Rhododendron schlippenbachii, the royal azalea Rhododendrom schlippenbachii is a very special one. One of my favourite Rhodo's. It is a shrub. One stem, one root. You cannot just divide it like you would a perennial plant.
The problem we have is my father in law is going into sheltered accommodation tomorrow. It was my mother in laws favourite plant, and she is sadly in a care home with dementia. So for sentimental reasons my sister in law wanted to take it and put in her garden, but it's too big for the space she has. So we were wondering if we could divide it as a quick fix (and then we get part of it too) bit clearly we can't. It's my own fault we have known for ages we wanted it out but with everything else going on with the move and FIL health, it was last on the list to get around to.
It is a very very special Rhodo. Especially for you with the memories that you have with it/family. Rhodo's are shallow rooted and do transplant well...even in summer.
Move the WHOLE shrub...root, branches and all leaves!
Someone else may not appreciate it and just rip it out. Prepare new bed for it. It needs be buy several bags of good quality ericaceous compost. Remove it gently with massive but shallow root ball...place on tarpaulin/plastic sheet, to protect outer roots. Plant immediately into new bed...in shade/semi shade. Not full sun. Water well for rest of summer...esp if hot. Mulch on top with 3 -4" layer of composted bark/rotted leaves or other mulch to keep the roots cool, retain moisture and stop weeds.
Good luck. You may find it hard to find a nursery selling them. Risk moving this one...at very worst IF it dies you have lost nothing but hard work.
Ericaheather
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Rhododendron schlippenbachii, the royal azalea
Rhododendrom schlippenbachii is a very special one.
One of my favourite Rhodo's.
It is a shrub. One stem, one root. You cannot just divide it like you would a perennial plant.
https://www.google.com/search?q=rhododendron+schlippenbachii&client=firefox-b-d&channel=crow&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjj6LqvnpHjAhUGZMAKHZwwB2AQ_AUIECgB&biw=1920&bih=944
It is a very very special Rhodo.
Especially for you with the memories that you have with it/family.
Rhodo's are shallow rooted and do transplant well...even in summer.
Move the WHOLE shrub...root, branches and all leaves!
Someone else may not appreciate it and just rip it out.
Prepare new bed for it. It needs be buy several bags of good quality ericaceous compost.
Remove it gently with massive but shallow root ball...place on tarpaulin/plastic sheet, to protect outer roots.
Plant immediately into new bed...in shade/semi shade. Not full sun.
Water well for rest of summer...esp if hot.
Mulch on top with 3 -4" layer of composted bark/rotted leaves or other mulch to keep the roots cool, retain moisture and stop weeds.
Good luck.
You may find it hard to find a nursery selling them.
Risk moving this one...at very worst IF it dies you have lost nothing but hard work.