Almost relegated to the "grandmother-type-plants" is the perennial favourite, the rhododendron plant. Like azaleas, camellias and hydrangeas they have an old-worldly charm that historically places them in the gardens of yesteryear. And while your grandma may have grown one...or two...of these from neighbourly cuttings, many home owners inherit them when they buy their house.

Depending which gardening trend existed when it was planted makes all the difference in which type is growing in your yard. If it's been around for a long time then you're more likely to be hosting the Nepalese bred arboreum before the trend turned to the Japanese Yakushimanum hybrid. Nowadays, most gardens have opted for the much hardier and acclimatised vireyas.

Yet while the growing habit, size, foliage and blooms may differ between species and hybrids, the care and maintenance of these plants are very similar. And if I can make one very general sweeping comment that can truly help their cause in your garden, it's to state that they are serious ACID addicts.

Truly, they enjoy nothing more than being bedded in soil that is lower on the pH scale than most of your other plants. The best way to achieve that is to heavily compost their surroundings with rich manures, blood 'n bone (bonemeal) or your own compostings.

Rhododendrons are typically cool climate plants preferring the sub-tropical highlands of their native growing regions. However, most rhododendron hybrids that you find in your local nurseries have been acclimatised to grow well in the area in which you bought them. So you shouldn't suffer too many problems relating to their historical genetics.

If you think "azalea" when trying to care for a rhododendron then you're more than half way there. These two plants share many similarities which is why azaleas most likely made it into your grandmother's garden as well. They're both acid-lovers, tend to prefer shade over full-sun, enjoy a good prune (probably a third is a good measure) after flowering and they do require regular moisture.

The big difference I found with growing my rhododendron was the time it took to prepare its blooms. After last year's prune it set some small buds shortly afterwards. I watched them bulge over the ensuing months expecting that they would split open at any moment yet bewildered that they were taking so long. Finally, as spring matured, these buds burst open to reveal the deepest magenta red blooms which quickly faded into pale pinks. It was quite an experience to see it happen and I'm looking forward to seeing many more.

The best way to propagate a rhododendron plant is via softwood/hardwood cuttings taken in late summer. You can apply air and/or soil layering techniques to these plants as well and from the many successful results of hybridization, one can expect a great outcome from tampering with nature.

Hope this helps and feel free to leave any questions or comments below.