AZALEAS & RHODODENDRONS VHT106

How to Grow Azaleas and Rhododendrons

Considered by many to be the very best plants a garden can offer, azaleas and rhododendrons are some of the most popular plants grown anywhere. The course shows how to grow them to perfection, and builds your knowledge of varieties available, to give you a long lasting display of colour in the garden. Soils, weed control, feeding, pest and disease control, watering, landscape design and lots more are included over eight lessons.

This is a valuable course for garden botanists, designers, gardeners, nurserymen, plant breeders or anyone else dealing with azaleas, rhododendrons and related plants in their regular work.

Grow and Work with Rhododendrons and Azaleas.

Rhododendrons are a genus of the heath family Ericaceae. Whilst the rhododendron genus is divided into many 'series' the three most important horticultural divisions comprise: azaleas, vireya rhododendrons and rhododendrons proper. Interestingly, azaleas were formerly assigned their own genus. Broadly speaking, azaleas have smaller leaves, less height, and typically 5 stamens, whilst the rest of the genus has 10 or more.

Rhododendrons and azaleas can be used in many different landscaping situations, and in different ways.

The only real limitation to your use of these plants will be imagination, provided you supply the plant with appropriate cultural requirements such as correct soil, environment, moisture, protection from pests, suitable aspect and so on.

Course Aim : To develop a broadened knowledge of Azaleas & Rhododendrons, their cultivars and cultivation; and in doing so, provide a foundation upon which you can better pursue your interest in this fascinating group of plants.

Lesson Content

There are eight lessons as outlined below, in this course, each requiring about around 10 or more hours of work. Overall, the course can be completed in around 100 hours.

1. Introduction. Review of the system of plant identification, general characteristics of the group, information contacts (i.e.: nurseries, seed, clubs etc.)

2. Culture. Planting, staking, mulching, watering, pest and disease, feeding, pruning, protection from wind, salt, air etc.

3. Propagation. Methods of propagating this group of plants. Propagation of selected varieties.

4. The most Commonly Grown Varieties.

5. Other important groups.

6. Lesser Grown Varieties.

7. Making the best use of these plants. In containers, in the ground, as indoor plants, growing and showing, growing for profit.

8. Special Assignment. On one selected plant or group.

An introduction to Rhododendrons and Azaleas

Origin: Europe, Asia, North America, extending south, though some are found in tropical South-East Asia with one species being native to Australia (R. lochae); between 500 and 900 species.