Mix rhododendron soil yourself or buy it? Why it should neither be the cheapest nor the most expensive product. The general rule is: The pH value must neither be exceeded nor exceeded. Only the right composition including fertilizer guarantees permanently green leaves and colorful flowers.
What are the rhododendron soil requirements?
Rhododendron soil should have a low pH value of 4.5-5.0, store moisture, prevent waterlogging and contain fertilizer and minerals. It can be bought or mixed yourself, although the pH value must be kept constant.
Rhododendron soil – what makes the difference?
A soil with a low pH value of 4.5 - 5.0 is ideal for rhododendrons. In addition, the nutrient release at its location must be well organized, because its nutrient requirements as an evergreen ornamental shrub are very high.
The water storage capacity of the rhododendron soil must also be high so that the roots are not exposed to waterlogging. Special rhododendron soil or normal peat? Even with the same pH value, they don't just differ in price. The advantages of the special soil:
- retains moisture
- prevents waterlogging
- including fertilizer depot and minerals
Special Rhododendron Soil is tailored to the needs of popular ericaceous plants such as rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, hydrangeas and heather plants. The fertilizer depot guarantees an optimal supply of nutrients for 2 to 3 months. Intense flower and leaf color and excellent growth are the visible success. Commercially available rhododendron soil is composed of these active ingredients.
- Humus (peat free) pH value 4.0 – 5.0
- Bark humus
- Wood fiber
- Sand
- Guano as a root activator
- NPK fertilizer as a growth donor
- Iron sulfate
- Nitrogen
- Phosphate
- Potassium oxide
- Natural Clay
Mix rhododendron soil yourself – this is how it works
If you don't want to buy rhododendron soil, you can mix it yourself by making your own compost and mixing it with flower soil. Your new rhododendron or offshoot in the garden will feel really comfortable in it. Make sure that the pH value is never exceeded or fallen below. Dose the fertilizer for the rhododendron soil so that the pH value is maintained at around 5.0.
Good to know: Substitutes added to peat-free soil bind nitrogen. Natural clay should therefore be added to the soil as a nutrient and moisture buffer. By adding sand, heavy garden soils such as clay soils are sustainably improved. Sand with an additional bit of charcoal or firewood ash prevents numerous fungal diseases.
Tips & Tricks
Humus is one of the most nutrient-rich garden soils. Therefore, fill the site with a layer of humus of 20 to 30 centimeters before planting the rhododendron. You can get humus as excavated soil particularly cheaply for construction work or earthmoving. Throw excavated humus through a sieve before spreading!
