Rhododendron Rhododendron (Loderi Group) 'Loderi King George'

Water

For the Rhododendron 'Loderi King George', it's essential to maintain moist soil without overwatering. During the growing season, water thoroughly once a week with about 1.5 gallons per plant, ensuring water penetrates the root zone. In hot, dry weather, increase frequency to twice a week. During winter, reduce watering but do not let the soil dry out completely. Always use collected rainwater if possible, as tap water may be too alkaline.

Light

The Rhododendron 'Loderi King George' thrives best in dappled shade. Plant it in a location where it receives filtered sunlight, such as beneath the canopy of tall trees, to protect its leaves from harsh, direct rays, particularly in the afternoon. Morning sun with afternoon shade is also suitable for this plant's optimal growth and flowering.

Temperature

Rhododendrons like 'Loderi King George' prefer moderate temperatures and may struggle in extremes. They can generally tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 20°F, although prolonged freezing can be detrimental. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 50°F and 75°F. Above 80°F, plants should be monitored closely and provided with additional shade and moisture to prevent stress.

Pruning

Pruning Rhododendron 'Loderi King George' is generally done to remove dead or diseased wood and to maintain shape. The best time to prune is immediately after flowering, to ensure next year's buds are not removed. It's not necessary to prune every year; do so as needed to control size or promote denser growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Rhododendrons, including 'Loderi King George', thrive in a well-draining, acidic soil mix with a pH of around 4.5 to 6.0. A good mixture would be equal parts peat moss, pine bark, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure aeration and drainage. Regularly check soil moisture to maintain evenly moist conditions, avoiding overly wet or dry extremes.

Repotting

'Loderi King George' rhododendrons generally require repotting every 2 to 3 years, or when they become root-bound. The best time to repot these plants is in late winter or early spring, before the onset of new growth. Use an acidic soil mix and a pot just slightly larger than the previous one to avoid over-potting.

Humidity & Misting

Rhododendrons like 'Loderi King George' prefer moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50-60%. They can benefit from a location shielded from dry winds and may appreciate regular misting if the ambient air is too dry, especially during the winter months when indoor heating can reduce indoor humidity levels.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and ensure high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Place in partial shade, sheltered from harsh sun and wind.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

Rhododendron 'Loderi King George', commonly known as Loder's rhododendron, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in well-drained, acidic soil, generally under partial shade. Seedlings develop into juvenile plants, producing their first leaves and establishing a root system. It progresses to the vegetative stage, growing steadily and forming a bushy shrub, which can take several years before reaching maturity. Flowering occurs in mature plants, typically from late spring to early summer, showcasing large, fragrant blooms that range from white to pink. Post flowering, seed capsules develop and disperse seeds, allowing for the potential of new plants, completing the reproductive cycle. Alongside sexual reproduction, Loder's rhododendron can also propagate vegetatively through cuttings, which root and grow into new clones of the parent plant.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Rhododendron, specifically the 'Loderi King George', is best propagated during the spring to early summer when the plant’s growth hormones are most active. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is through semi-hardwood cuttings. To carry this out, a gardener would typically cut a piece of stem from the current year’s growth, making sure it is around 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long with several leaves. The cut end is then dipped into a rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting is kept under high humidity, such as under a plastic cover or in a misting propagator, and within a temperature range of 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius) until roots are formed, which usually takes several weeks. Once rooted, the new Rhododendron plant can be potted up into individual pots and gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before being planted out in the garden.