Rhododendron planting and care. Rhododendron plant: species description, care and cultivation

"ROSES" FLOWERING SPRING

  Having once enjoyed the splendor of rhododendrons in full bloom, you remain an ardent admirer of these plants for life. From year to year they never cease to amaze and enchant us with the bounty of flowering and the unsurpassed variety of shapes and colors of their flowers.

Among cultivated heathers, rhododendrons are in first place, both in decoration and distribution in our gardens. Scottish plant collector Robert Fortune brought these evergreen shrubs to Europe from East Asia 160 years ago. Since then, thanks to the tireless work of breeders, much has changed. Rhododendron varieties have never been more numerous than today.

Rhododendrons are distinguished not only by the variety of colors of flowers, but also by the size, shape of the bush, there are evergreen and deciduous. In the fall, deciduous shrubs delight the most vivid colors of foliage: from yellow, orange to fiery red and purple.

Unfortunately, now there are cases when the owners of suburban areas, conquered by the beauty of rhododendrons and azaleas, spontaneously acquire for their garden thermophilic hybrid plants brought from more southern regions. But the bushes planted on the site after a while can completely lose their decorative effect and die.

The key to success in growing rhododendrons is the choice of species and varieties that are winter-hardy in central Russia, as well as compliance with the general rules of planting and farming for a given crop. Agricultural practices are fairly simple and easy to do, but if choosing the planting material, do not take into account the winter resistance of plants, then all efforts will be in vain. After a harsh winter, the smallest loss is the death of flower buds (sometimes single flowers remain on the lower branches), but you can lose the whole shrub. To avoid such trouble, you should carefully select the planting material. The range of rhododendrons that can withstand the climatic conditions of central Russia is quite large and can satisfy the needs of a wide range of gardeners.

park phobbie ododendrons. Author PLANTFOTO

Below are descriptions of winter-hardy enough species and varieties of rhododendron that can be recommended for cultivation in central Russia:

LYSTOPAD RHODODENDRONS / ASALIA

  1. Species rhododendrons and azaleas.

  - Rhododendron Kamchatka (Rhododendron camtchaticum)

Dwarf pillow shrub, slow-growing. The maximum height in culture is 20-30 cm, width is 30-50 cm. The shoots are rough, at a young age strongly glandular hairy. Leaves obovate, up to 2-5 cm in length, fresh green, red or yellow in autumn. Very beautiful at the time of flowering - from June - July more than 20 days. The flowers are dark pink or crimson-purple, 2.5-5 cm in diameter, with dark specks, single or gathered into inflorescences of 3-5 pieces.

Frost-resistant view (up to -28C), moisture-loving, light-loving. Recommended for rock gardens, small gardens, ideal in compositions with heather. It is better to plant in sunny places, the soil prefers well-drained, poor, loose, with a neutral reaction.

  - Pontic Azalea (Rhododendron yellow, Azalea pontica, Rhododendron luteum)

Deciduous spreading shrub, 70 cm-2 m tall, strongly expanding and reaching a width of 2 meters. The flowers are small, very fragrant, yellow or golden-orange in clusters of 7-12 pieces, bloom before the appearance of the leaves or simultaneously with them, in May - June. The leaves are oblong-elliptical and oblong-lanceolate, with a finely ciliated and ciliate along the edge, pubescent on both sides with scattered adherent glandular-bristly hairs. In the fall the leaves have a beautiful color: yellow, orange, red.

It grows relatively quickly, requires moist, humus-rich soils, does not tolerate dry air. Gives abundant root shoots. It grows in the Caucasus and the Carpathians. One of the most reliable and unpretentious rhododendrons. It grows well in the light, on the usual slightly acidic and neutral soils with the addition of peat or heather land.
   The large intraspecific variability of this plant attracts the attention of breeders. Most modern varieties of deciduous azaleas originate from the Pontian azalea. It is recommended for group and single landings on a lawn, and also on edges.

  Lavender Princesses (Ph. Lavender Princess) - purple hats colors.

-Japanese Rhododendron (Rhododendron Japoniicum)

Deciduous shrub with a height of 70-90 cm. It comes from the Japanese Islands, where it grows on the sunny slopes of the mountains, at altitudes up to 2000 m. The leaves are lanceolate, up to 9-10 cm long and up to 3-4 cm wide. Funnel-bell-shaped flowers with a diameter of 6-8 cm, most often orange-red, sometimes yellow, salmon, brick red, with a pleasant strong aroma. It blooms unusually brightly and abundantly in May, with very large flowers, simultaneously with the blooming of young leaves, for 25 days. Winter-hardy, unpretentious, and grows well on ordinary wet garden soils, which added high-moor peat.

  - Canadian rhododendron (Rhododendron Canadense)

Deciduous shrub height 60-80cm. Flowers 3-4 cm in diameter, purple-violet, sometimes white, with narrow, fancifully curled petals. It blooms in April-May in leafless condition for 20-25 days.
   The homeland is the North-East of North America, where it grows in sphagnum bogs and in damp forests. Fully winter-hardy, photophilous. Prefers moist, acidic soil with the addition of peat. Included in the top ten most unpretentious species. Recommended for central Russia.

  2. Hybrid deciduous azaleas

A series of hybrid varieties derived from Pazinian azaleas (Azalea pontica). They are shrubs 1 - 1.5 m high and wide. The flowers are very bright colors: white, yellow, orange, red, pink. Blossom at the same time or before the leaves bloom. Hardy, can withstand temperatures as low as -29 C.

Grades:

  Cecile (Rh. Cecile) - Upright shrub with a spreading crown, height 1.5-2 m. Slow-growing. flowers in buds - pink, after blooming - light pink. More resistant than evergreen species. A sheltered, rich, moist soil is recommended, sensitive to drought. It is necessary to avoid loosening of the trunk circle, remove the flowering inflorescences. Preferably shelter for the winter, mulching. Winter hardiness zone 5;

  Coccineus Speciosa (Rh. Coccinea Speciosa)   - Flowers are small, orange with narrow petals. Slow-growing strictly vertical shrub in height and width 1.5-2 m in old plants is asymmetric funnel-shaped. Winter hardiness zone 5;

  Daviesi (Rh. Daviesii)   - The flowers are creamy white with yellow speckles. Winter hardiness zone 5;

  Fireworks (Rh. Feuerwerk) - Flowers are orange-red or bright red. Winter hardiness zone 5;

  Fireball (Rh. Fireball) - The flowers are rich red. Zone 5;

  Gibraltar (Gibraltar)   - Flowers intense orange. Zone 5;

  Homebush (Rh. Homebush) - Flowers are carmine-pink, with narrow petals. Winter hardiness zone 5;

  Yuanita (Rh. Juanita)   - The flowers are deep pink with orange spots. Winter hardiness zone 5;

  Klondyke (Rh. Klondyke)   - Flowers are golden yellow or yellow-orange. Winter hardiness zone 5;

  Persil (Rh. Persil) - Flowers are snow-white with bright yellow specks. Winter hardiness zone 5;

  Satomi (Rh. Satomi)   - The flowers are soft white and pink. Winter hardiness zone 5;

  Anneke (Rh. Anneke) - Winter hardiness zone 5;

  Cannons Double (Rh. Cannon’s Double) - Winter hardiness zone 5;

  Fan (Rh. Fanal) - Winter hardiness zone 5;

  Fashing (Rh. Fasching) - Winter hardiness zone 5;

  Nabucco (Rh. Nabucco) - Winter hardiness zone 5;

  Silver Slipper (Rh. Silver Slipper) - Winter hardiness zone 5.

  ETERNAL GREEN RHODODENDRONS AND ASALIA

1. Large-flowered hybrid varieties

Cunningham White (Rh. Cunningham "White) - A popular variety from the hybrid group of Caucasian rhododendron species (probably the Caucasian rhododendron and the white-flowered form of the Pontic rhododendron), bred in 1850 by D. Cunningham. Evergreen shrub up to 2 m. Buds pinkish, flowers up to 7 cm in diameter, white with a yellowish-green spot. It blooms from the first decade of May to mid-June. Winter hardiness zone 5, without shelter withstands temperatures down to -24 ° C .;

  Roseum Elegance (Rh "Roseum Elegans") - The hybrid of rhododendron of Katevbinsky, obtained by A. Vaterer in England in 1851. Evergreen, strong-growing shrub up to 3 m. Tall. An annual gain to 15 cm. The krone is wide-round, closed from below. Leaves are leathery, oval or narrowly elliptic, shiny, 7–8 cm long, 5–6 cm wide, often reddish-brown when blooming, then dark green. The flowers are pink with a reddish-brown spot, 7 cm in diameter, widely funnel-shaped, up to 15 flowers are collected into inflorescences, the petals are slightly wavy along the edge. It blooms in June. Winter-hardy on condition of planting plants protected from the wind. Withstands temperatures down to -27 C. They are planted singly on the lawn, in groups against the background of coniferous or deciduous trees. Lives in culture for a long time, prefers fertile, slightly acidic soil, tolerates slight shading. Winter hardiness zone 5;

Liz Dark Purple (Rh. Lee "s Dark Purple) - Shrub 1.5 m high, greatly expands in width. The foliage is shiny, dark green. The flowers are dark, purple-purple with a dark yellow spot, with a diameter of 4.5 cm, large, spectacular, revealed in June. Winter hardiness zone 5, tolerates frosts down to -26С.

