Air Plant

I was at my favorite nursery the other day and spotted some "dwarf rhododendrons" — I just had to know, could I grow these beauties in a pot? Would they need any special TLC?

Answer: Whether you're short on space or just want to create a gorgeous focal point in a particular garden spot, container gardening is such a rewarding way to show off your favorite plants. Trust me, it really works!

Rhododendrons come in over 1,000 varieties in the most breathtaking colors, and I love how they add that evergreen charm. Give them the right care and they'll absolutely thrive in containers — I've seen it myself.

Here are my favorite tips for growing rhododendrons in containers:

•Choosing the right container: When picking a pot, think about the size of your rhododendron — the plant and pot size really go hand in hand. My rule of thumb: if you bought it from a nursery, choose a pot about a third larger than the container it came in. The absolute must-have? Plenty of drainage holes. In my experience, rhododendrons often fail in pots simply because of poor drainage. (I use pot feet to protect my wooden surfaces and keep plants from sitting in excess water.) Also, rhodies are shallow-rooted, so they tend to prefer a wide, shallow pan over a tall, narrow pot.•Soil: Once you've got the right container, plant your rhody with a potting mix made for azaleas — it'll have the acidic pH rhododendrons absolutely love. Make sure the shrub sits at the same level it did in its previous pot, or even slightly above the surrounding potting mix. Trust me, rhododendrons prefer this — they really don't want to be planted deep. Don't fill the container all the way to the top; leave a few inches so you can add a thin layer of compost, shredded leaves, or mulch around the base to lock in moisture. Reapply as it breaks down.•Maintenance: Place your container where it'll get plenty of indirect sunlight, part shade, or dappled shade — somewhere bright but not so harsh that the flowers and foliage get scorched. I always water rhododendrons thoroughly when the soil feels dry. Apply an acid-loving plant fertilizer like HollyTone every spring to encourage growth. Remove any spent or wilted flowers, and repot every 1 to 2 years.•Plant selection: For the best results, choose a dwarf variety that thrives in your climate — ideally staying within 3 to 5 feet tall. I've learned that container shrubs should be rated for at least one cold-hardiness zone colder than yours. For example, if you're in USDA Zone 6, pick one hardy to Zone 5 at minimum, or plan to offer winter protection. Some dwarf favorites include: most yaks (R. yakushimanum cultivars), Rhododendron lutescens and 'Ostbo's Red Elizabeth'.

---------------------------------Want a year-round container garden full of beautiful, thriving plants? I'd recommend Container Gardening for All Seasons — it's got over 100 container ideas that really inspire me.

Small-Space Container Gardens showed me how to turn even the tiniest spots around my home into stunning focal points with beautiful container plants.

Looking for the perfect plant? The Horticulture Smart Gardening Guides: Plant Profiles for Every Zone gives you instant access to great plant profiles for every zone — I use it all the time.

Download the Smart Gardening Techniques: Flower Gardening for key tips and techniques on creating a garden bursting with colorful flowers — it's really helpful.

I'm also a fan of this beautiful Pole Planter — it adds such an elegant pop to the garden and makes a perfect centerpiece.