Rhododendron Rhododendron 'Lem's Monarch'

Water

Rhododendrons, including 'Lem's Monarch,' require consistent moisture but they do not tolerate waterlogged conditions. It's essential to water them deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, which for most 'Lem's Monarch' rhododendrons will be approximately once a week, depending on climate and soil conditions. During periods of drought or extreme heat, you might need to water more frequently. A general rule is to provide about one gallon of water per watering session for each square yard of soil area, ensuring even distribution around the plant's root zone. Be cautious in the winter months; they require less water as their growth slows down.

Light

'Lem's Monarch' rhododendrons perform best in partial shade to dappled sunlight conditions. The ideal location offers morning sunlight and protection from the intense afternoon sun, which may scorch their leaves. An eastern-facing spot that receives bright but indirect light is typically suitable. These plants can also tolerate full shade, but flowering may be reduced in lower light conditions.

Temperature

'Lem's Monarch' rhododendrons thrive in temperature conditions that mimic their native habitat, generally between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to extreme cold can damage them. It's important to protect these plants from hot temperatures and provide adequate mulch to maintain cooler root environments during hot summers.

Pruning

Pruning 'Lem's Monarch' rhododendrons is mainly done to remove dead or diseased branches and to shape the plant. The best time to prune is soon after flowering, which allows time for new growth that will produce next year's blooms. Remove spent flower clusters by snapping them off with your fingers to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. As these plants can become leggy, light pruning to shape the plant can be done yearly.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Rhododendron 'Lem's Monarch', also known as Lem's Monarch rhododendron, requires an acidic soil mix with a pH of 4.5 to 6.0 for optimal growth. The best soil mix should be well-draining and rich in organic matter, comprising a blend of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite. Regular testing and amending of the soil to maintain the correct pH is crucial for the health of the plant.

Repotting

Lem's Monarch rhododendron generally requires repotting every two to three years, or when the plant has outgrown its current container. To minimize stress, it's best to repot in spring before new growth begins. Ensure the new pot has good drainage and use an acidic soil mix suitable for rhododendrons.

Humidity & Misting

Lem's Monarch rhododendron thrives best in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 60%. If indoor air is dry, a humidifier can help, or the plant can be placed on a water-filled pebble tray to increase ambient moisture. Avoid excessively dry conditions which can lead to leaf desiccation.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Lem's Monarch rhododendron near bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Plant in dappled shade, shelter from winds, mulch base, and ensure acidic soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

Rhododendron 'Lem's Monarch', commonly known as Lem's Monarch Rhododendron, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in the spring under moist, well-drained acidic soil conditions with partial shade. Upon germination, the seedling starts developing roots and a small shoot that eventually grows into a young plant. Over the next few years, the young plant matures, developing a woody stem and broad evergreen leaves, and it reaches full size, with the potential to grow up to 6 feet tall and wide. Each spring, mature Lem's Monarch Rhododendrons produce large clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers that range in color from pink to purple, attracting pollinators and enabling the plant's sexual reproduction cycle. After pollination, flowers develop into seed capsules that, once dried, release seeds to start a new generation. The shrub has a perennial lifespan, with individual plants living for many years, potentially decades, if grown in optimal conditions and well cared for.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Rhododendron 'Lem's Monarch'—commonly known simply as Rhododendron—is by means of cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings for propagation is during the late summer months, as this allows enough time for the cuttings to root before the onset of winter. Semi-hardwood cuttings, which are partially mature wood taken from the current season’s growth, are typically used. To propagate, one would cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 centimeters) length of semi-hardwood, strip the leaves from the lower half, and then dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. This treated cutting should then be placed into a well-draining rooting medium and kept under high humidity and indirect light until roots have formed, which can take several weeks to a few months.