Rhododendron is the most frost-resistant varieties. Rhododendrons: frost-resistant and other varieties in the photo

Rhododendrons, or azaleas, are native to many parts of the world. These shrubs of the heather family can reach the size of a small tree, compact small bushes and stlanes are often found.

The color palette of blooming azaleas is very diverse, from delicate pale shades to vibrant oranges, purples and reds. Some varieties of these heathers have a wonderful aroma.

Wild azaleas prefer mild climates. Through the efforts of breeders, varieties of frost-resistant rhododendrons were bred, their description and photos are given in this article.

Both deciduous and evergreen varieties tolerate cold equally well. They are able to withstand frosts down to -40 ° C. Plants are unpretentious, they grow well on weakly acidic loose soil, prefer partial shade; some varieties can withstand direct sunlight.

The buds and leaves of these rhododendrons begin to open almost simultaneously in the spring. Plants are usually completely covered with flowers that mask the leaves.

Canadian rhododendron. (Rh. Canadense)

His homeland is the eastern part of North America. The branchy shrub does not grow higher than 1 meter. Lilac flowers with a diameter of 3 - 4 cm are collected in small brushes. Leaves are narrow, up to 5 cm long, slightly bluish. Can grow in full sun and partial shade. Blooms in May-June, blooms for 3 weeks. Withstands temperatures as low as -34 ° C. Flowers are odorless.

American varieties obtained by hybridization of the Canadian rhododendron have very high winter hardiness. Modern varieties grow rapidly and bloom at an early age. Their leaves are wide and oblong, up to 10 cm long. The crown is dense, sometimes spreading.

The flowers are painted in delicate tones: cream, white, pink, golden and lilac. They are not very large, but fragrant. Plants bloom in May - June, bloom for about three weeks.

Table: American Hybrids (Northern Lights Series):

Name	Height, cm	Flower characteristics	T, ° C
Rosy lights	20-50	Pink	-42
Golden lights	90 — 180	Salmon yellow, large; strong aroma	-37
Pink lights	240	Gently pink	-42
Orhid lights	90	Lilac	-42
Spicy lights	180	Pink with a touch of orange	-37
Mandarin lights	180	Bright orange	-39
Northern hi-lights	90	Pale yellow with an orange spot	-35
Lemon lights	180	Pure yellow	-35
Tri lights	180	Tricolor, white with pink edges and a yellow petal; strong aroma	-34
White lights	150	Pale pink, then white	-35
Candy lights	150	White and light pink	-35
Apricot surprise	100	Small, semi-double, apricot; delicate smell	-35

Japanese rhododendron. (Rh. Japonicum or molle ssp japonicum)

Homeland - the islands of Japan in the north and in the central part. In our conditions, it grows as a dense shrub up to 90 cm high, its leaves are 10 cm long and 3 cm wide. It blooms profusely in May-June for up to 4 weeks. The flowers are large and fragrant, bright shades- orange, red, salmon, yellow. Good winter hardiness, withstands temperatures down to -26 ° C. It can grow in partial shade and in the sun.

Semi-deciduous

Evergreen semi-leafy plants can partially shed their foliage depending on the climatic conditions in which they grow. The representative of this species is the Daurian rhododendron, it is widespread in the foothills of Altai and is known as wild rosemary.

A powerful bush can grow up to 2 meters. It has small leaves with a pleasant aroma and a very branched crown. The wild rosemary blooms in April - May with small lilac flowers, which begin to bloom before the leaves appear.

Table: varieties bred on the basis of wild rosemary:

Name	Height, cm	Flower characteristics	T, ° C
April dawn	100	Light pink, semi-double, medium	-42
April reign	60	Small, pink, terry	-37
April rose	100	Small, crimson, terry	-42
April white	90	White, semi-double, medium	-42
Double white	80, spherical	White, terry, medium	-37

Table: hybrids of the r. Daursky and R. Karolinsky:

Evergreen rhododendrons

With the onset of cold weather, the leaves of the bush curl, and the plant's vital processes slow down. Having survived the winter, with the onset of a positive temperature, they take their previous shape.

Katevbin rhododendron (Rh. Catawbiense)

Homeland - North America. Large-leaved, tall shrub with a dense crown can grow up to 4 meters. Its leaves are large, their length is 15 cm, width is 5 cm. Large flowers are painted in white, purple and violet colors. Blooms in May - June, flowering lasts a month. Withstands frosts down to -32 ° C. Grows well in sun and partial shade.

