Rhododendron

(Question)

I have a bush that produced only one flower this spring.
It now has about 20 buds on it. What do I do now?

(Answer)

In our harsher winter climate, Rhododendron flower buds can become badly damaged due to biting winds rather than frigid temperatures, so it is a good idea to look at the location of your plant with a critical eye and determine where/how you could provide some protection.  This can be in the form of driving stakes into the ground and attaching burlap to create a wind break or using bamboo and burlap to create a teepee over your entire plant.

I would also suggest you water well until freeze up so the soil has as much moisture reserves as possible to maintain your plant through any freeze/thaw cycles we encounter.

In the spring, mulching with pine bark and/or pine needles will help with weed control and soil moisture retention.  This is also the ideal time to feed your plant with a fertilizer for acid loving plants.

I am attaching a link to the American Rhododendron Society’s webpage on care for your plants, see below.  The tabs on the left hand side have a tremendous amount of very useful information should you wish to further your reading.

Rhododendron and Azalea Care

Hope this helps.