Rhododendron (x) yakushimanum Dusty Miller

Plant the Rhododendron 'Dusty Miller' in a sunny or partially shaded position, protected from cold and drying winds, in a fresh, humus-bearing and light soil with an acidic tendency. Like all plants of heathland soil, it does not tolerate calcareous soils or heavy soils saturated with water 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 neck level, in a mixture composed of 1/4 turf, leaf compost, gravel or pumice, and loam. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist in summer. Azaleas and Rhododendrons have a shallow root system. As a result, they are susceptible to long periods of drought. Therefore, it is recommended to enrich the soil with humus and water abundantly during dry periods. Additionally, this root system is not very strong, which is why it is essential to lighten heavy soils with draining materials (gravel, pumice, clay pellets) when planting. Apply a mulch of shredded pine bark around the base of the bush every spring to maintain soil moisture while preserving an acidic pH. Maintenance involves cutting off faded flowers in summer and removing dead branches. Azaleas and Rhododendrons can sometimes be attacked by vine weevils, which eat the edges of leaves and rootlets, as well as the infamous "rhododendron beetle," which rarely causes severe damage. However, you can treat them with carbofuran. Yellowing of leaves (chlorosis) in Rhododendron indicates poor assimilation of iron in the soil and leads to premature plant death. While limestone is often the cause, poorly drained soil or a deeply planted root ball can also explain the phenomenon.