Rhododendron Graziella

Plant Rhododendron 'Graziella' in a sunny, partially shady or shaded location, protected from cold and drying winds, in a fresh, humus-bearing and light soil with an acidic tendency. Like all plants that prefer acid soil, it cannot tolerate chalky or heavy soils that become waterlogged in winter. Dig a hole three times larger than the pot. Soak the root ball in non-chalky water and plant the bush at the level of the root collar, 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. Therefore, they are sensitive to prolonged periods of drought. That is why it is recommended to enrich the soil with humus and to water abundantly during dry periods. Additionally, since the root system is not very strong, it is essential to lighten heavy soils with draining materials (gravel, pumice, clay pellets) when planting. Apply a mulch of shredded pine bark around the base of the bush every spring to retain soil moisture and maintain an acidic pH. Maintenance involves removing faded flowers in summer and cleaning dead branches. Azaleas and Rhododendrons can sometimes be attacked by weevils that eat the edges of leaves and rootlets, as well as the famous "rhododendron beetle" that does not often cause significant damage. However, you can treat them with carbofuran. Yellowing of the leaves (chlorosis) in Rhododendrons indicates poor assimilation of iron in the soil and can lead to premature death of the plant. While limestone is often the cause, poorly drained soil or deeply planted root balls can also explain this phenomenon.