Rhododendron percy wiseman is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide. It has large, dark green leaves and produces large, showy clusters of white flowers in the spring. This plant is native to the Himalayan region and is named after British plant collector, Percy Wiseman.
Related plant:
Rhododendron Arboreum
Related plant:
Pink Rhododendron
About soil condition, Rhododendron percy wiseman prefers well-drained, acidic soil, with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. If the soil is too alkaline, the rhododendron will not be able to absorb the necessary nutrients. The ideal soil is one that is rich in organic matter, such as compost or peat moss. The rhododendron also needs to have good drainage, so it is important to make sure the soil is not too compacted.
Like the other rhododendrons, Percy Wiseman requires a significant amount of sun to thrive. It's best to plant this variety in an area that receives at least six hours of sun per day, though it can tolerate slightly less. In areas with insufficient sun, the plant may become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
The temperature condition of Rhododendron percy wiseman is perfect for growing in most regions of the world. It can withstand cold winters and hot summers. However, it is best to keep this plant out of direct sunlight.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. When the humidity drops below 40%, the plant may exhibit stress symptoms such as leaf wilting and browning. If the humidity drops too low, the plant may experience death.
For the fertilizer, this plant prefers something with an NPK ratio of 5-10-5. Apply it around the base of the plant, keeping it away from the stems. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer granules. As for the root, Rhododendron percy wiseman prefers well-drained soil that is on the acidic side. If your soil is not naturally acidic, you can lower the pH by adding peat moss or sulfur.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your rhododendron percy wiseman healthy and looking its best. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. You should remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any that are crossed or rubbing against each other. You can also prune to shape the plant, or to encourage more blooms. When pruning, be sure to use clean, sharp pruning shears.
Propagation of rhododendron percy wiseman is by seed, cuttings, or grafting. Seed germination is erratic and often takes more than one season. Cuttings of half-ripe wood root readily. Grafting is done using rhododendron species that havecompatible rootstock.
Usually, the plant growth rate is about 10 to 12 inches per year. Some rhododendron percy wiseman can grow up to 24 inches per year. The average rhododendron percy wiseman plant will live for about 50 years.
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, root rot, and aphids. To prevent these problems, make sure to water the plant regularly and keep the leaves dry. Also, avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as this can lead to root rot. If you see any of these problems, treatment includes removing affected leaves, improving drainage, and applying fungicide.
Source:
Rhododendron (PJM Group) - North Carolina State University
Rhododendron ponticum | Landscape Plants - Oregon State
Rhododendron maximum - North Carolina State University