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Azalea & Rhododendron

Definition of shade (for rhodies)

16 years ago

One question I've always had about this. How do you characterize the light in a spot under deciduous trees? From October or so through April, this section of my property line (in Westchester County, NY) gets full sun through the bare branches of a Japanese maple and a tall viburnum. From May through September, the area gets fairly bright light but virtually no direct sun until maybe 4pm or so. I'd like to put in a group of rhododendrons but of course want them to bloom and not get too leggy. Any advice? Thanks.

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Comments (3)

waplummer
16 years ago
It sounds like a good site for me. I have some on the north side of my house that gets very little direct sun and they do beautifully. As for any legginess that can be handled by pruning.
rhodyman
16 years ago
The setting of flower buds and legginess is determined by the summer sun/shade. However, if you have at least 2 hours of afternoon sun, you will be OK for most varieties. Some varieties require more to set buds and tend to be leggy anyway.
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kentf
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the advice. I think I'll thin out the maple branches a bit as well. I have a Boursault and am hoping to find a Blue Peter for the spot, although haven't found anywhere selling the latter yet. Thanks again.

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