GardenBanter.co.uk - View Single Post

Chris Hogg · 28-02-2007, 06:10 PM posted to uk.rec.gardening

On Tue, 27 Feb 2007 22:28:50 +0000, Sacha
wrote:

On 27/2/07 20:50, in article ,
"Chris Hogg" wrote:

On 26 Feb 2007 09:40:04 GMT, wrote:

We have a site where we have cleared a number of large (i.e 50ft high)
Leylandii and we're thinking of planting some rhododendrons there.

From what I have read etc. it would seem that they will like the
acidity etc. but I'm not quite sure if the ground will be damp enough
for them. Although there is a lot of humus the underlying ground is
sandy and well drained so it's relatively dry and rainfall is low
(we're in Suffolk) - though you might not think so just at the moment!

So, will rhododenrons be OK?

Rhodies do need plenty of water, especially in hot dry weather and
when they're in full growth. When you plant them, dig in plenty of
organic matter such as leafmould, compost from your own heap or peat
if you have neither of those. This will help retain moisture in the
soil, as well as restoring some life to it to make up for the ravages
of the Leylandii.snip

I wonder if the OP has taken out the roots of the leylandii? If not, as
they rot down they will take nitrogen from the soil and that will affect the
Rhodies so that needs to be considered in terms of treatment. Would you
agree, Chris? I've never encountered these conditions myself with Rhodies
but would think it must be taken into consideration.

Possibly, but my experience of Leylandii roots is that they are not so
extensive that I would think them a real problem, as they only rot
away fairly slowly. The OP should anyway consider feeding his rhodies
with a high-nitrogen feed in spring, after flowering, to encourage
growth, and a high-potash feed in mid to late summer, say end July -
early August, to set flower bud for the following year, but I doubt if
feeding is necessary in the first year.

--
Chris

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