Rhododendron 'Purple Gem' 3 ltr - Height: 1.5m
- Spread: 1m
- Growing Conditions: Full sun or partial shade and fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil
- Scented: Good
- 5 Year Guarantee to Grow
Planting
Dig to about a spades depth and mix in organic material - we recommend Blended Farmyard Manure or Rose, Tree and Shrub compost. If planting in the Autumn and Winter use a mug full of Bonemeal mixed in too. Remove the rose from the pot and plant so that the top of the rootball (and the union) are at or slightly below soil level. Firm well with your foot. Water thoroughly. Roses don't like being planted where roses have grown before - it is known as Replant Sickness. If you have no choice but to plant where roses have been, change some of the soil for fresh Top Soil and use Rootgrow in the planting hole - this product contains beneficial mychorrhizal fungi which enable the plant to develop a robust root system.
Aftercare
Feed in early spring with a dedicated rose food (Toprose or Westland Rose food) and again at Midsummer - mix in with the soil and water in well. Water your rose until it is well established - often the first Spring after planting is most crucial. Water thoroughly as roses are deep rooted and then leave them - little and often is not so effective.
Pruning
Repeat flowering climbers are best pruned in the early Spring (February/March) - remove dead, diseased, damaged or crossing growth and then prune the current years flowering stems back to 3 or 4 bud, tie in strong shoots and prune out any old unwanted stems if needed. If you encourage horizontal growth it will slow sap flow and encourage better flower production.They can also be pruned lightly in the Autumn if desired. If possible prune to an outward facing bud.
Please note: All plant listed are stocked by Bents at various periods throughout the year, however, due to seasonality and variations in weather and growing conditions some lines may be unavailable. We advise contacting the store prior to your visit to check on availability.