Table: hybrids of the r. Katevbinsky:

Name	Height, cm	Flower characteristics	T, ° C
English Roseum	180 — 240	Lilac pink May June	-32
Nova Zembla	180 — 240	Hot pink with burgundy spots	-29
Album Novum	250-300	White, with green-yellow veins	-32
Boursault	180-200	Lilac-purple with greenish-yellow dots	-29
Grandiflorum	200	Lilac-lilac with golden specks, very large	-26
Purpureum grandiflorum	250	Purple-lilac with red dots	-26
Roseum eleganse	300	Pink, with red dots	-32

The popular new variety Nova Zembla (pictured) tolerates heat and direct sunlight well. His homeland is the Netherlands.

Finnish varieties

In Finland, in recent years, winter-hardy varieties based on the Short-fruited rhododendron have been bred, they inherited the parent's shortcomings:

• Flowers bloom after the shoots are completely covered with leaves;
• Delicate flowers quickly fade in the sun, it is better to plant bushes in partial shade.

The bushes have a compact crown, adult plants bloom magnificently. Leaves are bright green, often with a slight edge on the underside. The buds of some varieties are also fringed. All dried inflorescences must be removed, otherwise the plants may not bloom next year. Bloom in May - June.

Table: Finnish varieties:

Name	Height, cm	Flower characteristics	T, ° C
Pohjohla's Daughter	100	White	-34
Elviira	60	Red	-34
Naada	200	Dark pink	-36
Hellikki	150	Red-violet	-34
HelsinkiUniversity	200	White	-39
Mikkeli	100	White-pink turning to white	-37
Peter Tigerstedt '	200	White	-36

Rhododendron dense (Rh. Impeditum)

Homeland - China. The crown of the shrub is very dense. He prefers to grow in the sun, is able to withstand light partial shade. Flowers are small in size, bluish-lilac shades, with a weak aroma. Blooms in May - June, bloom lasts a month. Flowers can appear again in August - September. Withstands temperatures as low as -29 ° C.

Table: varieties of r. Dense:

Name	Height, cm	flowers	T, ° C
Azurika	40	Dark, blue-violet	-29
Blaumaise	40	Bluish	-26
Blue tit	100	Blue	-29
Blue tit magor	120	Purple blue	-29
Buchlovice	50	Nondescript, lilac	-26
Krumlov	50	Lilac	-26
Luisella		Violet pink	-26
Moerheim	40	Purple	-26
Ramapo	60	Magenta blue	-23
Sychrov	50	Light lilac	-26

Video: varieties and types of rhododendrons:

A variety of frost-resistant varieties of rhododendrons allows you to create beautiful compositions from them in gardens in areas with a harsh climate. Tall shrubs are planted in groups and tapeworms, undersized forms will decorate the rock garden.

"ROSES" FLOWERING IN SPRING

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

Among the cultivated heathers, the first place, both in terms of decoration and distribution in our gardens, belongs to rhododendrons. Scottish plant collector Robert Fortune brought these evergreen shrubs to Europe from East Asia 160 years ago. Much has changed since then, thanks to the tireless work of breeders. Never before have the varieties of rhododendrons been so numerous as they are today.

Rhododendrons differ not only in the variety of flower colors, but also in the size, shape of the bush, there are evergreen and deciduous. In autumn, deciduous shrubs delight with the brightest foliage colors: from yellow, orange to fiery red and purple.

Unfortunately, now there are frequent cases when the owners of suburban areas, conquered by the beauty of rhododendrons and azaleas, spontaneously acquire heat-loving hybrid plants for their garden, 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 middle lane Russia, as well as compliance general rules planting and agricultural technology for this culture. Agrotechnical techniques are quite simple and easily feasible, but if, when choosing planting material, do not take into account the winter hardiness 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 also lose the entire bush. To avoid such troubles, you should carefully select the planting material. The range of rhododendrons that can withstand the climatic conditions of central Russia is large enough and can satisfy the needs of the widest range of gardeners.

park p Hobbie ododendrons. Author PLANTFOTO

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

LEAF-FALLED RHODODENDRONS / AZALIA

1. Species rhododendrons and azaleas.

- Kamchatka rhododendron (Rhododendron camtchaticum)

Dwarf cushion shrub, slow growing. Maximum height 20-30 cm in culture, 30-50 cm wide. Shoots are rough, strongly glandular-hairy at a young age. Leaves are obovate, up to 2-5 cm long, fresh green, red or yellow in autumn. Very beautiful at the time of flowering - from June to July for more than 20 days. The flowers are dark pink or crimson-purple, 2.5-5 cm in diameter, with dark specks, single or collected in inflorescences of 3-5 pcs.

