While rhododendrons do best in a peaty soil, peat is not required. Any moist loamy soil will do if it is acidic. A good soil mixture should contain two parts peat and one part each of loam, leafmold and grit or coarse sand. Old manure or compost is also beneficial. Never use just straight peat.
P lanting Early spring is the best time to plant rhododendrons and azaleas.
It is always important to remember that rhododendrons and azaleas have very small and very fragile root systems. Plants are usually sold potted or balled and burlapped. In either case, make sure the root ball is moist before planting, and do not remove the plant from its container until you are ready to place it in the ground. The planting hole should be about 15 cm deeper than and twice the diameter of the container in which the plant was grown. If the plant is especially root-bound, gently pry apart the outer roots to help loosen them.