Rhododendron ponticum, called common rhododendron or pontic rhododendron, is a species of Rhododendron native to southern Europe and southwest Asia. In Europe, its range includes Spain, northern Portugal, Great Britain, Ireland and Bulgaria.
Rhododendron ponticum is a dense, suckering shrub or small tree growing to 5 m (16 ft) tall, rarely 8 m (26 ft). The leaves are evergreen, 6 to 18 cm (2.4 to 7.1 in) long and 2 to 5 cm (0.79 to 1.97 in) wide. The flowers are 3.5 to 5 cm (1.4 to 2.0 in) in diameter, violet-purple, often with small greenish-yellow spots or streaks. The fruit is a dry capsule 1.5 to 2.5 cm (0.59 to 0.98 in) long, containing numerous small seeds. The two subspecies are R. p. ponticum, found from Bulgaria east to Georgia and R. p. baeticum found in Spain and Portugal.
Water your rhododendron in the cool of the morning. provide 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week during the summer in the first three years after planting, preferably with a soaker hose.
Loamy soil, a relatively even mix of sand, silt and clay, feels fine-textured and slightly damp. It has ideal characteristics for gardening, lawns and shrubs. Loamy soil has great structure, adequate drainage, is moisture retaining, full of nutrients, easily cultivated and it warms up quickly in spring, but doesn't dry out quickly in summer.
Simply apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, extending to the drip line. For vegetables, place the fertilizer in a strip parallel to the planting row. Water-soluble fertilizers are faster acting but must be applied more frequently. This method gives plants food while you water.
By removing overgrown foliage, you will improve airflow to the plant, and light will be better able to penetrate all portions of the plant. This actually leads to a fuller and healthier looking houseplant.
When choosing a pot, choose a pot that is 2.5-5 cm (1-2”) larger than the current size. Ceramic pots are porous which means your plants are less likely to experience root rot from overwatering. It also means you'll have to water more often. Plastic pots are lighter, less likely to break, and easier to clean.
