- 1). Dig a hole using a small garden shovel. The hole should be smaller than the root ball of the rhododendron plant.
- 2). Place the root ball of the rhododendron shrub into the hole. The top of the root should be 2 inches above the soil level. You may need to add or remove soil from the hole until you reach the proper planting depth. This is extremely important; do not plant a rhododendron too deeply.
- 3). Pack a thin layer of soil on top of the root ball to cover the delicate root system.
- 4). Soak the area surrounding the rhododendron plant with water. The area around the plant should be moist; do not allow the water to puddle around the plant.
- 5). Fertilize the plant using a 6-10-4 fertilizer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application of the fertilizer. Only use fertilizers formulated specifically for acid-loving plants.
- 6). Place a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant. The mulch should slope in a downward direction toward the root of the plant. This is so water will run into the plant's roots and not away from it.
- 7). Water the plant in the spring and summer. Taper off watering in September, so the plant has time to harden before winter.
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