Rhododendron Directeur Moerlands

Description

Rhododendron Directeur Moerlands, also known as Rhododendron ‘Directeur Moerlands’, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Ericaceae family. It is a hybrid of Rhododendron ‘Naselle’ and Rhododendron ‘President Roosevelt’. This medium-sized shrub can grow up to 1.8 meters tall and 1.5 meters wide. It produces beautiful pink flowers with a darker pink center in late spring.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Ericales
Family	Ericaceae
Genus	Rhododendron

Appearance

The leaves of Rhododendron Directeur Moerlands are dark green, leathery, and have a glossy surface. They are elliptic or oblong in shape and grow up to 15 centimeters long. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and grow in clusters of 5 to 12. They are about 7.5 centimeters wide and have a sweet fragrance. The color of the flowers varies from pale pink to deep pink with a darker pink center. The bark of the shrub is brown and smooth.

Care Guide

Rhododendron Directeur Moerlands requires acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 to 6.0. It needs to be watered regularly, especially during the hot summer months. Fertilize the plant in early spring and late fall with a slow-release fertilizer that is formulated for acid-loving plants. The shrub prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun exposure in cooler climates. It is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Rhododendron Directeur Moerlands is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including lace bugs, spider mites, and root rot. Lace bugs cause yellow spots on the leaves, while spider mites cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Root rot is caused by overwatering and can lead to the death of the plant. To prevent these problems, make sure to water the plant properly and keep it healthy. If you notice any signs of pests or diseases, treat the plant with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide.

Habitat

Rhododendron Directeur Moerlands is native to the United States and is commonly found in the Pacific Northwest region. It grows in moist, well-drained soil in shaded areas like forests and along streams.

Question and Answer

Q: When does Rhododendron Directeur Moerlands bloom?
A: It blooms in late spring.
Q: What is the ideal pH for the soil of Rhododendron Directeur Moerlands?
A: The ideal pH is between 4.5 to 6.0.
Q: Can Rhododendron Directeur Moerlands tolerate full sun exposure?
A: It can tolerate full sun exposure in cooler climates.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases of Rhododendron Directeur Moerlands?
A: The common pests and diseases are lace bugs, spider mites, and root rot.

Related Plants

• Rhododendron ‘Naselle’
• Rhododendron ‘President Roosevelt’
• Rhododendron ‘Nova Zembla’
• Rhododendron ‘PJM’

References

• “Rhododendron Directeur Moerlands.” American Rhododendron Society, www.rhododendron.org/descriptionH_new.asp?ID=97.
• “Rhododendron ‘Directeur Moerlands’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e298.
• “Rhododendron ‘Directeur Moerlands’.” Plant Finder, www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1979/directeur-moerlands-rhododendron/.