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Azalea & Rhododendron

Rhodis and bleach water

15 years ago

I want to spray bleach water on my greying wood fence to bring it back to it's natural color. I have some rhododendrums planted in the corner of my yard so I plan to cover them with plastic to protect them but I was concerned about the bleach water soaking into the soil. I know they like acidic soil but would it harm them?

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Comments (2)

rhodyman
15 years ago
The plastic will kill the rhododendrons if the sun comes out. It will build up heat under the plastic and cook the rhododendrons.

Many people use small amounts of bleach on plants for its beneficial effects. I would be more concerned about the effect of the sodium in the sodium hypochlorite on the rhododendrons. Rhododendrons don't like sodium. That is the reason salt will harm them.
morz8 - Washington Coast
15 years ago
Ordinary household bleach has a ph as high as 10 or 11. I don't know how much spillover would be required to raise the soil ph or how long the effects might last.

I'd proceed with caution. Could you brush on a lesser amount rather than spray and catch any drips on plastic?
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