Rhododendrons are best known for their spectacular clusters of large, showy and often fragrant flowers. These are typically tubular, funnel, or bell-shaped and available in a range of colours spanning reds, yellows, pinks, purples and even white. Most rhodos flower in spring but there is also a growing range of summer flowering varieties perfect for adding charm and beauty to your garden, whilst deciduous azaleas also offer beautiful autumn foliage colour. Originating from the Himalayas, Rhododendrons have long been a mainstay of the woodland garden since being introduced into Britain by Victorian plant hunters. They are acid-loving shrubs, generally growing well in partial or dappled shade and combining well with the likes of Pieris 'Forest Flame' and Euphorbia 'Tasmanian Tiger'. There are a huge range of rhododendrons with over 900 varieties spanning low growing ground cover plants to specimens that can reach 6 metres tall. Larger varieties make great hedges, screens and foundation plants whilst dwarf alpines are highly effective in rock gardens and compact hybrids look excellent in containers positioned in a shaded spot of the garden.
杜鵑花以其壯觀的大花簇、豔麗且芳香四溢而聞名。它們通常呈管狀、漏鬥狀或鍾形,有多種顏色可供選擇,包括紅色、黃色、粉色、紫色甚至白色。大多數杜鵑花在春季開花,但也有越來越多的夏季開花品種,非常適合為您的花園增添魅力和美麗,而落葉杜鵑花也提供美麗的秋季樹葉顏色。杜鵑花起源於喜馬拉雅山,自從被維多利亞時代的植物獵人引入英國以來,長期以來一直是林地花園的支柱。它們是喜酸灌木,通常在部分或斑駁的陰影下生長良好,並與“森林火焰”菜粉蝶和“塔斯馬尼亞虎”大戟等植物很好地結合。杜鵑花種類繁多,有 900 多個品種,從低矮的地被植物到高達 6 米的杜鵑花品種。較大的品種可以製作出很好的樹籬、屏障和基礎植物,而矮高山植物在岩石花園中非常有效,而緊湊的雜交品種在放置在花園陰涼處的容器中看起來非常出色。
Pink rhododendron flowers with orange throats
粉紅色的杜鵑花,橙色的喉嚨
Rhododendron Planting Guide
杜鵑花種植指南
Finding the right location
尋找正確的位置
If growing rhododendrons in containers, use an ericaceous compost
如果在容器中種植杜鵑花,請使用杜鵑花堆肥
Rhododendron flower buds starting to open in the spring
杜鵑花蕾在春天開始開放
Garden Design & Spacing 花園設計與空間
When to plant 何時種植
Avoid planting rhododendrons when the ground is frozen or waterlogged
避免在地麵結冰或積水時種植杜鵑花
Soil preparation 整地
Pine needles are ideal for incorporating into the growing mix
鬆針是融入生長混合物的理想選擇
How to plant a rhododendron
如何種植杜鵑花
Use a cane laid across your planting hole to check the planting depth
用一根手杖橫放在種植坑上檢查種植深度
Planting Rhododendrons in a mound of improved soil in very heavy clay conditions
在粘土條件非常重的改良土壤中種植杜鵑花
Rhododendron Garden Care 杜鵑花園護理
Weeding 除草
Watering 澆水
Mulching 覆蓋
1) Helps to retain moisture by preventing evaporation from the surface of the soil
1) 通過防止土壤表麵蒸發來幫助保持水分
2) Suppresses weeds around your plants which would compete for water and nutrients
2) 抑製植物周圍的雜草,這些雜草會爭奪水分和養分
3) Acts as insulation to protect the roots from harsh frosts in the winter
3)起到隔熱作用,保護根部免受冬季嚴酷的霜凍
4) Provides a gradual stream of nutrients to your plants as it decomposes
4) 在分解過程中逐漸向植物提供養分
Feeding 喂養
Feed rhododendrons with slow release ericaceous plant food
用緩釋杜鵑花植物性食物喂養杜鵑花
Pruning 修剪
Deadheading 死頭
Deadhead rhododendrons with loppers or secateurs
死頭杜鵑花與剪枝器或剪枝器
Cold Protection 防寒
Problems, Pests and Diseases
問題、害蟲和疾病
Moisture Issues 水分問題
Insect Issues 昆蟲問題
Fungus Issues 真菌問題