Frost-resistant species (up to -28C), hygrophilous, photophilous. 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 in height, highly prolific and reaching a width of 2 meters. Flowers are small, very fragrant, yellow or golden-orange, collected in inflorescences of 7-12 pieces, bloom before the appearance of leaves or simultaneously with them, in May - June. Leaves are oblong-elliptical and oblong-lanceolate, finely serrate and ciliate along the edge, pubescent on both sides with scattered appressed glandular-bristly hairs. In autumn, the leaves are beautifully colored: yellow, orange, red.

It grows relatively quickly, requires moist, humus-rich soil, and does not tolerate dry air. Gives abundant root growth... Grows in the Caucasus and the Carpathians. One of the most reliable and unpretentious rhododendrons. It grows well in the light, on ordinary slightly acidic and neutral soils with the addition of peat or heather soil.
The large intraspecific variability of this plant attracts the attention of breeders. Most modern varieties of deciduous azaleas are derived from the Pontic azalea. Recommended for group and single plantings on the lawn, as well as on the edges.

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

-Japanese Rhododendron (Rhododendron Japoniicum)

Deciduous shrub 70-90 cm high. Originally from the Japanese Islands, where it grows on the sunny slopes of the mountains, at altitudes up to 2000 above sea level. Leaves are lanceolate up to 9-10 cm long and up to 3-4 cm wide. The flowers are funnel-bell-shaped 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 profusely in May, with very large flowers, simultaneously with the blooming of young leaves, for 25 days. It is winter-hardy, unpretentious, and grows well on ordinary moist garden soils, to which high-moor peat is added.

- Canadian Rhododendron (Rhododendron Canadense)

Deciduous shrub 60-80cm high. Flowers 3-4 cm in diameter, purple-violet, sometimes white, with narrow, fancifully curled petals. It blooms in April-May in a leafless state for 20-25 days.
Homeland - Northeast of North America, where it grows in sphagnum bogs and in damp forests... Fully winter-hardy, photophilous. Prefers moist, acidic soils with the addition of peat. One of the ten most unpretentious species. Recommended for central Russia.

2. Hybrid deciduous azaleas

A series of hybrid varieties descended from the Pontic azalea (Azalea pontica). They are shrubs 1 - 1.5 m high and wide. The flowers are very bright in color: white, yellow, orange, red, pink. They bloom at the same time or before the leaves bloom. Winter-hardy, can withstand temperatures down to -29 C.

Varieties:

Cecile (Rh. Cecile) - An upright shrub with a spreading crown, 1.5-2 m high. Slow-growing. flowers in buds are pink, after blooming are light pink. More resistant than evergreen species. A sheltered place from the wind is recommended, rich, moist soils, sensitive to drought. Avoid loosening the trunk circle, remove faded inflorescences. Shelter for the winter, mulching is desirable. Winter hardiness zone 5;

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

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

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

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

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

Homebush - The 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;

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

Persil (Rh. Persil) - The flowers are snow-white with bright yellow dots. Winter hardiness zone 5;

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

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

Cannon's Double - Winter hardiness zone 5;

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

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

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

Silver Slipper - Winter hardiness zone 5.

ETERNAL GREEN RHODODENDRONS AND AZALIA

1. Large-flowered hybrid varieties

Cunningham's White (Rh. Cunningham's White) - A popular variety from the hybrid group of Caucasian species of rhododendron (probably, the Caucasian rhododendron and the white-flowered form of the Pontic rhododendron), bred in 1850 by D. Kunningham. Evergreen shrub up to 2 m high. Pinkish buds, 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 can withstand frosts down to -24 C .;

Roseum Elegans (Rh "Roseum Elegans") - A hybrid of rhododendron katevbinsky, obtained by A. Vaterer in England in 1851. Evergreen, vigorous shrub up to 3 m. Tall. Annual growth up to 15 cm. The crown is wide-round, closed from below. Leaves are leathery, oval or narrow elliptical, 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, broadly funnel-shaped, clustered in inflorescences up to 15 flowers, petals slightly wavy along the edge. Blooms in June. Winter-hardy, provided that plants are planted in places protected from the wind. Withstands frosts down to -27 C. Planted singly on the lawn, in groups against the background of conifers or deciduous trees... Lives in culture for a long time, prefers fertile, slightly acidic soils, tolerates slight shading. Winter hardiness zone 5;

Liz Dark Purple (Rh. Lee "s Dark Purple) - Shrub 1.5 m high, grows strongly in width. The foliage is shiny, dark green. The flowers are dark, purple-violet with a dark yellow spot, 4.5 cm in diameter, large, showy, open in June. Winter hardiness zone 5, tolerates frosts down to -26C.

