From my roots to my fragrant flowers, I crave a specific environment. I am not a plant for full, baking sun; it will scorch my beautiful leaves and stress me terribly. I desire a spot with bright, dappled shade or morning sun with afternoon shade. Think of the light beneath a high-branched tree. This protects my foliage while providing enough light for flower production. Furthermore, I need impeccable drainage. My roots are highly susceptible to rot in heavy, waterlogged soil. A slightly elevated bed or a slope is perfect. If you must plant me in heavier clay, you must amend the soil generously with compost and pine bark to open it up.
My soil preferences are non-negotiable for a long and healthy life. I am an acid-loving plant, thriving in a soil pH between 5.0 and 6.0. Alkaline soils will cause my leaves to yellow (chlorosis) and I will slowly decline. Please test your soil and amend it with elemental sulfur or a specialized acidic planting mix if needed. I prefer a rich, humusy, and moist but perfectly draining soil. A top dressing of leaf mold or composted pine needles each spring is like a gourmet meal for me, providing gentle nutrients and maintaining soil acidity. Please avoid strong chemical fertilizers; a light application of an acid-forming fertilizer in early spring is more than enough.
My watering needs are a constant balancing act. I abhor being completely dry. Drought stress will cause my leaves to wilt and drop, a serious setback. However, I fear saturated "wet feet" even more, as this quickly leads to fatal root rot. The goal is consistently moist, but never soggy, soil. This often means deep, infrequent watering that penetrates the root zone rather than daily sprinkles. A generous layer of organic mulch helps tremendously by keeping my roots cool and conserving moisture. Pay close attention to me during summer dry spells and provide extra water, but always check the soil moisture first.
Please understand that I do not like to be moved or heavily pruned. I am best considered a permanent fixture in your garden once planted. My root system is delicate and does not recover well from transplanting. If you must prune me, do so with extreme care and only immediately after my main floral display has faded in spring. This is because I begin setting my flower buds for next year in mid to late summer. Any late-season pruning will remove these precious buds, sacrificing next year's fragrance. Simply remove any dead or damaged wood and lightly shape me if necessary. Wear gloves, as my sap can irritate skin.