  Blue Peter (Rh. Blue Peter) - The variety was bred in 1933 by the English breeder A. Voterer. Flowers 4.8 cm in diameter, light lavender-blue with a dark red spot on the top petal inside the flower. The edges of the corolla petals are slightly corrugated. Inflorescences are compact, with 20 or more flowers. It blooms in late May-June. Evergreen leaves, large. Moderately growing shrub with a wide, spreading crown, height 1.2 m. Requires a more secure location, can withstand temperatures as low as -26 ° C;

Rhododendron Calsap

Rhododendron Yakushimanian Arabella

  Nova Zembla (Rh. Nova Zembla) - The variety was obtained at the beginning of the 20th century in the Netherlands. Tall shrub with a wide crown. Leaves are leathery, large, oblong-elliptical, up to 16 cm long and up to 5 cm wide, dark green above, shiny, bare, lighter below. The flowers are large, shiny, crimson-red with black specks, collected in compact inflorescences of 10 - 12 pieces. It blooms from late May to late June. Carries frost up to -29 C. Winter hardiness zone 5a. Planted singly or in groups on the lawn, along the road, on the edge of deciduous and coniferous trees, in places protected from the wind.

2. Species rhododendrons and their varieties

  - Rhododendron catevbinsky (Rhododendron catawbiense)
Evergreen shrub about 1-2 m in height. Elliptic leaves 6-12 cm long, leathery, shiny. The flowers are reddish-purple or purple with a diameter of about 5 cm, collected in dense multicolor inflorescences of 15-20 pieces. It blooms in May and June for about a month. Due to its unpretentiousness and winter hardiness, it is the most popular evergreen rhododendron. It takes out the open sun, but grows better in scattered or lateral penumbra. Prefers sour, wet peaty soil. It has many varieties, including hybrid ones, from crossing with other evergreen species of rhododendrons.

Grades:

  Al Boom Elegance (Rh. Album Elegans) - ,

  Album Novum (Rh. Album Novum) - ,

  Cataractus (Rh. Caractacus) - ,

  Grandiflorum (Rh. Grandiflorum) - ,

  Purpureum Elegans (Rh. Purpureum Elegans) - ,

  Purpureum Grandiflorum (Rh. PurpureumGrandiflorum) - Spreading hemispherical shrub. Blooms purple-lilac with a greenish bloom, flowers collected in inflorescences of 15 pcs. Flowering from the beginning of June. Winter hardiness up to -30 C.

  Roseum Elegance (Rh. Roseum Elegans) - Flowers are pink with a reddish-brown spot. Withstands cold to - 27 C.

Grandiflorum (Rh. Grandiflorum) - Obtained in England at the beginning of the 19th century as a result of the selection of Katevbinsky rhododendron from seedlings. One of the most tall varieties. The annual growth in height is up to 12 cm. The leaves are dark green, 10-15 cm long. The flowers are 6-7 cm in diameter, purple-lilac with golden brown specks and greenish-yellow spot, odorless, collected in inflorescences of 13 -15 pieces, are dismissed in May-June. Very winter hardy. Without shelter, adult plants can withstand temperatures as low as -32 C. It is best to plant in partial shade and windproof places - singly or in groups on a lawn.

Boursalt (Rh. Boursault) - The variety was the result of the selection of rhododendron of Katevbinsky. Flowers with a diameter of 5 cm, purple-lilac with a pink tinge, have a greenish-yellow spot on one of the petals of the corolla, revealed in June. Flowers are collected in a compact inflorescence containing up to 15 flowers. Young leaves are yellow-green, darken with age. Winter-hardy to -27 C. It is recommended to land in semi-shady, sheltered places.

  Short-fruited (Rh. Brachycarpum) - evergreen shrub 150-200 cm in height with a dense spherical crown. The leaves are large, 8-20 cm long, oblong-elliptical, leathery. The flowers are creamy white with a pinkish tan, wide funnel-shaped, 4-5 cm in diameter, gathered in dense racemes of 12-20 each. It blooms in June-July 15-20 days. It is among the ten most winter-hardy evergreen rhododendrons. Light-requiring, but grows well on the north side of the buildings and in reticulated penumbra. Due to its dense decorative crown, it is attractive from early spring to the very cold. It is suitable even for public landscaping. Particularly desirable for landscaping yards, where it can become the first evergreen shrub. With his presence, he animates flower-shrub compositions, brings in a subtropical flavor that is unfamiliar to the eye. It prefers light, well-drained, rich in humus, sour sandy soil.

  The Hague (Rh. Haaga) - The color of the flower is dark pink. It is frost-resistant, maintains frosts to-36 C.

  Helsinki University (Rh. HelsinkiUniversity) - The most famous hybrid of Finnish selection. Hardy to - 39 C. It can also withstand high humidity and temperature extremes. Shade-tolerant, 120 cm high. It blooms from June with light pink with an orange spot on the upper petal and maroon krap flowers on top of it. In inflorescences 12-18 pcs.

  Py.Em.Ai Tigersted (Rh. R.M.A. Tigerstedt) - ;

  Mikkel (Rh. Mikkel) - ;

  Rekka (Rh. Rekka) - ;

Elvira (Rh. Elviira) - ;

  Helliki (Rh. Hellikki) - .

  - Rhododendron yakushimansky (Rhododendron yakushimanum)
   Slow-growing compact, spherical shrub, 0.5–1 m high, crown diameter up to 1.5 m. Leaves are elongated, 5–10 cm long, 3–4 cm wide, leathery, dark green above, with dense dark brown felt above pubescence Blossoming plentiful and long, from May to the beginning of June. The flowers are at first pale pink, later white, with a diameter of up to 6 cm, collected in b - 12 pieces. Light-requiring Prefers fresh, peaty, humus-rich, slightly acidic or acidic soils. Winter-hardy, withstands winter frosts down to -22-26 C, depending on the variety, but at a young age it is better to cover the plants. Recommended for rock gardens, group plantings in rocky gardens.

Grades:

  Almut (Rh. Almut)   - Flowers are white;

  Anushka (Rh. Anuschka)   - Flowers intense pink, inside pinkish-white;

  Arabella (Rh. Arabella)   - The flowers are red, inside are white, the pink rippled edge;

  Astrid (Rh. Astrid)   - The flowers are bright red;

  Balkenegin (Rh. Ballkonigin)   - Buds pink-red, light pink flowers;

  Blurettia (Rh. Blurettia)   - Flowers purple-pink with a corrugated edge;

  Edelweiss (Rh. Edelweis)   - Buds are light pink, white flowers;

  Fehling Snow (Rh. Falling Snow)   - Buds are light purple, white flowers;

  Fantasy (Rh. Fantastica)   - The flowers are red outside, light pink inside;

  Flava (Rh. Flava)   - Buds are golden yellow, flowers are light yellow;

  Kalinka (Rh. Kalinka)   - Evergreen hemispherical bush. Reaches 90 cm in height and 130 cm in width. The leaves are dark green, shiny. The flowers are first in buds red, later ruby-pink, gradually lighten, with a yellow-green pattern. Winter hardiness up to -26С.

  Kohiro Wada (Rh. Koichiro Wada)   - Flowers gently pink-white;

  Marrakesh (Rh. Marrakesch)   - Flowers light salmon;

  Polaris (Rh. Polaris)   - Carmine buds, flowers ruby-pink, inside - light pink;

  Schneekrone (Rh. Schneekrone)   - Buds pale pink, flowers bulde;

  Silberwolke (Rh. Silbrwolke)   - Buds are pink, white flowers with yellowish specks;

  Silver Lady (Rh. Silver Lady)   - Buds pinkish red, white flowers;

  Tatyana (Rh. Tatjana)   - The flowers are intensely carmine-pink, inside - ruby, corrugated

  - Rhododendron Caroline (Rhododendron carolinianum)
Evergreen shrub height of 1 - 1.5 m. Crohn's wide-round. The bark is light brown. The leaves are elliptical dark green, 6-10 cm long, 3-4 cm wide, bare from above, densely covered with scales from below. It blooms in May -June for about 3 weeks. The flowers are white or pink, about 3 cm in diameter, 4 to 9 in the inflorescence, funnel-shaped, with a yellowish spot. Growing slowly, the annual increase of about 5 cm Light industry. Prefers slightly acid soils, light and wet. High winter hardiness. In the gardens are planted in groups and singly on rocky areas.

