Rhododendrons in Vermont By Eileen Schilling
April 2002 Volume 15, No. 1

Iconfess: I grew up in the woods near the Jersey shore. Yes, there are woods and parks in New Jersey, and those parks are filled with massive rhododendrons, mountain laurels and andromedas.

My fellow “transplants” come to Horsford’s searching for the rhododendron gardens of home. (They never confess their Jersey heritage, but that accent is hard to lose.) I tell them they can plant rhododendrons and andromedas in Vermont. The secret to success is choosing a hardy variety and altering the soil in which they are to be planted.

Soil. Rhododendrons naturally colonize in woods with acidic soils. They are shallow-rooted yet drought-tolerant. A lot of soil in Vermont is heavy clay or tired farmland. It’s best to mix an appropriate shrub medium and pile it on top of the ground. Use half good topsoil (sandy loam) and half weedrotted manure or compost. To this add slow-rotting composted bark and chopped-up leaves. Mix it all together. Spread it so you have a mound about 4
ft. wide and 12 in. high in the center, tapering to ground level at the edges. Plant bushes in the center. Creating a high point allows for the good drainage rhododendrons require. Mulch your new planting with composted bark or shredded leaves. Remulch each year and
fertilize with a fertilizer made specifically for acid-loving plants.

Choosing a site. Rhododendrons and andromedas need protection from winter winds and sun, both of which cause leaf dehydration. Plant them in a site with an eastern or southern exposure. They need good direct sun to bloom. Your house, a wall or an evergreen hedge can protect them from winter winds, or create a windblock with burlap.

Choosing a plant. Little-leafed rhododendrons are becoming increasingly popular in Vermont. They bloom earlier, along with the daffodils. Their flowers bear a close resemblance to an azalea, which is in the rhododendron family. Colors tend to range among the lavenders, pinks and whites.

Large-leafed rhododendrons are widely available. Horsford’s has narrowed its choices down to only the most hardy. Some have a dense, compact growth suitable to the front of a border. Others will grow to be about 4 to 6 ft. As they often appear to be bare-legged, I suggest planting a low evergreen in front of them. Bird’s nest spruce is a good choice. Ferns are good companion plants for rhododendrons since they share site and soil requirements.