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 upper petal inside the flower. The edges of the corolla petals are slightly corrugated. Inflorescences are compact, with 20 or more flowers. Blooms in late May-June. The leaves are evergreen, large. Moderately growing shrub with a wide, spreading crown, 1.2 m high. Requires a more protected location, withstands temperatures as low as -26 C;

Rhododendron Calsap

Rhododendron Yakushiman Arabella

Nova Zembla - The variety was obtained at the beginning of the 20th century in the Netherlands. A 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, glabrous, lighter below. The flowers are large, shiny, crimson-red with black specks, collected in compact inflorescences of 10 - 12 pieces. Blooms from late May to the second half of June. It tolerates frosts down to -29 C. Winter hardiness zone 5a. They are planted singly or in groups on the lawn, along the road, at the edge of deciduous and coniferous trees, in places protected from the wind.

2. Species rhododendrons and their varieties

- Rhododendron katevbinsky (Rhododendron сatawbiense)
Evergreen shrub about 1-2 m high. Elliptical leaves 6-12 cm long, leathery, shiny. The flowers are reddish-lilac or purple with a diameter of about 5 cm, collected in dense multiflorous inflorescences of 15-20 pieces. Blooms in May-June for about a month. Due to its unpretentiousness and winter hardiness, it is the most popular of the evergreen rhododendrons. Takes out open sun, but grows better in diffuse or lateral penumbra. Prefers acidic, moist peaty soils. It has many varieties, including hybrid ones, from crossing with other evergreen rhododendron species.

Varieties:

Al-boom elegans (Rh. Album Elegans) - ,

Album Novum (Rh. Album Novum) - ,

Cataractus (Rh. Caractacus) - ,

Grandiflorum (Rh. Grandiflorum) - ,

Purpureum Elegans (Rh. Purpureum Elegans) - ,

Purpureum Grandiflorum (Rh. Purpureum Grandiflorum) - Sprawling hemispherical shrub. It blooms with purple-lilac flowers with a greenish spot, collected in inflorescences of 15 pcs. Flowering from early June. Winter hardiness up to -30 C.

Roseum Elegans (Rh. Roseum Elegans) - The flowers are pink with a reddish brown spot. Withstands frosts up to - 27 C.

Grandiflorum (Rh. Grandiflorum) - Obtained in England at the beginning of the 19th century as a result of selection from seedlings of Katevbinsky rhododendron. One of the tallest varieties. Annual growth up to 12 cm in height.The leaves are dark green, 10-15 cm long.Flowers are 6-7 cm in diameter, lilac-lilac with golden brown specks and a greenish-yellow spot, odorless, collected in inflorescences of 13 -15 pcs, bloom in May-June. Very winter-hardy. Without shelter, adult plants can withstand temperatures as low as -32 C. It is better to plant in semi-shady and wind-protected places - singly or in groups on a lawn.

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

Short-fruited (Rh. Brachycarpum) - evergreen shrub 150-200 cm high with a dense spherical crown. Leaves are large, 8-20 cm long, oblong-elliptical, leathery. The flowers are creamy white with a pinkish tan, broadly funnel-shaped, 4-5 cm in diameter, collected in dense racemose inflorescences of 12-20 pieces. Blooms in June-July 15-20 days. One of the ten most winter-hardy evergreen rhododendrons. Photophilous, but grows well on the north side of buildings and in the reticulated penumbra. Due to its dense decorative crown, it is attractive from early spring to the very frost. It is even suitable for public landscaping. Especially desirable for landscaping yards, where it can become the first truly evergreen shrub. With his presence, he revives flower and shrub compositions, brings an unusual subtropical flavor to the eye. Prefers light, well-drained, humus-rich, sour sandy loam soils.

The Hague (Rh. Haaga) - The color of the flower is dark pink. Frost-resistant, withstands frosts down to -36 C.

Helsinki University (Rh. Helsinki University) - The most famous hybrid of the Finnish selection. Winter-hardy up to - 39 C. It is also able to withstand high humidity and temperature extremes. Shade-tolerant, 120 cm high. Blooms from June in light pink with an orange spot on the upper petal and maroon speck on top of the flowers. In inflorescences, 12-18 pcs.

Rh.R.M.A. Tigerstedt - ;

Mikkel (Rh. Mikkel) - ;

Rekka - ;

Elvira (Rh. Elviira) - ;

Hellikki - .

