"Anthony B" wrote:

John, Rhodies like morning sun and afternoon shade.

Some do and some don't. Some need more sun in order to set flower buds
and to prevent a tall gangly habit. Others like more shade to prevent
sunburn, rhododendron lace bugs, and fading of the flowers. Each
species and each variety is a little different and like different
things. Many will tolerate summer sun but don't like winter sun in
areas where the ground freezes.

they also like a well drained soil. If your soil is heavy in clay,
you will have to ammend the soil.

And if the soil is heavy and not well drained you will have to raise the
rhododendrons in a raised bed. Otherwise the amended soil will be in a
pool of heavy soil and still not drain.

Rhodies also like to be protected from the prevailing winter winds in
your area.

Also, many like to be protected from winter sun. This is especially
true in colder climates where the rhododendrons harden off during the
winter.

If you want to feed them, I recommend a product called "Holly
Tone" by Espoma... it is formulated especially for rhodies , azalias and
other evergreens.

This is a very good product, but most rhododendrons don't need feeding.
If your rhododendrons don't look too healthy, then you might experiment
with fertilizing but apply at half the rate recommended on the package
and then only apply when needed which is very seldom.
--
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