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.

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

Chris, out of interest why do u recommend mixing with pine needles. I'm sure theres an obvious answer but can't think of it

On Fri, 2 Sep 2005 09:52:09 +0000, Tiger303
wrote:


Chris Hogg Wrote:
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.

Chris, out of interest why do u recommend mixing with pine needles. I'm
sure theres an obvious answer but can't think of it

They give a very open, free-draining but moisture retentive texture to
compost, as well as being acid. But be sure to use rotted needles. If
you have a stand of pines near you that you can access, scrape away
the top layer of needles and underneath you'll find the partially
decomposed stuff. The top layer of fresh needles makes an excellent
mulch for rhodies etc.


--
Chris

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