The guidance on when to plant a rhododendron in South Carolina is fall, allowing the plant tome to acclimate and prepare for spring growth. The best thing might be what you are doing. Putting the pot into the ground—and then pulling it out in a few months—will only disrupt it twice. Once as it adjusts to the outdoors 24/7, and again when you lift it to make it start all over again without the pot. So plant it in the spring but be aware that as a shallow-rooted plant, it will need regular, generous watering—but not be soggy—as the temps rise. Well draining soil and good mulch should keep it from drowning. Do not put it in a place that gets heavy, constant sun, especially from the south. It performs better under dappled shade. Get the soil right; see above. This is our recommendation. You might also inquire of the vendor from whom you bought it. And ask if they will replace it if it fails within the year. Some do. We hope this helps.
The guidance on when to plant a rhododendron in South Carolina is fall, allowing the plant tome to acclimate and prepare for spring growth. The best thing might be what you are doing. Putting the pot into the ground—and then pulling it out in a few months—will only disrupt it twice. Once as it adjusts to the outdoors 24/7, and again when you lift it to make it start all over again without the pot. So plant it in the spring but be aware that as a shallow-rooted plant, it will need regular, generous watering—but not be soggy—as the temps rise. Well draining soil and good mulch should keep it from drowning. Do not put it in a place that gets heavy, constant sun, especially from the south. It performs better under dappled shade. Get the soil right; see above. This is our recommendation. You might also inquire of the vendor from whom you bought it. And ask if they will replace it if it fails within the year. Some do. We hope this helps.