Rhododendron Raphaela

Plant the 'Raphaela' hybrid Rhododendron in a partially shaded or shady location, protected from cold and drying winds, in a cool, humus-bearing and light soil, with a tendency towards acid or neutral. Like all plants of heathland, it does not tolerate limestone soils or heavy soils saturated with water in winter. This rhododendron will also tolerate morning sun exposure if the soil remains moist in summer. Avoid planting at its base, as its shallow roots do not tolerate competition from other plants, especially for water resources.

Dig a hole with a volume three times larger than the pot. Soak the root ball in non-limestone water and plant the bush in a mixture of 1/4 compost, 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 susceptible to long periods of drought. That's why it is recommended to enrich the soil with humus and water abundantly during dry periods. In addition, 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 mulch of crushed pine bark at the base of the bush every spring to maintain soil moisture while preserving an acidic pH.

Maintenance consists of removing faded flowers in summer and pruning off dead branches. Azaleas and Rhododendrons can sometimes be attacked by weevils that eat the edges of leaves and rootlets and by the famous "rhododendron beetle", which does not often cause severe damage. Effective biological solutions are available today against weevils. Yellowing of the leaves (chlorosis) in rhododendrons indicates poor assimilation of iron in the soil and causes the premature death of the plant. While limestone is frequently the cause, poorly drained soil or a deeply planted root ball can also be a factor.

"Rhodos" reach their full potential in our Breton and Norman climates, planted in limestone-free soil and a humid environment. Their cultivation in our warmer and drier climates is generally doomed to failure in the long run, despite all attempts to acclimatise them.