Rhododendron 'Metallica'

Best planted towards the very end of summer and autumn. If the soil is not acidic dig in plenty composted leaves or bark. Ericaceous compost is acidic. They do best in sheltered, semi-shaded positions but many species with small scaly leaves will thrive in full sun provided they do not dry out. Larger leaved varieties require more shade and shelter from wind.

Semi hard wood cuttings are taken from the current years growth from late summer to mid autumn the bottom of the cuttings is hard and soft on the top. With a sharp knife take a cutting of about 14 cms, remove lowest leaves, dip end into rooting hormone, and place round the edge of a pot filled with a suitable compost, water well, they must remain moist till rooted, place under glass but in semi shade.

Most varieties bloom in Spring, Some varieties bloom later through the year. The earliest is R. mucronulatum which flowers in mid Winter and among the latest is R. auriculatum which will come into flower in mid to late Summer.