Here’s Why Rhododendron Bushes Are Vibrantly Exploding and Thriving This Year

Is anyone else noticing an explosion of pink bloom this year? Rhododendron bushes are thriving and the pink vibrance is stunningly beautiful.

First, I was mowing my lawn over the weekend and was shocked to see how quickly and how fully my rhododendrons had blossomed. Then, as I was taking my dog for a walk over in New Bedford's Oak Grove Cemetery, I was surrounded by gorgeous pink flowers everywhere I looked.

Something was different, so I made a phone call to a friend who's well-knowledgeable in the field of plants and landscaping.

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When it comes down to it, two reasons explain this wonderous phenomenon of healthy rhododendrons.

"A lot of it was contributed by the environment," Yard Boss CEO Todd Rodrigues explained, "The success of any plant is based on the Winter, when the water is producing, and dry weather. All of this affects the projection of the bloom."

There was sub-freezing weather back in February that affected a lot of plants and flowers this year, but interestingly enough, rhododendrons were resistant to the cold.

"We had some strong rain that helped water seep deep down into the soil and the root structure and the timing of the precipitation this year was perfect giving the buds a good kick and a high yield of performance."

Unfortunately, unlike rhododendrons, other plants and vegetation such as hydrangeas (especially blue), butterfly bushes, hameln grass, and roses are struggling and were shocked by the fluctuation of temperatures and the cold snap earlier this year.

When it comes to hydrangeas, knowing when to hydrate them is key. If the flowers are wilting, don't give them water. You'll only produce leaves rather than blooms, so let them wilt. What you can do is scrape some of the bark back and if it's green, leave the plant alone. If it's dead, then that's when you want to give the hydrangeas some pruning.

Lastly, always remember to water at the root, and not the plant itself. Spraying the leaves and blooms with water is not going to hydrate the plant.

"Water management is everything and very important to start now," Rodrigues said, "Watering your lawn, scrubs, and evergreens once a week promotes deep root growth and strengthens root structure."

In conclusion- the warmer weather we were teased with before the cold snap plays an important role in the health of outdoor plants and vegetation. Rhododendrons are more resilient and are not easily affected by the change in weather. Therefore, take advantage of the bloom while it last and bask in its beauty.

Life is better when you stop to smell the flowers- it's the little things that matter most.