small-leaved rhododendron
Rhododendron 'Bubblegum'
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Average
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 8
Flowers:
Pink Flowers In Spring
Sun:
Part shade
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Moderate
Maintenance:
Moderate
Poisonous To Pets:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Small-leaved Rhododendron (Rhododendron 'Bubblegum') should be watered when the top inch or 2 of soil starts to feel dry. During the warmer growing months, it should be watered 2-3 times per week with 1-2 inches of water each time. During the cooler months, reduce the irrigation frequency to 1-2 times per week. In periods of extreme drought, water deeply once per month to ensure the roots are healthy and hydrated. In addition, consider using mulch to help conserve moisture.
sunlight
Small-leaved rhododendron (Rhododendron ‘Bubblegum’) requires 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight each day in order to thrive. The plant should be placed in a sunny spot with indirect light for the remainder of the day. Rhododendrons prefer morning or late afternoon sunlight and do best when they receive shade for the hottest part of the day.
pruning
Small-leaved rhododendrons (Rhododendron 'Bubblegum') should be pruned in late fall or early spring. Pruning should be done lightly, removing no more than 1-third of the entire plant each pruning session. This type of rhododendron blooms in early summer, so any pruning done after May might remove any potential flowers. Dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be removed whenever they are discovered. Shaping of the plant is also possible, but it should be done with extreme care. It is important to not over prune or damage the plant.