In the USA, based on rhododendron Karolinsky E. Mezitt, a group of winter-resistant honeycombs was obtained:

  P.J.Em.Elite (Rh. P.J.M.Elite) - The flowers are pink-purple, blooms in May. It has a high winter hardiness. Winter hardiness zone 4. Withstands temperatures down to -35 ° C;

  P.J.Mesitt (Rh. P.J.Mezitt) - Flowers are purple-pink. Winter hardy;

  Regal (Rh. Regal) - The flowers are purple-red. Winter hardy;

  Victor (Rh. Victor) - Flowers lilac-pink.

- Daurian rhododendron (Rhododendron dahuricum)
   Deciduous, but sometimes part of the leaves at the top remains to winter on the plant, strongly branched shrub from 70 cm to 2 m tall. The leaves are small, elliptical, densely covered with glands. Pink flowers of various shades, rarely white to 4 cm in diameter. It blooms from late April to May before the blooming of the leaves. The undoubted advantage of the species is high winter hardiness up to -32 C, but may suffer from late spring frosts during flowering. It grows well in ordinary garden soil, if you add to it high-moor peat. In nature, this species is widely distributed in the south of Eastern Siberia and the Far East. It is often called the "Ledum". Recommended for cultivation on the edges and in small groups under a canopy of light coniferous species, for example, larch.

Grades:

- April Rose (Rh. April Rose) - Flowers are purple-pink, terry. Winter hardiness zone 5;

- White Double (Rh. Double White)

- April Gem (Rh. April Gem) - The flowers are white, terry. Winter hardiness zone 5;

- April Reign (Rh. April Reign) - Flowers are light pink, terry. Winter hardiness zone 5;

- Rhododendron rusty (Rhododendron ferrugineum).

Slow-growing low cushion shrub. Height 0.7 m, crown diameter up to 1 m. The bark is grayish-brown. Leaves are leathery, ovate, 3-4 cm long, up to 1.5 cm wide. Top dark green, shiny, bottom with scaly glands of rusty color. Flowering continues from the end of May to the end of June for about 30 days. The flowers are pink-red, rarely white, up to 2 cm in diameter, collected in clusters of 6-10 pieces. Light-requiring It tolerates calcareous soils, but covered with a powerful humus layer, preferably acidic (pH 4.5). It is winter-hardy. Alpine slides, single and group plantings on the lawn with rusty rhododendron will decorate any garden.

Grades:

- Tottenham (Rh. Tottenham)   - Plant height about 30-40 cm, pink flowers, winter hardiness zone 5.

  - Rhododendron dense (Rhododendron impeditum)

Evergreen, very dense, low pillow-shaped shrub, in nature and culture from 0.1 to 0.7 m in height. Shoots are short, densely covered with black scales. The leaves are small, broadly elliptical, 1.5-2.0 cm long, up to 1 cm wide, on both sides scaly. The flowers are small, purple-blue 2.0-2.5 cm in diameter. It blooms in May - June, often again in August - September. One of the most valuable small-leaf and small-flowered evergreen species of rhododendron. It grows best on rich, fresh or wet soils. Photophilous, but makes a slight shading. Adult plants overwinter under snow, they are winter-hardy, they bloom profusely every year.

Grades:

  Azurika (Rh. Azurika)   - Flowers are dark blue-violet, winter hardiness zone 5;

Blue Tit (Rh. Blue Tit)   - Tall variety, 1 m. Tall, blue flowers. Winter hardiness zone 5;

Blue Tit Magor (Rh. Blue Tit Magor)   - Height up to 1.2 m., Large flowers, light purple-blue. Winter hardiness zone 5;

Moyerheim (Rh. Moerheim)   - The flowers are purple. Winter hardiness zone 5;

Ramapo (Rh. Ramapo)   - Thick, compact shrub 60 cm high. It blooms with lilac flowers, gathered in inflorescences of 15 pieces. Flowering from mid-May. Winter hardiness up to -29C. Winter hardiness zone 5;

  Luisella (Rh. Luisella)   - The flowers are light purple-pink. Winter hardiness zone 5.

  - Small Rhododendron (Rhododendron minus)

Evergreen rounded shrub with a dense crown, up to 1 m high, width up to 1.5 m. Leaves are dark green, elliptical, leathery shiny 4-10 cm long. Flowers 2.5-3 cm in diameter are pale pink or carmine-pink , collected in clusters of 10-15 pieces, blooms in June, prefers slightly acidic, rich soil and bright location. It is frost-resistant, it is recommended to cover young plants for the winter.

  - Red rhododendron (Rhododendron russatum)

Evergreen pillow shrub, up to 1 m high, crown diameter up to 0.8 m. Grows slowly. The leaves are small lanceolate up to 3 cm long, dark green above, reddish-brown below, densely combed. Blossoms in May for 25 days. The flowers are dark purple with white throat, diameter up to 2.5 cm, odorless, collected in 4 - 5 pieces. Light-requiring Prefers acidic, moist, well-drained soil. Winters with light cover. One of the most beautifully and annually flowering ornamental shrubs. Used in rock gardens.

Grades:

- Lauretta (Rh. Lauretta)   - flowers violet-blue;

- Azurvolk (Rh. Azurwolke)   - flowers are bright saturated blue, winter-hardy;

- Blaufeder (Rh. Blaufeder)   - The flowers are bright blue-violet.

  Growing rhododendrons, soil, planting and care

Smoke and gas resistance of some rhododendrons allows their use in gardening of cities and industrial enterprises. They release into the environment essential oils and phytoncides, thereby purifying the air from pathogens and contribute to the improvement of the environment.

Rhododendron can be planted in a single bush on the lawn or under the canopy of trees. You can plant them in groups on the edge and in rows along the paths of the park or square. They will look great in compositions on alpine slides, in “Japanese gardens”, in single and group plantings, hedges, decorative compositions in gardens, parks, squares, forest parks. They are perfect for landscaping public buildings (hotels, offices, lobbies, theater lobbies, etc.) and winter gardens. This plant will be a decoration of the heather garden. From it, you can create beautiful undersized and medium-height curbs. Rhododendron will be suitable as a groundcover.

  The soil

Rhododendrons prefer loose, humus-rich, water-and breathable acidic (pH 4.2 - 5.5) soil.It is advisable to add to it coniferous litter and finely crushed pine bark. Since these shrubs do not tolerate stagnant water, drainage is surely laid at the bottom — broken bricks or sand, fine gravel with a layer of 15-20 cm.

  Location

When choosing a landing site, the best partial shade, which is created in the garden of large trees, will be the best option. Avoid the sun and open areas where cold winds blow. The most favorable time for planting rhododendron is spring, and also, starting in September.
   When choosing a place for planting rhododendron, pay attention to which neighboring plants will surround your “rose tree”.
   The fact is that rhododendrons have a very compact and superficial root system. So, a bush with a crown size of more than a meter and a height of 1.2 m turned out to be the owner of the root system with a diameter of only 35-40 cm. Therefore, if there are plants with a superficial root system (birch, oak, tall maple, willow, etc.) among the neighbors of rhododendron .), then they quickly "take away" from the soil all the nutrients.

The most successful neighbors for rhododendron are larch, spruce and pine - that is, those plants under which rhododendrons grow in nature.
   The landing pit, which should be 3 - 4 times wider and twice as deep as the size of the earth seedling, is filled with the mixture: the soil and peat soil removed from the pit is 1: 1.

Before planting, remove the rhododendron shrub from the pot and shake the root system a little with your hands so that the roots “understand” that they are planted in a new spacious place from a cramped pot. If the roots and peat are intertwined so that it is impossible to do it with your hands, then it is worth trying to incise a clod with roots in several places with a knife.

Remember that these shrubs have a compact and shallow root system. When planting rhododendron, the root neck cannot be buried, otherwise the seedling cannot be saved from decay leading to death. When planting plants, you need to ensure that their root system is 2-4 cm higher than the soil level, taking into account its precipitation. After planting, the bush is watered, and the soil around it is mulched with peat, pine litter or crushed bark 3–5 cm thick. Mulching not only prevents the evaporation of moisture, but also maintains the desired acidity of the soil.

If the rhododendrons successfully pick a place, carefully prepare the soil and mumble the tree trunks, then care of them is minimal. In the spring, adult bushes are useful for feeding ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulphate, superphosphate (20-50 g per 1 m2). If the area is loamy and sandy soil, then spring top dressing is combined with a slight acidification of the soil with a weak solution of oxalic or citric acid (3-4 g per bucket of water).

When the leaves become soft and faint in the heat, the plants need to be watered abundantly. Do not let the root ball dry out.

Cutting rhododendron is better not to abuse, only in the most extreme cases, they carry out sanitary pruning after flowering.

