rhodendron

For Rhododendron 'Yaku Duchess', watering should only be done when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry. To check the soil moisture, insert your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. Make sure not to overwater; soaking the root zone once a week is sufficient. It is best to avoid letting the plant dry out completely between waterings. Avoid splashing water on the leaves and always water in the morning.

Rhododendron 'Yaku Duchess' prefers to be grown in full sun or partial shade. They need at least 4-5 hours of direct sunlight per day in order to thrive and produce blooms. They may tolerate more shade but may not bloom heavily or consistently. For ideal flower production, it is best to provide them with full sun during morning hours and partial shade during midday and afternoon hours when the sun is strongest.

Rhododendron 'Yaku Duchess' should be pruned in the early spring before it starts to actively grow. This helps keep the shrub in a compact, well shaped form. The amount of pruning required depends on the age and size of the plant as well as how well it has been cared for in the past. Young plants should be pruned only to keep them within bounds and removing any dead or damaged branches. For more mature plants, more aggressive pruning may be required to reduce the size or shape of the plant. Be sure to never take off more than 1 third of the branches on the main stems. In addition, always use sharp, clean tools when pruning to ensure a clean cut.