Fragrant Rhododendrons: A Perfect Choice Fragrant rhododendrons are perfect for picking and using in vases inside or as gifts, like tussie mussies for friends. Picking fragrant rhododendrons naturally promotes a bushier plant. The Princess Alice and John Bull rhododendrons are particularly noteworthy because their foliage is fragrant all year round. Rhododendrons stand out among the…
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Creating an acidic garden bed is crucial for growing healthy rhododendrons and other acid-loving plants. If your new garden soil isn’t naturally acidic, don’t worry! You can adjust the pH levels using cost-effective, natural methods. Here’s how you can achieve the perfect acidic environment: Peat Moss Peat moss is a top choice for acidifying garden…
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Many gardeners are unaware that the world of scented rhododendrons extends beyond the popular Fragrantissimum and Loderi varieties. While these cultivars are timeless classics, there’s a broader range of fragrant rhododendrons worth exploring. Fragrantissimum has a wonderful scent but tends to be leggy and open with fewer flowers per truss. Its blooms are also rather…
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Understanding and Managing Thrips Thrips, scientifically known as Thysanoptera, are tiny dark-coloured insects that can cause significant damage to plants. Despite their small size, about 2mm in length, thrips can wreak havoc on various plants, including rhododendrons. Here’s a concise guide on how to identify, prevent, and manage these pesky insects. Identifying Thrip Damage Thrips…
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Exploring the Charm of Yakushimanum Hybrids: The Rolls Royce of Rhododendrons Yakushimanum hybrids hold a special place in the hearts of gardening enthusiasts worldwide, renowned for their compact growth, stunning blooms, and unique foliage. These hybrids are a testament to nature’s beauty and resilience, earning them the title of the Rolls Royce of rhododendrons. Among…
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It’s incredibly exciting to venture down to the propagation houses daily and check on our cuttings. Steve can’t resist peeking under the trays to see if the roots are sprouting. It seems like we’re in for another successful year with our propagation efforts, as the roots are already reaching the bottom of the trays, and…
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Discover the Beauty of Deciduous Azaleas in New Zealand Gardens As we move through July, it’s the perfect time to highlight one of the most enchanting and versatile plants you can introduce to your garden: the Deciduous Azalea. These vibrant azaleas not only provide a spectacular display of colours but are also perfectly suited to…
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People often ask me what plants I put with Rhododendrons. As rhododendrons are such shallow-rooted plants, the following work well as companion plantings. Here’s a quick list of my favourites: hellebores, hydrangeas, lilies, dahlias, hostas, Chatham Island lilies, and trilliums. These plants thrive in a mix of hot and shady spots, and I also love…
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July is the perfect time to start planning your next gardening venture. Here’s our tried-and-true method for preparing new flower beds: Steve and I often get inspiration from other people’s gardens and browsing Pinterest. Once I gather ideas, I have to persuade Steve that another garden bed is necessary. We head outside with a hose…
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Rhododendrons exhibit a fascinating adaptation to cope with cold conditions. As temperatures drop, rhododendron leaves curl and hang down, creating a protective layer that reduces moisture loss. This behaviour eases the strain on the roots, which would otherwise struggle to extract moisture from frozen soil. Additionally, when snow falls, it interacts uniquely with rhododendron foliage.…
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