- Yakushiman rhododendron (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, bottom with dense dark brown felt pubescence. Flowering is profuse and long, from May to early June. The flowers are at first pale pink, later white, up to 6 cm in diameter, collected in b - 12 pieces. Photophilous. 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.

Varieties:

Almut (Rh. Almut) - The flowers are white;

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

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

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

Balkenegin (Rh. Ballkonigin) - The buds are pink-red, the flowers are light pink;

Blurettia (Rh. Blurettia) - The flowers are purple-pink with a corrugated edge;

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

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

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

Flava (Rh. Flava) - The buds are golden yellow, the flowers are light yellow;

Kalinka (Rh. Kalinka) - Hemispherical evergreen shrub. Reaches 90 cm in height and 130 cm in width. The leaves are dark green, shiny. The flowers are red at first in buds, later ruby-pink, gradually brighten, with a yellow-green pattern. Winter hardiness up to -26C.

Rh. Koichiro Wada - The flowers are pale pink and white;

Marrakesh (Rh. Marrakesch) - The flowers are light salmon;

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

Schneekrone (Rh. Schneekrone) - The buds are pale pink, the flowers are white;

Silberwolke (Rh. Silbrwolke) - Pink buds, white flowers with yellowish specks;

Silver Lady (Rh. Silver Lady) - The buds are pinkish-red, the flowers are white;

Tatiana (Rh. Tatjana) - Flowers intensely carmine pink, inside - ruby, corrugated

- Rhododendron carolinian (Rhododendron carolinianum)
Evergreen shrub 1 - 1.5 m high. The crown is broadly round. The bark is light brown. Leaves are elliptical dark green, 6-10 cm long, 3-4 cm wide, glabrous above, densely covered with scales below. Blooms in May - June for about 3 weeks. The flowers are white or pink, about 3 cm in diameter, 4 - 9 per inflorescence, funnel-shaped, with a yellowish spot. It grows slowly, the annual growth is about 5 cm. Photophilous. Prefers slightly acidic, light, moist soils. High winter hardiness. In gardens, they are planted in groups and singly on rocky areas.

In the USA, on the basis of Caroline rhododendron E. Mezitt, a group of winter-hardy combs was obtained:

P.J.M. Elite (Rh. P.J.M. Elite) - Flowers pink-purple, blooms in May. Differs in high winter hardiness. Winter hardiness zone 4. Withstands frosts down to -35 С;

P.J. Mezitt - The flowers are purple-pink. Winter-hardy;

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

Victor (Rh. Victor) - The flowers are lilac-pink.

- Rhododendron dahurian (Rhododendron dahuricum)
Deciduous, but sometimes some of the leaves at the top remain overwintering on the plant, highly branched shrub from 70 cm to 2 m in height. Leaves are small, elliptical, densely covered with glands. The flowers are pink in various shades, rarely white, up to 4 cm in diameter. It blooms from late April to May until the leaves open. Undoubted dignity The species is highly winter-hardy down to -32 C, but may suffer from late spring frosts during flowering. It grows well in ordinary garden soil if high-moor peat is added to it. In nature, this species is widespread in the south of Eastern Siberia and the Far East. It is he who is most often called "wild rosemary". Recommended for growing on forest edges and in small groups under canopy of light conifers such as larch.

Varieties:

- Rh. April Rose - Flowers are purple-pink, double. Winter hardiness zone 5;

- Double White

- April Gem (Rh. April Gem) - Flowers are white, double. Winter hardiness zone 5;

- April Reign - Flowers are light pink, double. 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. Above are dark green, shiny, below with rusty scale-like glands. Flowering lasts from late May to late June for about 30 days. The flowers are pink-red, rarely white, up to 2 cm in diameter, collected in inflorescences of 6-10 pieces. Photophilous. It tolerates calcareous soils, but covered with a thick humus layer, preferably acidic (pH 4.5). It is quite winter-hardy. Alpine slides, single and group plantings on the lawn with rusty rhododendron will decorate any garden.

Varieties:

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

- Rhododendron dense (Rhododendron impeditum)

Evergreen, very dense, low cushion shrub, in nature and culture from 0.1 to 0.7 m in height. Shoots are short, densely covered with black scales. Leaves are small, broadly elliptic, 1.5-2.0 cm long, up to 1 cm wide, scaly on both sides. The flowers are small, violet-blue, 2.0-2.5 cm in diameter. Blooms in May - June, often again in August - September. One of the most valuable small-leaved and small-flowered evergreen species of rhododendron. Grows best in rich, fresh or moist soils. Photophilous, but tolerates slight shading. Adult plants hibernate under the snow, are quite winter-hardy, and bloom profusely every year.

