Rhododendron cinnabarinum

Plant Rhododendron cinnabarinum in a semi-shaded position, protected from cold and drying winds, in a moist, humus-rich, and light soil, with a tendency towards acidity. Like all plants of the heathland, it does not tolerate chalky soils or heavy soils that are waterlogged in winter. Dig a hole three times larger than the pot. Soak the root ball in non-calcareous water and plant the bush at the level of the collar, in a mixture composed of 1/4 turf, leaf compost, gravel or pumice, and loam. Water generously and keep the soil moist in summer. Azaleas and Rhododendrons have a shallow root system. Therefore, they are sensitive to long periods of drought. That is why it is recommended to enrich the soil with humus and water abundantly during dry periods. Moreover, this root system is not very strong, which is why it is essential to lighten heavy soils with draining materials (gravel, pumice, clay balls) when planting. Apply a mulch of shredded pine bark at the base of the bush every spring to maintain soil moisture and acidity. Maintenance involves removing faded flowers in summer and cleaning dead branches. Azaleas and Rhododendrons can sometimes be attacked by weevils that eat the edges of leaves and rootlets, as well as the infamous "rhododendron beetle" which doesn't often cause severe damage. There are effective natural solutions against weevils. Be careful, Rhododendron cinnabarinum is susceptible to attacks by powdery mildew (white fuzz on the foliage caused by a fungus). It can also be attacked at the collar by Phytophthora, a fungus that causes rapid and irreversible wilting if the soil remains too moist. Yellowing of the leaves (chlorosis) in Rhododendron indicates poor assimilation of iron in the soil and leads to premature death of the plant. While limestone is often the cause, poorly drained soil or a deeply planted root ball can also explain the phenomenon.