How to Fertilize Rhododendrons with Holly Tone

Ask a rhododendron grower what they use to fertilizer their rhody and frequently you'll hear “Holly-tone.” A fertilizer manufactured by The Espoma Company in Millville, New Jersey, Holly-tone is labeled specifically for use on acid-loving plants. Since the rhododendron thrives in soil with a pH between 4.0 and 4.5, Holly-tone not only feeds the plant but helps keep the soil acidic as well. Apply Holly-tone in spring and fall.

Measuring tape
Measuring cup
Holly-tone fertilizer
Rake

Instructions

- 1
  Remove mulch from around the rhododendron.
- 2
  Measure the diameter of the rhododendron shrub. Use 1 cup of Holly-tone for each foot of diameter in spring and ½ cup in fall.
- 3
  Sprinkle the Holly-tone on the soil at the dripline of the plant, the area on the soil that corresponds to the widest branches.
- 4
  Use a rake to spread the Holly-tone out 1 foot beyond the drip line and completely around the shrub.
- 5
  Water to a depth of 10 inches, and apply fresh mulch to the soil, 4 inches from the base of the rhododendron.

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