Varieties:

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

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

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

Moerheim - The flowers are purple. Winter hardiness zone 5;

Ramapo (Rh. Ramapo) - A dense, compact shrub 60 cm high. It blooms with lilac flowers, collected 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, up to 1.5 m wide.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 inflorescences of 10-15 pieces, blooms in June, Prefers slightly acidic, rich soils and a bright location. It is frost-resistant, it is recommended to cover young plants for the winter.

- Rhododendron blushing (Rhododendron russatum)

Evergreen cushion shrub, up to 1 m high, crown diameter up to 0.8 m. Grows slowly. Leaves are small, lanceolate, up to 3 cm long, dark green above, reddish-brown below, densely scaly. Blooms in May for 25 days. Flowers are dark purple with a white throat, diameter up to 2.5 cm, odorless, collected in 4 - 5 pieces. Photophilous. Prefers acidic, moist, well-drained soils. It hibernates with light cover. One of the most beautiful, abundantly and annually flowering ornamental shrubs. Used in rock gardens.

Varieties:

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

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

- Blaufeder - the flowers are bright blue-violet.

Growing rhododendrons, soil, planting and care

Smoke and gas resistance of some rhododendrons allows them to be used in urban landscaping and industrial enterprises... They allocate in environment essential oils and phytoncides, thereby purify the air from pathogens and contribute to a healthier environment.

Rhododendron can be planted as a single bush on a lawn or under a canopy of trees. You can plant them in groups at 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 foyers, etc.) and winter gardens. This plant will be a decoration for a heather garden. It can be used to create beautiful low to medium height curbs. Rhododendron is also suitable as a ground cover plant.

The soil

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

Location

When choosing a planting site, the best option would be a light partial shade, which is created in the garden. large trees... Avoid sun and open areas where cold winds blow. The most favorable time for planting a rhododendron is spring, and also starting in September.
When choosing a place to plant a rhododendron, pay attention to what kind of 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 a root system with a diameter of only 35-40 cm.Therefore, if among the neighbors of the rhododendron there are plants with a superficial root system (birch, oak, tall maple, willow, etc. .), then they quickly "take away" all nutrients from the soil.

The most successful neighbors for rhododendrons are larch, spruce and pine - that is, those plants under which rhododendrons grow in nature.
The planting hole, which should be 3-4 times wider and twice as deep as the size of the seedling earthen clod, is filled with a mixture: soil taken out of the hole and peat soil in a 1: 1 ratio.

Before planting, remove the rhododendron bush 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 this with your hands, then you should try to cut a lump with roots in several places with a knife.

Remember that these shrubs have a compact and shallow root system. When planting a rhododendron, the root collar must not 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, coniferous litter or crushed bark 3-5 cm thick. Mulching not only prevents moisture evaporation, but also maintains the required soil acidity.

If the rhododendrons are successfully selected a place, carefully prepare the soil and mulch the trunks, then care for them is minimal. In the spring, it is useful to feed adult bushes with ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate, superphosphate (20-50 g per 1 m2). If the site has loamy and sandy loam soils, then spring top dressing is combined with light 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 slightly shiny in the heat, the plants need to be watered abundantly. Do not allow the root ball to dry out.

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

Care

Weeding of near-trunk 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-early August.
During the first two dressings, about 20-30 g of a special instant fertilizer for rhododendrons or 2-3 g of "Kemira Universal" per 1 liter of water are applied under each plant. Add 5-10 g of urea or any other nitrogenous fertilizer to each portion.

During the third feeding, 30 g of superphosphate and 15 g of potassium sulfate are added to each bush and some complex fertilizers with microelements. Eliminate nitrogen completely from the last feeding and reduce the proportion of trace elements. This composition promotes the maturation of the rhododendron wood and prevents the growth of shoots, which can happen in warm autumn.

Twice a year (in spring and at the end of August), the soil under the rhododendrons is mulched with pine sawdust, peat, coniferous litter or crushed bark with a layer of 3 - 5 cm - this protects it from rapid drying out, weeds and maintaining the acidity of the soil.
Watering the soil during the season is regular, abundant in dry and hot seasons, 10 - 12 liters for each plant 2-3 times a week. Spray plants whenever possible, especially during periods of active growth. The surest sign of water deficiency is that the leaves become dull and droop, brown spots appear along the edges of them, similar to fungal diseases... Ideally, the water for irrigation of rhododendrons should be soft (rain or snow) and acidic, it should not contain a lot of salts.
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 impatient to make sure that you have chosen the exact variety you want). In adult plants, after flowering, only a part of the well-developed fruits are left to collect seeds, the excess fruits are removed, which contributes to better flowering plants next year.

