Rhododendron Nova Zembla

Plant Rhododendron 'Nova Zembla' in a partially shady or sunny location, protected from cold and drying winds, in a moist, humus-rich and light soil with an acidic tendency. Like all plants that prefer acidic soil, it does not tolerate limestone or heavy soils that become waterlogged in winter. Dig a hole three times larger than the pot. Soak the root ball in lime-free water and plant the bush at the collar level, in a mixture consisting 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 advisable to enrich the soil with humus and provide abundant watering 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) during planting. Apply a mulch of shredded pine bark around the base of the bush every spring to maintain soil moisture and acidic pH. Maintenance involves removing faded flowers in summer and removing dead branches. Azaleas and Rhododendrons can sometimes be attacked by weevils that eat the edges of leaves and rootlets, as well as the notorious "rhododendron beetle" that rarely causes significant damage. Yellowing of leaves (chlorosis) in Rhododendrons indicates poor assimilation of iron from 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.