Rhododendron Madame Masson

Plant Rhododendron 'Madame Masson' in a semi-shaded position, protected from cold and drying winds, in a moist, humus-rich and light soil with an acidic tendency. Like all plants that prefer ericaceous soil, it does not tolerate limestone soils or heavy soils that become waterlogged in winter. Dig a hole three times larger than the pot. Soak the root ball in non-limestone water and plant the bush at the collar level, in a mixture composed of 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 susceptible to long periods of drought. Therefore, it is recommended to enrich the soil with humus and water abundantly during dry periods. Additionally, this root system is not very strong, which is why it is essential to lighten heavy soils with draining materials (gravel, pumice, clay pellets) at planting. Apply a mulch of crushed pine bark around the base of the bush every spring to maintain soil moisture while preserving an acidic pH. Maintenance involves removing faded flowers in summer and pruning out dead branches. Azaleas and Rhododendrons may sometimes be attacked by weevils, which eat the edges of the leaves and the rootlets, as well as the notorious "rhododendron beetle," which rarely causes significant damage. Yellowing of the leaves (chlorosis) in Rhododendrons indicates poor assimilation of iron from the soil and can lead to premature plant death. While limestone is often the cause, poorly drained soil or a deeply planted root ball can also explain the phenomenon.