Preparing rhododendrons for winter

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

Reproduction

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

Their characteristic diseases and non-infectious lesions can hinder the full development of rhododendrons.

But more on that next time.

Information from the site "Magic of Nature":

and the site Garden Center Paer +:

Rhododendron is a semi-shrub of deciduous or evergreen type from the family, at the moment, according to various estimates, it includes from 800 to 1000 subspecies, including the favorite of all gardeners, which is also called "indoor rhododendron". Translated from Greek, the name of this flower means a rose tree or a tree with roses.

Indeed, the flowers of this plant resemble a rose in their appearance. In natural conditions, rhododendrons are common in the Northern Hemisphere, these are South China, Japan, North America, Southeast Asia and the Himalayas.

Most often they can be seen along the banks of reservoirs and on the slopes of the mountains. The species diversity of rhododendrons is striking, among them you can find creeping shrubs and plants with straight stems up to 30 centimeters.

The flowers of plants themselves are as varied as in size and shape, as well as in color. In size, you can see very miniature flowers and flowers - giants up to 20 centimeters in diameter. Rhododendron flowers are well preserved when cut. Only garden varieties more than 3000 are observed.

Garden varieties are represented by shrub forms. The root system is superficial and compact enough.

Leaves can be either sessile or petiolate, the arrangement of foliage on the shoots is regular. The shape of the edge of the leaf can be all-edged or serrated. Ovate and obovate in shape. The color of flowers is varied - white, red, purple, lilac.

Flowers are collected in scutes or brushes. The shape of the flowers depends on the variety and type of plant, it can be bell-shaped, wheel-shaped, tubular or funnel-shaped. Certain varieties are distinguished by their aroma.

The fruit is formed in the form of a five-leaf box with small up to 2 millimeters seed-sticks. The root system is superficial, compact, formed from many fibrous roots.

Thanks to this, plant transplanting does not cause any particular difficulties. V natural conditions rhododendron can grow as a single plant, and grow in groups and even form thickets in shady places with a sufficiently high humidity.

Types and varieties of rhododendron

Let's dwell on the most popular varieties that are grown as cultivated plants.

It is widely distributed in the Primorsky Territory, China, Korea, Eastern Siberia and Northern Mongolia. Grows in coniferous forests, as well as on rocks. It is an evergreen spreading shrub that can grow up to 2-4 meters in height.

The stems are covered with gray bark, the shoots are thin, reddish-brown, slightly pubescent at the ends. The foliage is small, leathery, the length of the leaf reaches 3 centimeters, the upper part is smooth to the touch, and the lower one has green scales, the intensity of which changes with age.

In winter, some of the foliage falls off, some remain throughout the winter. This is an extremely frost-resistant species, it is able to withstand a drop in temperature to minus forty degrees.

Blooming lasts up to 3 weeks, the flowers themselves are large, up to 4 centimeters in diameter, purple-pink in color. This species has 2 varieties:

• An evergreen with dark leaves and purple-purple flowers.
• A low-growing garden hybrid with bright bluish-red flowers in diameter reaching 5 centimeters.

Rhododendron Adams: lives in the Far East and Tibet, prefers mountain forest soils and rocky slopes. This is a shrub that reaches a height of up to 1.5 meters. The foliage is dense, matte, oblong in shape up to 2 centimeters, both in length and in width. Pink flowers reach 1.5 centimeters in diameter, gather in corymbose inflorescences up to 7-15 units.

Japanese rhododendron. His homeland is Japan, in particular the island of Honshu. This deciduous, branched shrub can grow naturally up to 2 meters. Stems glabrous, covered with silvery bristles.

The leaves are oblong green, pubescent on both sides. In autumn, the leaves acquire orange-red tint... Bell-shaped flowers reach 8 centimeters in diameter, gather in cluster inflorescences, and have a scent. Inflorescences are orange, yellow or red. Blooms for several weeks in May. The species is winter-hardy.

Caucasian rhododendron. Under natural conditions, it grows in the Caucasus. It is an evergreen shrub up to 1.5 meters high with leathery, oval oblong leaves of a dark green color.

