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Rhododendron in complete shade corner -should I move it ?

8 years ago

Hi guys


I am in a 5b zone and I have a small Rhododendron (~1.5'' high) that I planted there last year. I am having second thoughts about that and I am thinking about moving it. Two questions:

-how do I know if it is doing well there and I should not move it. My bet was that it will grow higher and then it will get more light. This is a south west fence corner.

-if the answer is yes move it, is this a good time to move it ?

Comments (15)

  • 8 years ago

    Can you show a photo of the spot from a ways back? Things like nearby buildings, overhanging trees and nearby open areas can affect the shade depth (the amount of light available.) IME Rhodies are less leggy and bloom better with some sun in season, though winter shade in zone 5 is helpful.

  • 8 years ago

    Here are more details

    The name of the plant is P.J.M Rhododendron


  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    it is that far corner you can see in the picture below. No overhanging trees just one 6' fence (the one you can see ) and a 4' one (to the left, unseen)

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    PJM Rhododendron can get to 6’ or 7’ wide, so you want the plant at least 4’ from the fence. At that point I think that it will be a good spot for it, filling the corner and getting enough light during the growing season and enough winter shade. You have to plant for the ultimate size of the plant, not the current size. As currently placed, it will grow asymmetrically but still be up against the fence, not an attractive look. If you want something to fill in while it grows, considerplanting a hosta in the back corner where the PJM currently is and then other shade tolerant plants such as more hosta, or Veronica Georgia Blue. Plant them at least 3’ from the PJM .

  • 8 years ago

    Here is that corner at 9AM in the morning

  • 8 years ago

    Here is one that was planted the same way, it does not seem to have a big distance between the fence and the trunk

    In my case it I wanted to reach a compromise between saving space for the garden and filling that corner in an aesthetically pleasing way

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I grow several PJMs, so I do have experience with this shrub. I honestly don’t see how you would be saving space by shoving the PJM tight into the corner since typically corners in yards don’t get used much. The current spot has the shrub constricted on two sides by the fence unlike your example, and I just don’t think it will look good as placed since the fence will be more likely to rot sooner with the moisture held against the fence by the plant’s foliage and you’ve wedged a medium sized shrub into an inadequate space. IME they may lean outward to get more light, not a look I like much either. But you can do what you want since it’s your yard.

  • 8 years ago

    I am inclined to move it diagonally in that corner like 1.5"
    I have the option to moving out of that corner along the south fence of the property (left side in the picture) but I don't know what to put in that shady corner.

  • 8 years ago

    The small guy is blooming .(three or four flowers at the top close to opening) ..should I move it now or leave it for after that

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    thank you for the reply, 2' or 3' from each fence?

  • 8 years ago

    3’ will give you a much better shaped shrub that will over time pretty much fill the corner.

  • 8 years ago

    OK I will do that . Should I cover the bush with some burlap for a week if I transplant it after it blooms? At 3' away from the garden it will be a the border between shade and sun for that corner ...will it have a delayed development on the shady side ?

  • 8 years ago

    I think it will be OK in that corner, though it may bloom a bit less on the back. I might put the burlap on the fence in a diagonal strip across the corner rather than right in the shrub. Or place an outdoor chair where it will create some shade.

    Ivan Turbinca thanked NHBabs z4b-5a NH
  • 8 years ago

    Ok than you very much for all the answers. I will post back here after I do the move to confirm that all went well

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