Alton Hall of Gloucester is chapter president. All these plants prefer a well-drained soil high in organic matter with a pH of 5.5. Test your soil pH through Virginia Tech's extension service offices. If the pH is above 5.5, lower it with agricultural sulfur or ferrous sulfate. Do not use aluminum sulfate to acidify the soil, because aluminum is harmful to the plants.
Rhododendrons come in burlap, plastic bags or containers.
Biodegradable burlap must be opened up and pulled back from the trunk. Make sure all plastic ties and strings are removed. Plastic containers must be removed and any encircling roots should be cut. Loosen the outer roots to ensure proper soil contact. Do not plant rhododendrons too deeply.