Perfecto Mundo® Red Rhododendron Shrub

Perfecto Mundo® Red Rhododendron Plants offers a shrub full of ridiculously red blooms! Blossoms flower in spring, then again in summer until frost. Bred for superior pest resistance, this gorgeous flowering shrub will attract only admiring glances, and not the local lacebugs. Flowering lasts for 4-6 weeks in spring, and then another 12-16 weeks in summer and fall.

Rhododendron Companion Plants: Astilbe, Dicentra, Hydrangea

Planting Instructions:

• - Best planted in early spring or fall to avoid extreme weather conditions
• - Space plants 3-6 feet apart, depending on the variety and mature size

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 4.5-6.0, requiring acidic conditions
• - Prefers well-drained, loose, and organic-rich soil; avoid heavy clay or overly wet conditions

Watering Specifics:

• - Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish roots
• - Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy; Rhododendrons do not tolerate drought well

Fertilizer Type:

• - Use a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants, applied in early spring
• - Avoid over-fertilizing, as Rhododendrons are sensitive to excess nutrients

Pruning and Training:

• - Prune immediately after flowering to shape the plant and encourage new growth
• - Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain healthy growth

Additional Pest Management:

• - Monitor for common pests such as lace bugs, weevils, and spider mites
• - Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew or root rot

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Hardy in USDA zones 4-8, depending on the variety
• - Protect from harsh winter winds and heavy snow in colder regions; mulch around the base to insulate roots