  Care

Weeding pristvolny circles, watering and feeding. For normal growth and development of plants, the soil should be fertilized three times per season: 1 - before flowering, 2 - immediately after it, 3 - in late July and early August.
   During the first two supplements, about 20-30 g of special instant fertilizer for rhododendrons or 2-3 g of Kemira Universal for 1 liter of water are applied for each plant. In each portion add 5-10 g of urea or any other nitrogenous fertilizer.

During the third feeding, 30 g of superphosphate and 15 g of potassium sulphate are applied to each plant and some complex fertilizers with microelements. From the last feeding, completely eliminate nitrogen and reduce the proportion of trace elements. This composition contributes to the maturation of rhododendron wood and prevents the growth of shoots that can happen in the warm autumn.

Twice a year (in spring and at the end of August), soil under rhododendrons is mulched with pine sawdust, peat, coniferous litter, or crushed bark of 3-5 cm - this protects it from fast drying, weeds and maintaining soil acidity.
   Watering the soil during the season is regular, abundant in the dry and hot season, 10 to 12 liters per plant 2-3 times a week. Spray the plants whenever possible, especially during the period of active growth. The surest sign of water deficiency - the leaves become dull and droop, brown spots appear on their edges, similar to fungal diseases. Ideally, the water for irrigation of Rhododendrons should be soft (rain or snow) and acidic, it should not be a lot of salt.
In the first year after planting, it is better to break off all the buds so as not to weaken the immature plant (leave a couple, if you are not impatient to make sure that you chose the variety that you wanted). In adult plants, after flowering, only a part of the well-developed fruit is left to collect seeds, and excess fruit is removed, which contributes to better flowering of plants in the next year.

  Preparation of rhododendrons for winter

For a successful wintering, abundant watering of the bushes is needed before the onset of winter, until the ground is frozen. In the first 2-3 years after planting, it is recommended to cover evergreen rhododendrons with spruce fur branches, undersized rhododendrons - completely dry oak leaf, more thermophilic varieties can be covered with sacking, which is stretched onto the frame. For deciduous rhododendrons, bend the branches to the ground, so that they are in the winter under the snow. In late April - early May, the shelter is gradually removed, first airing the bushes, and then on an overcast day the entire frame is removed, leaving lapnik to avoid spring sunburn. And after a few days you can remove it.
   Compliance with these requirements, as well as regular fertilizing with special fertilizers for rhododendrons, will help to get excellent flowering and healthy bushes.

  Breeding

Rhododendrons can be propagated both by seed and vegetatively (layering, cuttings). Wild species are usually propagated by seed, and varieties are most often layering and cuttings.

Diseases and non-infectious lesions characteristic of them can interfere with the full development of rhododendrons.

  But more about that next time.

Information from the site "Magic of Nature":

and the site Garden Center Paer +:

Useful properties of rhododendron

Rhododendron highly useful plant   and its application is diverse. Grown as ornamental flowers and used in various industries. But the most invaluable value of some of them are for human health. Adams rhododendrons, Dahurian, golden, yellow, Caucasian, Ungerna are applicable in medicine due to the content of andromedotoxin, rhododendrin, ericoline, arbutin. Years of research have shown that the biochemical composition of these plants is enormous.

Ascorbic acid is found in the leaves, an increased concentration of this vitamin is observed in the summer months. Indisputable advantages are the presence of phytoncidal, bactericidal and insecticidal properties of rhododendrons. Almost in all parts tannins of the pyrocatechin group are revealed. There is no doubt that plants are unique and many of them have medicinal properties, besides they are used for the production of perfumes, they contain essential oils, have a strong smell of flowers, leaves and branches.

Means with rhododendron possess antipyretic, diaphoretic, analgesic properties. The composition of the leaves is not so harmless - tannins, arbutin, rutin, toxic glycoside (andromedotoxin) require special care in their use. Practically all types of rhododendrons choose cliffs, rocky slopes, sandy river banks for habitat. They are harvested during the flowering period, dried under a canopy, laying out a thin layer.

Rhododendron application

Plants are indispensable in the treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system, they can be used to increase the strength of heart contractions, increase blood flow. In the treatment of chronic colitis, autonomic neurosis, colds, use infusion of leaves.

Infusion of leaves:   1 teaspoon of crushed dried leaves is poured with a glass of boiling water, infused, filtered and drunk 1 teaspoon 3-4 times a day. This infusion is recommended for poisoning, inflammation of the mucous membranes, migraines. It removes excess fluid from the body, reducing shortness of breath and normalizing the heart rhythm.

With erosion of the uterus, it can be used for douching, diluting 1 spoon of infusion with a liter of boiled water. In Asian and Eastern countries, since ancient times, some species of wondrous plants are applicable for treatment, and in each individual case only one, any of them, since they differ in their biochemical composition and pharmacological action.

Rhododendron flower

Rhododendrons are elegant and elegant as roses, flowers look spectacular against the glossy green of the plant. They bloom the first of all garden flowers, have a different color, giving a decorative beauty to the garden. The flowers look like bells, gathered in scabies or umbrella inflorescences. The inflorescences are very lush, each looks like a separate bouquet.

Growing Rhododendron

All rhododendrons are shrubs with peculiar features. They grow slowly, but retain an excellent appearance, bloom profusely for several decades in a row. For their development requires acidic, rich in humus and beneficial substances, loose, nutritious, peaty soil, moderately moist. Land needs to be drained. Since the root system of rhododendrons does not deepen much, the soil must be carefully loosened, and digging will be excluded.

Rhododendrons can be propagated by layering for this on a branch, which is located at the base of the bush, an incision is made, then the branch is lowered into the hole and covered with loose soil mass. After time, the roots grow in the place of the incision, the seedling is separated from the mother plant and planted in the spring on a bed in partial shade. Wild rhododendron species are propagated with seeds. They are sown in the spring, mixed with fine sand, they give good shoots with abundant watering.

Growing these plants is not so easy, you need to take into account the fact that they are capricious, thermophilic and do not tolerate cold. In addition, it is important not to allow soaking and pay attention to what plants grow in the neighborhood. The most advantageous option for rhododendron are larches, spruce, pine and apple trees. Watering all the plants of this family is desirable only with rainwater, melt water, water from the aqueducts contains chlorine and lime, and has a detrimental effect on development. In winter, the bushes must be hidden under the shelter of the film in the form of a tent.

Rhododendron seeds

The main reproduction of rhododendrons is carried out by seeds, which are always checked for germination. For this purpose, up to 100 pieces of each type are sown on wet filter paper, cotton wool or gauze, they are watered daily and sprayed from a spray bottle, preventing the soil from drying out. When the first leaves appear on sprouts, the quality of the future plant can be determined and the planting material grown should be planted in the soil in the plots.

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Rhododendron varieties

Highly decorative woody plants, incredibly elegant, rich in color of flowers and luxuriant bloom. There are about 1300 wild species, and more than 600 varieties are used in gardening. Rhododendrons are extraordinary during flowering. Known medicinal properties of only a few species.

Daurian rhododendron grows wild in Siberia and the Far East. Its height can reach 2 m, has short leaves, blooms in May. Siberian healers prescribe infusion of leaves as a diaphoretic, diuretic, painkiller. The ability of the infusion to reduce the excitability of the central nervous system, enhance cardiac activity.

With its help it is possible to lower the blood, it has an expanding effect on the coronary vessels, regulates breathing difficulties. Dahurian rhododendron root is used for dysentery. The substances hyperosyl, avikularin, azaleatin, resins and essential oils in alcohol extracts inhibit the activity of pathogenic bacteria and infections in the human body.

Rhododendron adams   popular among hunters of Siberia, brewed tea from the leaves improves mood, relieves fatigue, tones and gives energy.

The plant has a pleasant aroma, similar to strawberry, after drying, the smell is preserved. Adams rhododendron is mentioned in Tibetan treatises as a stimulating plant with tonic and adaptive properties. Essential oil containing farnezen, nerolidol, germacron is present in the leaves.

Young shoots contain ursolic and oleanolic acids, triterpenoids and flavone derivatives. Mongolian healers recommended the plant in the treatment of cholera, diphtheria and for destruction. Infusions and decoctions are used for outdoor use - washing infected wounds, ulcers, for rinsing the mouth and throat.

Infusion of rhododendron Adams:   Pour 1 teaspoon of raw material with liter of boiling water for 30 minutes and drink 1/3 cup 3 times a day, before meals.

Japanese Rhododendron low bush, winter hardy. It blooms in May and June. There are many varieties of this species. Parts of the plant contain andromedotoxin, orcellinic acid methyl ester. This type of plant is studied in detail, while it is used for the manufacture of furniture, joinery and turning products.

