Rhododendron Easydendron Pfauenauge

Plant the Pfauenauge hybrid Rhododendron in a semi-shaded or even lightly shaded area, protected from cold and drying winds, in moist, humus-rich, light soil, with a tendency towards acidity or neutrality. Like all acid-loving plants, it does not tolerate limestone soils or heavy, waterlogged soils in winter. If the soil remains moist in summer, this rhododendron will also tolerate morning sun exposure. Avoid planting around its base, as its superficial roots do not cope well with competition from other plants, especially for water.

Dig a hole three times larger than the pot. Soak the root ball in non-limestone water and plant the bush at collar level, in a mixture composed of 1/4 peat, leaf compost, gravel or pumice, and loam. Water generously and keep the soil moist in summer. Azaleas and Rhododendrons have a shallow root system. As a result, they are sensitive to long periods of drought. This is why humus-rich soil and abundant watering during dry periods are recommended. Moreover, this root system is not very strong, hence the need to lighten heavy soils with draining materials (gravel, pumice, clay balls) at planting. Apply a mulch of shredded pine bark at the base of the bush every spring to retain soil moisture while maintaining an acidic pH.

Maintenance involves removing faded flowers in summer and cleaning the bush of dead branches. Azaleas and Rhododendrons can sometimes be attacked by vine weevils that eat the edges of leaves and rootlets, as well as by the famous "rhododendron borer" which does not often cause serious damage. Effective organic solutions are available today against vine weevils. Yellowing of the leaves (chlorosis) in Rhododendrons indicates poor assimilation of iron in the soil and leads to premature plant death. While limestone is often the cause, poorly drained soil or deeply planted root balls can also explain the phenomenon.

"Rhodos" thrive planted in limestone-free soil and a cool, humid environment. Their cultivation in warmer and drier climates is often doomed to failure in the long run, despite all the efforts made to acclimatise them.