Rhododendron Elisabeth

Pflanzen Sie den Rhododendron 'Elisabeth' an einem halbschattigen Standort, geschützt vor kalten und trockenen Winden, in einem frischen, humusreichen und leichten Boden mit saurem oder neutralem pH-Wert. Wie alle Moorbeetpflanzen verträgt er kalkhaltige Böden oder schwere, im Winter wasserstauende Böden nicht. Wenn der Boden im Sommer feucht bleibt, kann dieser Rhododendron auch einer nicht brennenden Sonneneinstrahlung standhalten. Vermeiden Sie es, ihn in Konkurrenz zu anderen Pflanzen zu pflanzen, da seine oberflächlichen Wurzeln besonders empfindlich auf den Wassermangel reagieren.

Grab a hole three times the size of the pot. Soak the root ball in non-limestone water and plant the shrub at the level of the 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. As a result, they are sensitive to long periods of drought. That's why a humus-rich soil and abundant watering during dry periods are recommended. In addition, this root system is not very strong, so it is essential to lighten heavy soils with draining materials (gravel, pumice, clay balls) at planting. Apply a mulch of crushed pine bark at the base of the shrub every spring to keep the soil cool while maintaining an acidic pH.

Maintenance consists of cutting off faded flowers in summer and removing dead branches. Azaleas and Rhododendrons can sometimes be attacked by weevils that eat the edge of the leaves and the roots, as well as the famous 'rhododendron beetle' which does not usually cause much damage. Yellowing of the leaves (chlorosis) in Rhododendrons indicates poor iron assimilation 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 the phenomenon.

Rhododendrons thrive in our Breton and Norman climates, planted in soil without limestone and in a humid environment. Their cultivation in our warmer and drier climates is often doomed to failure in the long term, despite all attempts to acclimate them.