"When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a lily with the other."

- Chinese proverb

About Rhododendron

Continuing the series presenting simple, yet amazing flowers, please read about rhododendron. This amazing flower can be considered really beautiful and adds a touch of elegance and grace to every garden. Its marvelous outlook will surely attract your attention. Its simple outlook will surely delight you, or make an impression on you.
Many persons in Romania plant rhododenrons in order to have beautiful little gardens.
In what follows let us know more about this amazing flower.

Rhododendron belongs to the Ericaceae family. It is a large family, containing various species. Rhododendron can be found at various places, except for South America and Africa. Areas where rhododendrons can be found include: India, China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Moreover there are 55 known species in Borneo and 164 in New Guinea. But the species conquered everyone worldwide. Especially the ladies in Romania like it.
A list of rhododendron species comprises the following:

    * Rhododendron atlanticum
    * Rhododendron canadense
    * Rhododendron catawbiense
    * Rhododendron chapmanii
    * Rhododendron ferrugineum
    * Rhododendron groenlandicum
    * Rhododendron hirsutum
    * Rhododendron lochiae
    * Rhododendron luteum
    * Rhododendron macrophyllum
    * Rhododendron maximum
    * Rhododendron moulmainense
    * Rhododendron occidentale
    * Rhododendron ponticum
    * Rhododendron schlippenbachii
    * Rhododendron spinuliferum
    * Rhododendron tomentosum
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhododendron)
Regarding rhododendron planting please note the following: rhododendrons can be planted almost any time of the year. In colder areas we recommend early spring planting or early fall planting being the best second option.  In hot areas, fall planting is suggested. Also consider the nature of soil when planting. If needed add some organic material to upgrade it. The top of the root ball of rhododendrons should be at the surface of the ground. An inch or two above the surface of the ground makes an ideal site. As it is the case with many other flowers, or plants, rhododendrons also need thorough watering. Especially in the first year, they should be well watered. Watering enables the roots to develop. Calcium, phosphorus is ideal to be used as fertilizers and these will have a positive effect on rhododendron growth. Regarding their propagation please note the following: Rhododendrons may be rooted from layers.  A low branch is pegged down into a trench and covered with two or three inches of soil.  Usually, cutting a tongue on the underside less than halfway through the branch on the part of the branch which is buried, thus leaving the end of the branch partially attached to the mother plant, will hasten rooting which may require several months.  The "tip" of the tongue should be nearest the mother plant.
(http://www.rhododendron.org/propagation.htm)
Thus if you follow the above guidelines, you will certainly be successful with growing rhododendrons. Use the instructions, guidelines and you will definitely have the loveliest rhododendrons of the neighborhood. This lovely flower is especially popular in Romania, where you can find rhododendrons almost every household.