On Thu, 1 Sep 2005 16:50:38 +0000 (UTC), "Ron" wrote:

I would like to plant a Rhododendron in a large pot in an area of a
courtyard which gets sun in the afternoon. I was hoping to plant the
"bric-a -brac variety which grows to 5' by 5'. I know I would have to use
ericaceous compost.
Is this idea feasible? Any comments suggestions appreciated.
Many thanks.


'Bric-a-Brac' makes a good pot plant. It's white-flowering, early, and
the flowers can get damaged by frost, but in a courtyard it may get
some protection. Use John Innes Ericaceous compost, and mix in some
well rotted pine needles if you can get them, say 2 parts JI to 1 part
pine needles. Make sure the pot has plenty of drainage holes, and put
some crocks or chippings into the bottom before adding the compost.
Dappled shade is preferable to direct sun. Keep the compost damp
especially in hot dry weather, but don't over-water. Give it some
ericaceous feed every few weeks after flowering until mid/end July,
then use a high potash fertiliser (e.g. tomato feed) in late summer,
to encouraged flower buds to form in advance of the following season.



--
Chris

E-mail: christopher[dot]hogg[at]virgin[dot]net