Caucasian rhododendron grows in the nature of the Caucasus Mountains, it revealed glycosides, saponins, tannins. The leaves also contain polysaccharides, ketones, essential oils, phenolic acids. Healers use Caucasian rhododendron as an antirheumatic drug. Successfully treated bronchitis, infectious diseases. Are used beneficial features   this species in gynecology. Extracts on the water in the form of rinses are effective for problems with the gums, for the treatment of angina, stomatitis. Caucasian rhododendron is an excellent honey plant.

Deciduous rhododendron has many species: Canadian, Ledebour, Japanese, costerianum, pink, gummy, Vasey, yellow. During the flowering period, any of them adorns the gardens with bright colors. Incomparable rhododendrons bloom in spring and early summer, fascinating with an abundance of flowers.

Rhododendron Hybrid   includes variegated varieties - Azurro, Homer Vaterer, Katevbinsky, Hackmanns, Bernstein, Brigitte, Golbuket and many others. Shrubs bloom in June.

Rhododendron Schlippbachgrows in the south of Primorsky Krai, in the countries of East Asia. This is a beautiful deciduous plant that lives in deciduous forests and dry stony slopes, perfectly grows in the gardens, although it grows slowly. In addition to the fact that the shrub is incredibly beautiful, it is also a useful medicinal plant that is highly valued in Oriental, Tibetan and Indian medicine.

Currently known for its narcotic, antispasmodic, hemostatic, astringent action. It is used in folk medicine as a stimulator of sexual activity and a diuretic.

Rhododendron pinkcome from Canada, winter hardy, unpretentious. It develops well in both wet and dry climates; it belongs to deciduous varieties. Loves bright places, slightly acidic, loose soil. Although the flowers and small, but a lot of them and they form a lush hat.

Rhododendron is golden,perhaps more often than other species used in the treatment of many diseases. It is used for nervousness. Infusion of the plant relieves swelling, relaxes muscles with convulsive manifestations.

Rhododendron Infusion Recipe:2 g of dry crushed raw materials fall asleep in a thermos, pour 1 cup boiling water and infuse for 2 hours. Strained drink consumed 1 tablespoon 2-3 times a day.

Russian botanist I. Gmelin noted that decoction of leaves helps during transitions in the mountains from fatigue and muscle pain. In patients with cardiovascular insufficiency, when taking tincture from a plant, an increase in the blood flow velocity is observed, and the work of the heart is normalized.

Rhododendron Tincture Recipe: fill 1/5 of the glass container with raw materials and pour alcohol or vodka to the top. Insist two weeks. Drink 10-15 drops, diluting with water (0.5 cups).

Rhododendron room   has a superficial root system, so it is advisable to grow it in wide shallow pots. Like all rhododendrons, it loves an acidic environment, drained soil rich in humus and potassium. In summer, the plant should be kept in a shady corner of the balcony without drafts, sprinkling regularly leaves.

Contraindications rhododendron

Rhododendrons are able to cope with diseases, the treatment of which by other means is ineffective. Before use, it is advisable to consult a doctor. The beneficial properties of infusions and decoctions will have a beneficial effect only with strict observance of the dosage! The plant is contraindicated in children, pregnant women, with tissue necrosis, serious renal diseases.

This wonderful state symbol of Washington fell in love with not only the residents of this city, but also the gardener of Europe and Asia.

Moreover, this plant can be found in the wild even at an altitude of more than 6,000 m above sea level. However, it is not enough to purchase one or two copies for your collection of flowering species. Rhododendrons in the garden will require special care from you, the neglect of which can lead to the death of the plant.

Today we will help you choose the right grade, and also tell you how to properly care for it. Using our advice, you will soon be able to admire the delicate flowers, which are covered with a thick bush.

All variety of rhododendron for your garden

More than 90% of all rhododendrons come from Southeast Asia. The plant itself is a shrub, deciduous (second name Azalea) or evergreen.

Special love and distribution received for large flowers of different colors, often pink or lilac. Among the many species you can find shade-tolerant, thermophilic and frost-resistant.

Rhododendrons bloom from April to July and can bloom again from August to October.

The following deciduous species are known:

Rhododendron Schlippenbach (R. schlippenbachii) . Height - 1-2 m, flowers pale pink with speckles, very decorative, bloom in May before the leaves bloom. Winter-hardy view for the Baltic States, St. Petersburg.

R. Canadian (R. Canadense) . Also winter-hardy up to 2 m tall with purple-purple flowers, which are collected in large inflorescences with a diameter of 12-15 cm. It blooms in May and July. For better flowering is better to cover.

R. Japanese (R. japonicum)   has bright orange-red flowers or brick-red with yellow specks. Also winter hardy.

Azalea Pontic, or R. Yellow (Azalea pontica)   refers to relics. It has fragrant flowers, orange or yellow, blooms in May and June. It grows quickly, light-requiring, but can tolerate a slight shading, frost-resistant look.

The biggest minus is the whole plant is poisonous, even flowers. Accordingly, honey is poisonous. Historically, this property of a plant has repeatedly determined the outcome of wars.

Evergreen species are more widespread. Of these, the most common are:

R. Ketevbinsky (R. catawbiense) . The shrub has a height of up to 2 m, the leaves are dark green above and gray below. Blossoms in May-July lilac-purple flowers. Winter hardy look.

R. Caucasian (R. caucasicum)   has creeping branches, white flowers. It grows slowly and prefers moist places in the shade. A special feature is the plant's resistance to lime-containing soils, and all its parts are poisonous. Frost resistant

The polymorphic type of R. Dahur (R. Dahuricum) is very interesting. . Its leaves live 2 seasons - for the winter they curl and darken, and in spring they open and turn green. The plant is winter-hardy, and winters with large buds that bloom in early spring.

R. treelike (R. arboretum)   blooms in March and April with red flowers. This type is most often used to produce various varieties and garden forms.

R. Adams (R. Adamsii)   it is interesting for its small size (height up to 0.5 m) and pink small but numerous flowers. Also, the plant has beneficial medicinal properties.

R. golden (R. aureum)   also undersized with yellow flowers. Winter-hardy, badly transfers heat.

For the garden, plants from the group of hybrids are usually purchased. The most common varieties with red flowers - "Cynthia", "John Walter", "Doncaster". The variety “Pink Pearl” has large flowers of pink color, however it is necessary to control the speed of its growth. But the variety "Dr Tjebes" more compact. If you want a rhododendron hybrid with white flowers, then these are in the variety “Sappho”. Purple - in «Purple Splendour».

Recently, dwarf varieties (“Elizabeth”, “Blue Tit”, “Bow Bells”) have become popular.

Growing rhododendrons in the garden - planting and care, especially reproduction

In order for your plant to please you with its healthy appearance, you need to choose the right place for planting. It should be in partial shade and near the water source.

Hollows and hollows are not suitable, the landing site must also be protected from the cold wind. It should be borne in mind that deciduous species are more demanding on the soil, but they do not require shading.

The best soil - high acid sour peat or mix it with sand. The general requirement is the acid reaction of the soil, as indicated by the growth of such plants as dog mint, small sorrel, Veronica.

Then for the bush it is necessary to prepare a landing hole. It is usually made 60–70 cm wide, 30–40 cm deep. On clay soils — less deep by 20–25 cm, but wider (1.0–1.2 m). We fill the hole with peat (top) or a special soil mixture purchased in the store.

It is best to purchase three year old rhododendron saplings with a closed root system. Planted plant in spring (mid-April - the first decade of May) or autumn (September). We place a lump with the earth into the water so that it is well saturated with moisture, and then we lower it into the prepared pit.

Plant in such a way that the upper part of the coma with the roots is at the level of the top of the pit, without deepening the root neck. Fall asleep hole and water the bush. After a couple of days, the soil should be mulled with sawdust (layer 5-7 cm).

If you want to plant several plants side by side, then the distance between them should be at least 1 m. But still you should focus on the size of the bush itself. For example, on 1 square. m can accommodate one R. yellow or 4 R. Canadian.

Care is to combat weeds, dressings, watering, loosening, protection from pests and diseases.

For the destruction of weeds, it is better to use herbicides (roundap, casarone, etc.), since mechanical removal can damage the roots of the bush, which are located very close to the surface. Limit the growth of weeds mulching sawdust or bark.

Feed need twice a year - at the end of flowering and in early July. Mineral fertilizer for rhododendrons can be purchased at the store. As an organic fertilizer, it is better to use high-moor peat or rotted manure (the latter should be applied only in small quantities in spring - 0.5 liters of liquid per bucket of water per 4 sq. M.)

Watering is a very important factor. Norm - 1-1.5 buckets of water 2-3 times a week, young bushes and plants during the flowering period are watered more often. The soil should be wet, not wet. In hot weather should be sprayed. Also, it is better to slightly acidify the water before watering with sulfuric acid (1 ml in a bucket of water) or another organic acid.

It is advisable to remove faded inflorescences, pruning of a bush is possible, but not necessary (carried out after flowering).

