Too late to plant ‘Nova Zembla’, or is late summer a good time?

This is a rhododendron, and the elongated ‘buds’ left on it are spent seed heads, not a sign that it is too late to plant. Late summer is often a good planting time: the soil is still warm enough for root growth, while the air is cooler and the plant is under less stress.

What matters when planting now

• Plant in acidic, humus-rich soil that stays evenly moist, rather than ordinary lime-rich border soil.
• Plant no deeper than it sits in its pot; rhododendrons prefer shallow planting.
• Soak the rootball before planting and continue watering during dry autumn weather.
• Remove the seed heads if you can, so that less energy goes into seed production and more into establishment.
• Add composted bark or leaf mould over the soil, keeping it away from the stem.

There is still time for establishment in Hartungviken, Sweden, but do not wait too long. The sooner you plant now, the better its chance of rooting before the cold arrives. The next step is to plant it out soon and keep the soil evenly moist at first.