West Virginia State Flower: Rhododendron

State Flowers 1 Minute

Rhododendron is a genus of more than 1,000 deciduous or evergreen flowering shrub species, with more than 25,000 cultivars and hybrids. They come in a wide range of sizes, flower colors and shapes, and many are North American natives. The bloom time is usually spring into summer, but some cultivars bloom in late winter or late summer. The growth rate and preferred conditions of rhododendron species vary widely. However, most prefer moist, well-draining soils, partial shade, and conservative fertilization. All rhododendrons are toxic to people and pets.

Rhododendron Plant Care 

While rhododendron species vary in their care preferences, and many grow in a wide range of conditions, the typical main rhododendron requirements are:

Plant in fertile, well-draining, acidic soil.

Position in partial or dappled shaded.

Water to maintain even moisture, but avoid soggy soils.

Fertilize with a rhododendron formula annually only when soils are poor.

Light

In their native habitats, rhododendron grows in dappled woodland shade and under trees. Choose a location in partial shade where the plant isn’t exposed to the hot afternoon sun, which is especially important in a warmer climate. 

Soil

Rhododendrons need moist, well-draining soils rich in organic matter. They’re sensitive to soggy, heavy clay, or compacted soil with poor drainage, which can lead to root rot. These shrubs prefer acidic soils with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0.

Water

Rhododendrons have shallow roots and require even moisture to thrive, especially during the first year after planting. Water the plant slowly and deeply around twice a week during the first growing season, not leaving the roots in standing water.

Even if the plant doesn’t show signs of drought stress, water established rhododendron every two to three weeks during dry spells. Adding a layer of mulch helps with water retention.

Temperature and Humidity

Temperature ranges vary depending on the rhododendron variety. Some tolerate heat and humidity, and others are cold-hardy. Most varieties don’t like strong winds and are sensitive to temperature extremes. 

Fertilizer

If you plant your rhododendron in rich soil with plenty of organic matter, there’s usually no need to fertilize. In less fertile soil, use a formula for acid-loving rhododendron in late winter or early spring, following the label instructions. 

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Published by pat frederick

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116 thoughts on “West Virginia State Flower: Rhododendron”

  2. Whew! I’ve been busy, busy, busy – did all my laundry, unpacked my latest Amazon order and put everything in it’s place. Rearranged and/or replaced my nightlights – much brighter now in more useful places. Managed to drive to Family $ and the grocery store with my truck not slipping even once! At least it kept my muscles kind of loose – I’m aching from the work of putting the recliner together. That was really hard on this old bod and I won’t be doing anything like that again!!! I’ll call my GS and let him do it! Temp stayed around 30 most of the day but it’s dropping now to 26 and it may get down to single digits.

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      1. That is not good! I’m not going to presume to tell you what to take…..except for Vit C – IMO, that is always a prerequisite for a cold, flu, whatever….sure hope you get it under control. Rest!!!

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  7. Finally!!!!

    Just The News: “House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) launched an investigation Wednesday into what he refers to as “widespread fraud in Minnesota’s social services programs under Governor Tim Walz’s watch, the state’s efforts to cover it up, and retaliation against whistleblowers who sought to protect taxpayer dollars.”

    The committee sent letters to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison, seeking “documents, communications, and records as part of the Committee’s investigation,” according to a press release. 

    https://oversight.house.gov/release/chairman-comer-launches-investigation-into-massive-fraud-in-minnesotas-social-services-system-on-governor-walzs-watch/

    “The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is investigating reports of widespread fraud in Minnesota’s social services programs. The Committee has serious concerns about how you as the Governor, and the Democrat-controlled administration, allowed millions of dollars to be stolen,” Chairman Comer wrote to Governor Walz. 

    “The Committee also has concerns that you and your administration were fully aware of this fraud and chose not to act for fear of political retaliation. The Committee therefore requests documents and communications showing what your administration knew about this fraud and whether you took action to limit or halt the investigation into this widespread fraud,” he added.

    Federal prosecutors have already charged dozens of individuals in the state with stealing more than $240 million from the Federal Child Nutrition Program through the Minnesota-based nonprofit Feeding Our Future. While they claimed to have served thousands of meals to children during the COVID-19 pandemic, very few of them were actually provided. 

    “Instead, the defendants allegedly used taxpayer funds to purchase luxury cars, homes, and real estate,” according to the release.” 

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