Azalea japonica Rex - Hybrid Rhododenron

Plant the Rex Japanese Azalea in a partially shaded position, protected from cold, drying winds, in cool, humus-rich, light, acid soil. Like all plants that require ericaceous soil, it does not tolerate alkaline soils 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 level with the surface of the soil, in a mixture composed of 1/4 coir, leaf compost, horticultural grit or perlite, and loam. Water generously and keep the soil moist in summer. Azaleas and Rhododendrons have a shallow root system. As a result, they can suffer in long periods of drought. Therefore, we recommend using humus-rich soil and watering copiously during dry periods. Additionally, this root system is not very strong, which is why it is essential to lighten heavy soils with free-draining materials (horticultural grit, perlite, clay balls) during planting. Apply a mulch of shredded pine bark around the base of the shrub every spring to maintain soil moisture and acidity. Maintenance involves cutting off faded flowers in summer and removing dead branches. Azaleas and Rhododendrons can sometimes be attacked by weevils, which eat the edges of the leaves and the rootlets, as well as by the famous "Rhododendron lace bug", rarely causing significant damage.  Yellowing of the leaves (chlorosis) in Rhododendrons indicates poor uptake of iron from the soil and can lead to the premature death of the plant. While chalk is often the cause, poorly drained soil or root balls planted too deeply can also explain the phenomenon.