Many rhododendrons are winter-hardy enough, but still need winter shelter (sacking, lapnik, spunbond). In deciduous species, the roots are also warmed for the winter with a layer of fresh sawdust (8-10 cm).

Reproduction of rhododendrons can be carried out by layering in the summer (best of all), cuttings, dividing the bushes, grafts, seeds.

The cuttings are carried out in June-July, cutting off the branches 10-15 cm long, and soaked them for 20 hours in a growth stimulator. Then placed in an acidic substrate and covered with a film, periodically watered. After 2-3 months, a root system should appear.

It is possible to grow rhododendron from seeds, but it is rather difficult and it is required to fulfill numerous conditions for a successful result. It is much easier to buy an adult bush.

Title:   It got its name from the Greek "rhodon" - a rose, and "dendron" - a tree, "rose tree".

Description:   includes about 1300 wild species   and many varieties, distributed mainly in the Northern Hemisphere, from Arctic latitudes to the tropics.

These are deciduous, semi-evergreen and evergreen shrubs, less often small trees in their homeland. Shoots are bare or sometimes pubescent. Petiolate leaves are simple, varying in shape, color, character and degree of pubescence. Flowers in umbellate or corymbose inflorescences, sometimes 1-2, of various sizes and colors (from white to various shades of purple-violet and yellow). The fruit is a multi-seeded box.

Rhododendrons only relatively recently have become really popular with us. The climate of Central Russia is still not favorable for most of them and, perhaps, is not ideal for any of the species. They have both dry and cold. No wonder there are no wild species of rhododendrons, and there are no known cases of their “wildness” or “naturalization” in nature. In any case, rhododendrons prefer a milder and more humid climate and acidic soils (with rare exceptions). For the middle band are most suitable ...

The culture of rhododendrons is primarily associated with the English garden school, because it was from there that the species and hybrids that are now known in culture spread throughout the world. In England itself, thanks to the mild climate, rhododendrons, which were not there at all at the beginning of the 18th century, have taken a firm place in gardens and parks for the last two hundred and fifty years (past since the beginning of their mass introduction) and now the English landscape is impossible without them imagine.

Rhododendron myrtifolium	Rhododendron prinophyllum Photography Polonskaya Svetlana	Rhododendron repens "Scarlet Wonder" Photography Polonskaya Svetlana
Rhododendron x Fraseri Photo of M. Barbuhatti	Rhododendron PJM "Compactum" Photo of M. Barbuhatti	Rhododendron caucasicum-gr. "Pohjolan Tytar" Photo by Svetlana Voronina

What is the secret of their popularity with us, because the culture of rhododendrons in our conditions is associated with certain difficulties and limitations? First, some of them are the only evergreen deciduous plants willing to spend the winter in our climate; their leathery leaves look exotic among snowdrifts. Secondly, it has become fashionable to have rhododendrons in their garden today, they have somehow become prestigious plants: the lust of both experienced and newly-made gardeners is spreading to them; they are included in the lists of “obligatory” plants in the “new Russian” gardens. Finally, and this is undoubtedly the main thing, the flowering of rhododendrons is an amazing sight, with which little can be compared. For most species, it occurs at the end of May and the beginning of June, but unfortunately does not last long, although some species may re-bloom in the fall. Rhododendrons are relatively easy to transplant. They have a compact and shallow root system. However, it is preferable to use planting material grown in containers.

Location:   when choosing a place you need to keep in mind that it must be protected from prevailing winds and direct sunlight. Most of the wild rhododendrons in nature are hidden under the canopy of trees, and if they find themselves in the open, then on such slopes, where the sun penetrates only part of the day. Such “problem” places in our gardens, such as areas directly adjacent to the northern walls of the house and other buildings, are excellent for rhododendrons. It is also good for them in wooded areas, especially under pines and not very thick spruces.
The perfect location of evergreen rhododendrons
(crowns of coniferous trees protect plants from the spring sun)
1 section with rhododendrons
2- coniferous trees (spruce, thuja, cypress).

The soil:   heavy clay soils, soils with a dense lower horizon, where rain and melt waters can stagnate, are unsuitable for growing rhododendrons. The optimal soil mixture: leaf soil, peat and coniferous litter (3: 2: 1) with the addition of complete mineral fertilizer: 70 g per well. The optimum acidity of the soil is 4.5 - 5.0.

Landing: The best time for planting rhododendrons is spring. On the site of future plantings, holes are dug up in advance about 50 cm deep and not less than 70 cm wide. Drainage is obligatory, a layer of broken brick and sand is 15-20 cm, if the landing pit is deep, the drainage layer increases to 30-40 cm and includes fine gravel or rubble (but not calcareous). The distance between plants depends on the height and diameter of the crown of the bush and averages from 0.7 to 2 m. When planting plants, you need to ensure that their root system is not buried, but is 2-4 cm higher than the soil level, taking into account its rainfall. Around the bush do pristvolnuyu hole with raised edges and abundantly watered. Rhododendrons have a shallow root system (30-40 cm), which develops mainly in the litter and humus horizon. Therefore, around the planted bushes poured a mulching material - peat, needles with a layer of 4-8 cm, preserving moisture, preventing the growth of weeds, protecting the roots from mechanical damage, reducing the depth of soil freezing.

Landing scheme:
1- ground
2- drainage 15-40 cm
3- soil mix 20-40 cm
4- needles (preferably pine) 5-15 cm.

Care:   involves weeding pristvolnyh circles, watering and feeding.

For normal growth and development of plants, the soil should be fertilized once every 2-3 years. In the spring, one bucket of nutrient mixture (rotted cow manure, decomposed compost) is brought to a small depth in the near-stem circle. In early spring, rhododendrons are fed with mineral fertilizers containing NPK in a ratio of 2: 1: 1.5 (ammonium sulphate, superphosphate, potassium sulphate) at a rate of 30-40 g per square meter. The plants are fed a second time after flowering with a mixture of 2 parts of phosphorus and 1 part of potash fertilizers, which helps to plant flower buds for the next year. If necessary, you can feed them in the summer. But not at the end of it, otherwise it may cause untimely growth of shoots and their frosting in winter. Large doses of superphosphate are dangerous - they create an iron deficiency. Fertilizers containing lime and chlorine should be avoided. Young plants are better to feed low concentrations of mineral fertilizers in liquid form.

Rhododendron tschonoskii The photo Kirill Kravchenko

Rh. yakushim "lumina" The photo Mironova Irina

Rhododendron adamsii Rehd. Photo by Vyacheslav Petukhin from the site "Nature of Baikal"

Water the regular, abundant season in the dry and hot season, 10 to 12 liters per plant 2-3 times a week. Spray the plants whenever possible, especially during the period of vigorous growth and water if there is even the slightest suspicion that they are deficient water. The surest sign of this is that the leaves become dull and droop, brown spots appear on their edges, similar to fungal diseases. Ideally, the water for irrigation of rhododendrons should be soft (rain or snow) and acidic, it should not be a lot of salt.

MILDING AND WATER ACCELERATION FOR ACIDOPHILIC PLANTS Not only rhododendrons, but also some other garden plants prefer acidic soils and do not tolerate hard water from our aqueducts. These are, first of all, other heather, both decorative and fruit: heathers, ericas, blueberries, garden cranberries and lingonberries, etc. There are disposable carbonate, or temporary, hardness that is created due to the presence of calcium carbonates in the water and magnesium, and non-carbonate — constant — rigidity due to the presence of sulfates, chlorides, and other calcium and magnesium salts. Both hardnesses form the total hardness of water, most often expressed in German degrees of hardness. One degree indicates that 10 g of CaO or 1.19 g of MdO are used per 1 liter of water. The degree of rigidity is conventionally designated as follows: up to 10 of it. degrees - soft water, 10-20 degrees - medium hardness, more than 20 - hard water. To soften the water is acidified with sulfuric, phosphoric, oxalic, citric, acetic or other acids. To determine the required dose of acid, of course, you need to know the hardness of your water. To soften the water at 1 degree take (at
1 m 3) 10 ml of concentrated sulfuric acid or 22.5 g of oxalic acid. Reduce stiffness can and
more affordable way, “by eye”: for 1 m 3 take 0.5-1 kg of acid bedding peat (pH 3-3.5) and, mixing, leave for a day.
Loosening shallow, after watering. Often loosening is not recommended, as the roots are located on the surface. It should be borne in mind that when weeding it is impossible to loosen the soil in the immediate vicinity of the bushes, as there is a risk of damaging their roots. Torn out weeds should be left right under the bush, thus providing an additional layer of mulch.

In the first year after planting, it is better to break all the buds so as not to weaken the immature plant (leave a couple, if you are not impatient to make sure that you chose the variety you wanted). In adult plants, after flowering, only a part of the well-developed fruit is left to collect seeds, and excess fruit is removed, which contributes to better flowering of plants in the next year.

