A Rhododendron hedge is often planted between neighbours or to block the view of a through road. We plant this fence in two varieties: the natural hedge or the straight hedge.
Rhododendron hedge
beautiful and easy
Are you thinking about planting a hedge? Then a rhododendron is a smart choice. Rhododendrons retain their green leaves even in winter. This gives a rhododendron hedge a nice appearance all year round and you will benefit from more privacy in your garden. Moreover, the rhododendron requires little maintenance and flowers beautifully. Rhododendron Centre De Valouwe supplies rhododendrons for hedges and plants complete rhododendron hedges. Let us inspire you.
Hedge types
Tight hedge
All Rhododendrons have the same height and width and are in a straight line.
Natural hedge
Winding and sloping through the garden. Varying in height and width, fitting into the environment.
Low-growing hedge
In order to continue to enjoy the view, a low-growing Rhododendron species is often chosen for the hedge.
Species suitable for a rhododendron hedge
There are more than 500 different species of rhododendrons. Not all rhododendrons are suitable for planting in a hedge. For a rhododendron hedge, species are often chosen that branch evenly and are easy to form. Examples are the:
- Rhododendron Ponticum
- Rhododendron Ponticum roseum
- Rhododendron Catawbiense
- Rhododendron Roseum Elegans
- Rhododendron Cunninghams White
- Rhododendron Jacksonii
- Rhododendron English Roseum
- Lee's Dark Purple Rhododendron
- Rhododendron Nova Zembla
Combining different types of rhododendrons in a hedge
It is possible to combine different rhododendron species in a hedge. This is often done to extend the flowering period of the hedge. By choosing rhododendrons which flower at different times, it is possible to create a rhododendron hedge which has flowers from March to June. By combining different species, it is also possible to play with the shape and height of the rhododendron hedge. For example, it is possible to create a rhododendron hedge which runs from low to high.
What to look out for when selecting a rhododendron hedge?
Rhododendrons flower abundantly. It is therefore tempting, when selecting rhododendrons, to pay attention to the colour of the flower. Keep in mind that most rhododendrons only flower for three weeks a year. That is why it is smarter to choose a rhododendron with beautiful leaves. That way, you can enjoy them all year round. Other points to consider when choosing rhododendrons for a rhododendron hedge are the number of branches. The more branches, the fuller the plant and the more privacy a rhododendron hedge will offer.
What size rhododendrons are suitable for a hedge?
Rhododendrons are relatively slow growers. On average, a rhododendron grows about 20 centimetres per year. For a rhododendron hedge, it is therefore best to choose large rhododendrons. These are rhododendrons with a height of at least 1 metre. This immediately creates privacy in the garden. Popular rhododendrons such as the Bloombux rhododendron are for this reason less suitable for use in a hedge. The Bloombux rhododendron stays low. Dwarf rhododendrons such as the Bloombux are therefore better suited to borders. Rhododendron Centre De Valouwe has a wide range of dwarf rhododendrons for this purpose.
The ideal location for a rhododendron hedge in the garden
Rhododendrons naturally grow in open areas in the woods. They need a lot of air and light, but not too much sun. A rhododendron feels most at home in a spot with half-shadow. A rhododendron hedge which is planted directly under a tree will generally not do well. Rhododendrons like a relatively acid soil. An acidity level of between 4.5 and 5.5 pH is the rule of thumb. The roots of rhododendrons grow relatively shallow, but they do need to be covered. They cannot stand the sun very well. It is also important that they get enough moisture and air to grow.
The best time to plant a rhododendron hedge
In principle, you can plant rhododendrons all year round. The best time to plant a rhododendron hedge is in the autumn. Then the soil is still warm from the summer. Moreover, nature takes a break in the winter. The rhododendron hedge therefore has time to take good root.
The optimum distance between rhododendrons in a hedge
When planting a rhododendron hedge, it is important to keep the right distance between the rhododendrons. If the plants are placed too far apart, sunlight will fall on the roots and blow away fallen leaves. These leaves form a natural insulating layer and, after decomposition, act as a source of nutrition for the rhododendron hedge. If the rhododendrons are too close together, they will not grow well either. There is also a greater chance of mould forming. Therefore, as a rule of thumb, make sure that your hand just fits between two planted rhododendrons. This usually results in about two rhododendrons per square metre in a rhododendron hedge.
Why a rhododendron hedge requires little maintenance
The rhododendron is by nature a forest plant. Often, several rhododendrons can be found together in a wooded area. This is because the plants form a self-sustaining ecotope when planted in groups. Rhododendrons drop their leaves from within. The leaves remain under the plant and initially form an insulating layer. Later, the leaves are converted into nutrition for the rhododendron. In this way, the rhododendron maintains itself. Its self-sustaining character makes it very suitable for use in a rhododendron hedge.
Tips for maintaining a rhododendron hedge
Are rhododendrons well planted? Then you will hardly have to worry about the hedge anymore. You only have to water the rhododendron hedge during prolonged dry periods. Always do this from below, preferably with a drip hose. This prevents mould from growing in the rhododendron hedge. In the first year, remove the flowers after flowering. This way, the rhododendron can put all its energy into forming new shoots. Furthermore, you only need to prune the rhododendron slightly every year. This should be done right after flowering. Light pruning means cutting back about 10 to 20 centimetres. Rhododendron Centre De Valouwe will be happy to advise you or your gardener about the correct pruning method. We do this, for example, by using a video link to watch you or your gardener prune.
Having a rhododendron hedge planted with guarantee
Planting a rhododendron hedge requires a lot of knowledge. For example, the soil has to be worked properly to ensure that the rhododendron can develop its own biotope. A clay soil requires a different approach from a sandy or loamy soil. And in areas with a high groundwater level or on an embankment, a rhododendron hedge will quickly die without preventive measures. Rhododendron Centre De Valouwe will be happy to take the worry out of planting a rhododendron hedge for you. In doing so, we always create an optimum, new soil from which the rhododendron hedge can obtain its water and nutrition. This means that we can also offer you a guarantee for the rhododendron hedge. Does a rhododendron die? Then we will replace it free of charge.
Free advice on a rhododendron hedge in your garden
Would you like to have a rhododendron hedge planted by Rhododendoncentrum De Valouwe? Please send one or more photos of the spot where you would like to plant the hedge and a sketch of the garden in which you indicate the location of the hedge. We will then see whether it is possible to plant a rhododendron hedge at this location.
Included
What you get from us
When you have made your choice, we will compile a tailor-made Rhododendron package for you.
This package contains everything that is necessary for realising a magnificent Rhododendron structure.
Rhododendron package:
- Necessary Rhododendrons
- Planting Rhododendrons
- Rhododendron soil
- Drip hose
- 2-year guarantee on the Rhododendrons taking root
