Rhododendron yakushimanum Dream Land

Plant in a sunny or semi-shaded position, protected from cold and drying winds, in moist, humus-bearing and light soil, with an acidic tendency. Like all plants that prefer acid soil, it does not tolerate chalky or heavy soils that become waterlogged in winter. Dig a hole three times larger than the pot. Soak the root ball in non-chalky 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. As a result, they are susceptible to long periods of drought. It is therefore advisable to enrich the soil with humus and to 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) at planting. Apply a mulch of shredded pine bark around the base of the bush every spring to maintain soil moisture and acidity. Maintenance consists of removing faded flowers in summer and cleaning out dead branches. Azaleas and rhododendrons can sometimes be attacked by weevils, which eat the edges of leaves and rootlets, as well as the infamous "rhododendron beetle," which rarely causes significant damage. Yellowing of the leaves (chlorosis) indicates poor assimilation of iron in the soil and can lead 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.