For a successful wintering, abundant watering of the bushes is needed before the onset of winter, until the ground is frozen. In the first 2-3 years after planting, it is recommended to cover evergreen rhododendrons with spruce fur branches, undersized rhododendrons with a completely dry oak leaf, more thermophilic varieties can be covered with kraft paper or toli, which is stretched onto the frame. For deciduous rhododendrons, bend the branches to the ground, so that they are in the winter under the snow. In late March - early April, the shelter is removed, sometimes leaving a part of lapnik for a short while on evergreens to avoid spring sunburn.

Shelter for the winter:
1- needles
2- lapnik

Pests and Diseases:

Rhododendron bug.   Treatment of tobacco infusion with the addition of soap (in the summer every 10 days), 0.1 - 0.2% malathion or 0.2% phosphamide emulsion. Spider mite.   Spraying with 0.1 - 0.3% emulsion of Celtan or 0.2% phosphamide. Repeat 2-3 times in 6-8 days. Vs root rot   effective spraying bordeaux liquid. Vs rust   use 0.2% benat; vs spotting   on the leaves sprayed with 0.5 - 0.7% suspension of captan.

Rhododendron minus Photo Vinyarsky Dmitry

Rhododendron aeruginosum Photo Vinyarsky Dmitry

Rhododendron leachianum L.F.Hend.   = Kalmiopsis leachiana (L.F.Hend.) Rehder Photo Bondareva Olga

Reproduction:   seeds and vegetatively (layering, cuttings). Wild species are usually propagated by seed, and varieties are most often layering and cuttings.

Sowing of seeds is carried out in the spring in bowls or boxes, if there are many seeds; small seeds are sown on the surface of the substrate or slightly sprinkled with clean, washed sand, plentifully watered with water, preferably soft (rain or melted snow). Tap water is acidified by adding 3-4 g of oxalic acid per 10 liters of water. The boxes are covered with glass or plastic to keep the humidity high. A mixture of peat and sand, taken in equal quantities, is suitable as a substrate. Before filling in the boxes, the soil mixture is etched with a strong solution of potassium permanganate. At room temperature, seedlings appear after 3-4 weeks, in some species - after 18 days. When the first leaves appear in seedlings, they should be moved to a room with a lower temperature, about 8 - 12 ° С. Then shoots less damaged by disease. In summer, boxes with shoots can be taken out into the garden and placed in a protected place, well lit but not falling under direct sunlight. The shoots of rhododendrons are very small and tender, and they should be watered through the pan, filling it with water until the entire substrate is soaked, after which the excess water is drained. Even a single re-drying leads to the death of young plants, but you should not make a swamp, which will lead to the death of the roots. For the best development of seedlings, it is necessary to illuminate them with LB-40 fluorescent lamps, placing them at a distance of 10-15 cm. The daylight hours should be 16-18 hours. On dark winter days it is better to turn on the backlight in the morning. The first picking of seedlings is carried out in June. They are planted in boxes at a distance of 1.5 cm. For the winter, the seedlings are again returned to a warm room and kept at a temperature not higher than 18 ° C. In February - March, a second picking is made, placing the seedlings at a distance of 3-4 cm from each other. After 10 days, foliar top dressing is given by humate, and in summer - root - Kemira-station wagon, at the rate of 2 g per 2 l of water. In the third year after sowing, seedlings can be planted in nurseries for growing. As early as 3-4 years of life, some rhododendrons grown from seeds (Dahurian, Canadian, Japanese and others) enter the first flowering, which is most often weak and the first flowers are recommended to be removed more quickly, so that the plant can retain its strength for a more abundant flowering in subsequent years.

Photo by Natalia Shishunova

Plants obtained from rooted cuttings may bloom next year. Rooting substrate: peat and sand (1: 1), or sawdust and sand (3: 1), or a mixture of peat, perlite, sand (2: 2: 1). For grafting using semi-woody cuttings of rhododendrons. They are cut in the second half of June, the length of the cutting 5-8 cm, below make an oblique cut. The lower leaves on the handle are removed, and the top 2-3 leave completely. The cuttings are treated with growth stimulants: indolyl-butyric, in-dilulacetic, succinic acid at a concentration of 0.02% and kept in them for 12-16 hours, for difficult to root varieties the concentration is 2–4%. Then the cuttings are immersed in the substrate at an angle of 30 °, pressed, poured over with water, and the box is covered with glass or film. The cuttings root better when the substrate temperature is 24 - 26 ° C, and the air temperature is 2 degrees lower. Mandatory condition - high humidity of the soil and the surrounding cuttings of air. Replenishing cuttings (60 W for 4-5 hours per day) speeds up the rooting process. Deciduous rhododendrons root in 1.5 months, evergreen - in 3-4.5 months. Rooting results depend on the type and variety. Daurian rhododendron roots are formed after 50 days. Rooting rate is 85%. The growing of rooted cuttings is carried out in containers filled with a mixture of sour peat (2 parts) and pine needles (or decayed pine bark) - 1 part. Top-dressing 2 weeks after transplanting 2% urea into containers. Contain plants at a temperature of 8 - 12 ° C. In the spring, they are planted in growing beds or continue to be kept in containers for another 1-2 years before disembarking to a permanent place in the garden.

Using:   The most spectacular rhododendrons look like freely arranged groups. Landing is desirable to stir along the edges of lawns, near paths and paths. Since rhododendrons belong to moisture-loving plants, they are best planted near water bodies: ponds, pools, fountains, where in summer, due to high humidity and moderate temperatures, the conditions are most favorable. Plants should be at least 3, and, for each should allocate at least 1 sq.m. In the absence of adult specimens, thickened plantings of young can be used with the expectation that they will be thinned as they grow.

When creating groups it is not recommended to mix deciduous and evergreen rhododendrons. If various species are planted next to each other, they should be selected according to their height: in the center - the highest, at the edges - lower. Rhododendrons are very decorative next to coniferous plants: spruce, pine, thuja, yew. On a monochromatic dark background, plants with bright colors are especially impressive. Evergreen trees and shrubs planted from the south, east or west protect rhododendrons from cold winds, winter drying and spring sunburn. Since light penumbra is preferred for normal growth and development of rhododendrons, they can be successfully planted between large, old trees or on the north side of buildings. The territory on the south side is not recommended for planting, especially for evergreen species. In this case, the plants are more susceptible to diseases, their leaves turn yellow, growth and bloom weaken. When placing rhododendrons in groups, one should strictly ensure that they are composed of such varieties and species that harmonize with the color of the flowers. The most decorative neighborhood of plants with purple, pink and white or with different contrasting shades. Rhododendrons with yellow and orange flowers look amazingly well in plantations. Pale yellow hues are brighter and brighter.

Rhododendrons are beautiful not only in groups, but also in solitary plantings. They are especially good on parterre lawns, but it should be borne in mind that the decorative effect is maximum when using an adult (not younger than 10 years), preferably a tall (1.5-2.0 m) plant, otherwise it will be “lost” on the lawn. Rhododendrons are also used in the creation of hedges and rocky hills. For rock gardens the most suitable are small-flowered undersized varieties in combination with alpine species of herbaceous plants. In such plantings, rhododendrons should be planted only in groups, which during flowering gives a greater effect.

Literature:
M.S. Alexandrova Rhododendrons of the natural flora of the USSR. Science Moscow 1975:

  S.Krivitsky "Rhododendrons for Central Russia".
R. KONDRATOVICHRHODENDRONS " .
T.A. Moskalyuk, G.A.Komova

Blooming rhododendron can turn into the Garden of Eden even the most mediocre piece of land. It attracts attention with its lush flowering and transforms the space around it. The most remarkable thing is that this plant can be quietly grown in the middle climatic zone of Russia, since it can tolerate cold winters. But to bloom was the most lush and beautiful, you should know some rules. This is what the article will be about.

