Rhododendron President Roosevelt

Plant Rhododendron 'Président Roosevelt' in a partially shaded position, 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 cannot tolerate limestone or heavy soils that become waterlogged in winter. Dig a hole three times larger than the pot. Soak the root ball in non-limestone water and plant the bush at the level of the collar, in a mixture composed of leaf compost, gravel or pumice, and loam. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist in summer. Azaleas and Rhododendrons have a shallow root system, which makes them susceptible to drought. Therefore, it is recommended to enrich the soil with humus and provide abundant watering during dry periods. Additionally, their root system is not very strong, so it is essential to lighten heavy soils with draining materials (gravel, pumice, clay pellets) when planting. Apply a layer of crushed pine bark mulch around the base of the bush every spring to maintain soil moisture and acidic pH. Maintenance involves removing faded flowers in summer and pruning dead branches. Azaleas and Rhododendrons are sometimes attacked by weevils, which eat the edges of leaves and rootlets, as well as the notorious "rhododendron borer," which 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 a deep planting hole can also explain the phenomenon.