Rhododendron plants for containers
Rhododendrons are acid-loving, spring-flowering bushes that have long been mainstays of the woodland garden. The great news for those looking for container plants, perhaps for a smaller garden, patio or simply as part of a container planting scheme, is that there are many smaller-growing rhododendrons that will thrive in pots. You can plant up these little beauties without fear of them growing beyond their designated bounds. They will reward you with masses of bell-shaped or tubular flowers in spring in colours including pinks, yellows, purples, reds and whites, looking particularly impressive when grown in groups of containers in odd numbers.
Rhododendrons like moist soil, but their roots will rot easily if they lie wet, so make sure your container has plenty of drainage holes. Pot up using an ericaceous compost and keep the container in cool, moist conditions, somewhere where your plant will get partial or dappled shade for most of the day. Growing smaller rhododendrons in containers in this way is perfect for city gardens or courtyards where space it at a premium with their compact habit giving a slightly more formal appearance compared to larger-growing varieties. Water using rain water where possible, especially in hard water areas where tap-water contains calcium that will neutralise their preferred acidic soil, and dead head faded flowers to encourage a fresh flush of blooms.