Rhododendron is a deciduous evergreen plant from the heather family, numbering about 1000 species, among which there are shrubs and trees. By the way, the favorite azaleas that decorate window-sills in city apartments are the second name - “room rhododendron”. Interesting: The word "rhododendron" consists of two parts, literally translated as "rose" and "tree". From this it follows that the plant is called the "rose tree". The homeland of rhododendron is the northern hemisphere of the planet - the Himalayas, North America, China, Japan, Southeast Asia. It is not surprising that in Russia plants feel comfortable. In the wild, they can be found near freshwater and salt water bodies, on the northern mountain slopes and in shaded undergrowths. Their appearance is so diverse that sometimes it is very difficult to determine the name with precision - some rhododendrons creep along the ground, others grow no more than 30 cm, others turn into powerful trees and shrubs. Flowers can also be very different and not similar to each other at first glance. Some of them are capable of reaching 20 cm in diameter. As for the garden rhododendron, about 3000 of its species and varieties are known, numbering annual, biennial, perennial plants with different leaves and flowers. On the flowers of a separate conversation, because it is because of them that the rhododendron is known throughout the world. They are distinguished by a special decorative effect and are presented in the broadest color palette, ranging from snow white to violet and lilac shades with a speck. Their shape can also vary: tubular, bell-shaped, wheel-shaped, funnel-shaped, etc. Some flowers do not smell at all, others exude a subtle pleasant aroma. In their place after flowering fruits appear - multi-seeded boxes with five leaves. Good to know: The root system is of surface type, so rhododendron transplantation is easy enough, and it can be done at any age. However, rhododendron is famous for not only exceptional decorative, but also healing properties. It has long been used in folk medicine, especially such species as golden, Daur, Caucasian and Adams rhododendron. They contain a large amount of ascorbic acid, arbutin, anromedotoxin and a special substance rhododendrin. Preparations from this plant have antipyretic, sedative, analgesic and bactericidal effects. In addition, they contribute to the removal of excess fluid from the body, normalize the heartbeat, reduce pressure, strengthen blood vessels. Important: Taking medication based on rhododendron can harm people with kidney diseases, necrosis, pregnant and nursing mothers. Before taking, be sure to consult with your doctor. Types and varieties of rhododendron garden We have already mentioned above that the rhododendron garden plant has about 3000 species, therefore we will list only the most famous and popular ones. The most notable varieties of garden rhododendron: In addition to the varieties described above, rhododendron Albrecht, Vazei, Ledebour, Carpathian, Canadian, Holotsvetkovy, spiky, slivististny and many, many others are grown in the gardens. I would also like to mention the hybrid rhododendrons. These are sets of varietal forms and hybrids, which include the following cultural species: Rules for the cultivation of rhododendron garden Growing garden rhododendron in the middle lane is easy if you know certain rules for planting and care. In this part of the article you will learn how to do this. Planting Rhododendron Garden In the middle lane, it is rational to grow exclusively winter-hardy varieties. Planting of garden rhododendron should take place from mid-April to mid-May, when serious night frosts have retreated. Possible and autumn planting in September and October. In principle, rhododendron can be planted at any time, except during the flowering period, because then all the forces of the plant go to maintain flowering and the formation of seed pods. Need to choose the right place for landing. This should be a shaded area on the north side of the garden. Land on it should be well drained, loose, enriched with humus. If groundwater passes close to the surface (less than a meter), plant rhododendron on high ground. The plant perfectly gets on with a pine, a fir-tree, an oak and a larch, and also other cultures which root system leaves deep into. Remember, it has already been mentioned above that rhododendron has a superficial root system, therefore it is necessary to exclude the probability of proximity to similar plants, so that they do not fight with each other for moisture and nutrients. For this reason, do not plant rhododendron near willow, maple, chestnut, poplar or elm. If it is not possible to avoid such a neighborhood, dig a barrier between the plants to a depth of 1 m. This may be slate, roofing material or a thick polyethylene film. How to plant rhododendron in open ground: Dig a hole 40 cm deep and 60 cm in diameter. Pour into it a mixture of high peat and loam or clay in the ratio of 2: 1 and carefully tamp on the bottom. Dig a hole in the mixture to such a size that the root of the seedling fits completely into it. Lower the seedlings into the water and wait until the air bubbles stop rising from the earthy coma. Put a lump in the hole, fill the remaining space with an earthen mixture and tamp lightly. The root neck of the seedling should be level with the ground. Water the plant liberally and sprinkle with mulch from peat, fallen leaves, needles or moss in a layer 5 cm thick. Useful advice: If there are a large number of buds on a seedling, remove some of them so that the plant does not spend all its few forces on flowering, but instead takes root well. If you plant a single rhododendron on a free area, tie it up before rooting so that the wind does not heel the bush. Reproduction Rhododendron garden Rhododendrons can be propagated by seed and vegetative methods. In the first case, the seeds are sown in boxes with a wet peat or heather mixture with sand in a ratio of 3: 1, then sprinkled with clean washed sand and covered with a film to create a greenhouse effect. Periodically moisten the substrate until the first green. This usually occurs after 4 weeks. When a pair of true leaves appear, the seedlings swoop down, planting them a little freer and bury the cotyledon leaves in the substrate in order to form the root system. The first year of the young rhododendrons spend in a cool greenhouse, after which they can be planted in the garden on the training beds. However, it should be remembered that seed reproduction always implies a slow and long development, and in this case it will be possible to admire the flowering of rhododendron only after 6-8 years. Cherenko breeding is not much easier than seed. Semi-woody shoots need to be cut into cuttings 5-8 cm long, remove the lower leaves from them and endure sections for 12 hours in the root. After that, the lower sections should be buried in a peat-sand mixture (3: 1) in a box and cover with a film. In 1.5 months, deciduous varieties take root, and evergreen it takes twice as long. Rearing cuttings should be in spacious boxes filled with peat-coniferous mixture (2: 1). For the winter, they should be transferred to a cool, bright room and maintained at a temperature of 8-12C, and in the spring, prikopat in the garden, without removing from the box where to grow another couple of years before transplanting to a permanent place. The simplest and most effective method of reproduction of rhododendron is considered to be the addition of cuttings. In the middle of spring, in the lower part of the bush, you need to find a flexible young shoot, bend it to the ground and lay it in a pre-excavated groove 15-20 cm deep. The top of the shoot needs to be brought out and tied to a vertical peg. Water the branches together with the main bush during the whole season, and in late autumn or in the spring, separate already established roots and transplant to another place. This breeding method is optimal for deciduous rhododendron species. Care of rhododendron garden It is quite simple to care for rhododendron - know yourself water, remove weeds and apply fertilizer from time to time. To beautiful growth of the bush, it must be periodically cut, forming a crown. Important: In no case do not dig up and loosen the soil around the shrub, so as not to injure the surface root system! It is very important to maintain a constant soil moisture during the swelling of the buds and flowering. Water the rhododendron only with rain or separated water, because hard water can adversely affect the establishment of flower buds. To soften and at the same time slightly acidify the water, one day before watering, add a little high peat to it. How often to water rhododendron? Look at the state of the foliage of the shrub: if it becomes dull and loses its turgor (it becomes not so dense and smooth), then the plant lacks moisture. Watering should be abundant, so that the water has leaked to a depth of 20-30 cm. But it is necessary not to flood the roots, so if you regularly water the shrub, but it shows signs of thirst, this indicates that there is too much moisture. Cut the rhododendron to a minimum - the shrub itself is quite capable of forming a neat and regular crown shape. But in some cases, "haircut" is still required, especially if we are talking about too tall shrubs. You also need to promptly remove frozen shoots and rejuvenate old rhododendrons. Do pruning in early spring before the onset of sap flow. Cut off old or badly frozen branches 30-40 cm from ground level. Good to know: Rhododendrons have one characteristic feature - they bloom very magnificently for one year, and much more modest for the next season. To shrubs pleasing to the eye every year, immediately after flowering, remove faded buds. So you will direct the forces of rhododendron to the nutrition and the laying of new flower buds for the coming year. Make the first top dressing in early spring, the last - after flowering. For rhododendron, liquid fertilizers from horn flour and liquid fermented cow manure are best suited. Fill it with water (1:15) and leave for 3-5 days. Before making the feeding, be sure to water the shrub so as not to burn the roots. Rhododendrons like acidic soil, so in order not to disturb the reaction with mineral fertilizers, use superphosphate, phosphate or potassium nitrate, ammonium sulphate and calcium. Potassium fertilizers need to be entered strongly diluted. It is recommended in the spring to make organic or mineral nitrogen fertilizers, and after flowering, superphosphate, ammonium sulphate and potassium. The rhododendron is prepared for wintering as follows: for the middle band, it is sufficient to shove the coniferous branches between the branches of the bush, slightly pull them together with a rope and wrap them with sacking. It is also recommended to enclose the land around the mulch from peat and pine needles. Diseases and pests of Rhododendron Garden The most dangerous and annoying pests of rhododendron are mealybugs, spider mites, rhododendron flies, and scale insects. Can also bother slugs and snails. All gastropods can be harvested by hand, using prophylactic 8% TMTD or Thiram fungicide solution. Diazinon treatment helps from spider mites, rhododendron flies and weevils. If the shrub was struck by a weevil, it is recommended to additionally treat the ground around it with an insecticide. Against other insect pests will help karbofos. As for diseases, most often rhododendron is exposed to fungal diseases: leaf spot, rust, chlorosis and cancer. As a rule, they are provoked by insufficient aeration of the roots, so it is not advisable to water the plants too often and abundantly. Preparations based on copper sulphate (Brodsky liquid) help against rust and spotting. And to defeat cancer, you will have to cut the affected shoots or remove them until the healthy part. Rhododendron Garden: photo

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