it did or, after years, we have not managed to make it do so.

In general terms, the lack of flower in the rhododendron responds to a question of deficiencies in its care. So there is nothing like knowing what you can respond to that does not flourish to try to find a solution.

1. A wrong location

It is probably one of the main reasons why rhododendrons do not bloom. On many occasions, we put aside the needs of the plant to prioritize those of our landscaping. An error that, however common it may be, can take its toll on the well-being of our plants.

In the case of the rhododendron, much of the success of its flowering lies in where we plant it. If we choose a place where it receives direct and intense sunlight, we will be hindering its flowering. Something that will also happen if we plant it in a place where shade predominates and lacks light.

Another detail to pamper regarding the location is that our plant is protected from the wind and, if we live in a very cold climate, from late frosts. By preventing our plants from both climatological manifestations, we will be able to save their flower buds.

2. A low acid or poorly nourished soil

Beyond the fact that it is important to know what acid plants are and what this terminology implies, it is essential to understand that the rhododendron is one of them. Only in this way will we get an idea of ​​the specific needs it has and that we must cover to promote both its health and its flowering.

Apart from other details, the type of soil is essential. And not just because rhododendrons demand an acidic plant substrate. In addition to this, it will be essential that it is rich in humus and organic matter.

3. Improper use of fertilizer, another common reason why rhododendrons do not bloom

In addition to enriching the soil with organic matter, it is crucial that we regularly apply acidic plant fertilizer to our bush. But be careful: in the right measure. Exceeding or falling short with the fertilizer pattern can cause the rhododendron not to bloom.

Although it is necessary to know the specific needs of our variety, the ideal is that we apply three doses of fertilizer: one when the winter begins to withdraw and the flower buds are forming, another after flowering and a last one in mid-July. After this last one, we will stop any subscriber. If we continue to fertilize, it is more than likely that our plant will not bloom the following season.

Just as important as this is choosing the right type of fertilizer. If we opt for nitrogenous fertilization, our rhododendron will not bloom. We will see how its branches and leaves grow, but its flower will not even intend to come out.

4. Excessive pruning or at an inadvisable time

The last of the reasons why the rhododendron does not bloom. We tend to believe that, as a bush that it is, it is necessary to prune it. And, really, our plant can live perfectly without us doing any pruning.

What’s more: if we chose to prune either in the fall or in late winter, it is more than likely that a rhododendron will not bloom. By doing so, we will be eliminating the buds that the bush creates at the tips of the branches. A detail that, logically, will prevent the flowering that we so much hope for.

And now that you know what your plant needs, don’t hesitate to fulfill it. Doing so will guarantee you to enjoy a long-awaited and attractive flowering. One capable of filling any space with life and color.