Rhododendron Lampion

Plant Rhododendron 'Lampion' in partial shade, protected from cold and drying winds, in a moist, humus-bearing, light soil, with a tendency towards acidity (pH between 4.5 and 6). Like all acid soil plants, it does not tolerate limestone soils, drought, heatwaves, or heavy soils saturated with water in winter. If the soil remains moist in summer, this rhododendron can also tolerate non-scorching sun exposure.

Dig a hole three times the volume of the pot. Soak the root ball in non-limestone water and plant the bush at the neck level, in a mixture consisting of 1/4 organic matter, 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. That's why soil enriched with humus and abundant watering during dry periods is recommended. Moreover, 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 layer of shredded pine bark mulch at the base of the bush every spring to keep the soil moist while maintaining an acidic pH.

Maintenance consists of deadheading the flowers in summer and cleaning the bush of dead branches. Azaleas and Rhododendrons can sometimes be attacked by weevils that eat the edges of the leaves and rootlets, as well as by the famous 'rhododendron beetle' which does not usually cause significant damage. Effective organic solutions exist today against weevils. Yellowing of the leaves (chlorosis) in Rhododendron indicates poor assimilation of iron in the soil and causes premature death of the plant. While limestone (from the soil or irrigation water) is generally the cause, poorly drained soil or a deeply planted root ball can also explain the phenomenon.