Rhododendron Summer Care
Summer Garden Care Tips
Thin fruit trees after “June drop” when the trees partially thin themselves. Thin apples to 6 inches apart and peaches to 4 inches apart. Pears don’t need thinning. Harvest garlic when the leafy tops turn yellow and fall over; air-dry bulbs, remove tops, and store bulbs in a cool place.
Attracting Birds
Birdbaths will attract feathered friends to your backyard so you can enjoy them close-up. Place them a few feet from a bushy shrub to give the birds protection.
Plant Recommendations
- Zinnias love the heat and will add a rainbow of color to your garden; deer don’t like them.
- Fragrant star jasmine is in full bloom now. Plant one in a semi-shaded spot where you can enjoy its lovely perfume.
Rhododendron and Azalea Summer Care
Rhododendrons and azaleas need special care after their spring bloom to ensure healthy growth and flowering next year.
Watering
These plants are native to regions with frequent summer rain, such as the foggy lower slopes of the Himalayas or the Smoky Mountains. In dry summer climates, they require deep, slow soaking to penetrate the entire root ball. Avoid shallow, frequent watering, which encourages root development only in the mulch layer. Use a soaker hose or drip system to thoroughly wet the root area. Without adequate water in July and August, they may produce disappointing blooms next spring.
Fertilizing
Plants are usually fertilized once in early spring and again immediately after bloom with a regular fertilizer to maintain healthy leaf color. This last application should happen by June 30. From July through October, use 0-10-10 fertilizer once a month to help develop flower buds for next year. This fertilizer contains no nitrogen, so it won’t stimulate new growth. Always fertilize when water is available, either through rain or supplementary watering—never fertilize a dry plant.
Mulching
Mulch helps retain moisture and keeps roots cooler in hot weather. Apply a coarse mulch of wood chips or bark about 2–3 inches deep after thoroughly watering. Avoid piling mulch against the trunk or placing it too deep over the roots, as roots need air.
Maintenance
- Deadheading: After flowering, carefully remove flower heads at their bases without damaging new growth. This prevents energy from being diverted to seed production, especially important for young or newly transplanted bushes.
- Weeding: Rhododendrons are surface-rooting plants, so weeding should be done carefully. Avoid using a hoe or digging with a fork or spade, as this can damage delicate feeding roots near the surface.
Good summer care ensures rhododendrons and azaleas remain year-round assets in your garden.