The sheet plate is smooth with outside and covered with hairs on the underside. The flowers are funnel-bell-shaped, distinguished by a delicate aroma, the inflorescences are yellow with green blotches, they are collected in clusters of 8-12 pieces. Blooms in early summer.

Decorative forms of this type:

• Pink-white, begins to bloom earlier than the main species.
• Shiny, differs in dark pink inflorescences.
• Golden yellow, has yellow inflorescences with green dots on the surface.
• Straw yellow is distinguished by yellow inflorescences with red spots.

Schlippenbach's rhododendron. There are both deciduous little branching shrubs up to 2 meters in height, and compact trees up to 5 meters high. The foliage is wide oval in length and reaches 12 centimeters with a width of 6 centimeters. The color of the foliage can vary from light green to orange in different seasons.

Flowers are particularly spectacular - these are wide bells up to 10 centimeters in diameter. They are collected in inflorescences - umbrellas of 6-10 pieces. The color of the petals is pink or white.

Yakushiman rhododendron- 1.5 meter evergreen shrub. Large oblong foliage. The flowers, which are also large in size, bloom in pink, but gradually fade and become pure white. It blooms for a month from late spring or early summer. On flowers, depending on the variety, there may be a contrasting border or throat and a corrugated edge of the petals.

Hybrid rhododendron... It is a group of forms and hybrids for garden cultivation... Its most popular varieties are:

Planting a rhododendron

Taking into account the climatic conditions of Russia, it is better to choose winter-hardy varieties for cultivation. Plants can be planted outdoors from mid to late spring.

In case of urgent need, transplantation into the ground can be carried out at any time of active growth, except for the flowering period and two weeks following it. It is better to choose a place for planting in the shade and on the server side of buildings. Soil rhododendrons prefer loose, drained soil.

Choosing a landing site. When choosing a place for planting a plant, it should be borne in mind that it is a light-loving plant, but does not tolerate direct sunlight, therefore, it requires shading and diffused light.

Ideal if there is a body of water near the landing site (pond, river, lake or pool). If these are not provided, then the plant will need additional spraying until flowering with warm and soft water.

During flowering, spraying can lead to staining of foliage, so it is replaced with more abundant watering. Of the neighbors, the best option is to be located next to a pine tree, since its root system is located at a sufficient depth, this neighborhood will not interfere with plants.

And the spreading pine branches will create the necessary shading. Plants such as linden, maple or birch are not the most favorable neighborhood, since they will take a large enough amount from the soil nutrients, and the rhododendron will develop very slowly.

If such a neighborhood cannot be avoided, then preliminary isolation of the planting hole with a nonwoven material should be carried out.

How to plant a rhododendron?

For disembarkation, it is necessary to prepare a hole with a diameter of 60 centimeters and a depth of 40 centimeters. To prepare the soil, you need to take a mixture of 8 buckets of peat and 3.5 buckets of loam or 2 buckets of clay. This mixture should be thoroughly tamped and a hole should be prepared in it for the earthen coma of the plant.

Before planting, the roots of the seedlings should be dipped in water and wait until all the air has come out and only then proceed to planting in the ground. Fill the hole with the rest of the substrate and tamp.

Next, you should moisturize the plant well. The trunk circle should be mulched with peat, oak leaves, needles or moss by 5-6 centimeters. If at the time of planting there are buds on the plant, then they should be partially removed so that the plant can successfully root.

Rhododendron care

Since the plant has a superficial root system, there is no need to loosen and dig up the ground next to the plant at all. And weeds also need to be removed only by hand around the plant.

Cutting the stems is best in early spring, even before the start of the movement of juices on the plant. After pruning, the cuts must be treated with garden varnish. After 30 days, dormant buds begin to form on the cut shoots, which will give new shoots within a year.

Bushes that are very old or severely affected by frost up to a height of 30-40 centimeters, in one year one half of the bush, after a year the second half of the bush is pruned. To enhance the branching of the bush on the plant, pinch young shoots.

Rhododendron has a peculiarity in the intensity of flowering in different years, one year it blooms actively and profusely, and after a year it is quite modest.

In order to admire the gorgeous flowers every year, you need to remove wilted inflorescences after flowering, then the plant will spend its energy on forming buds of the next year.

Top dressing. Top dressing should be applied from early spring to late July. As a fertilizer, you can use liquid feed made from hornmeal and cow dung.

For preparation, manure is infused for several days in water at a ratio of 1:15. The plant must be watered before fertilizing. As mineral fertilizers you can use ammonium sulfate, superphosphate, sulfate, nitrate or potassium phosphate, a solution of potassium fertilizers.

Reproduction

You can propagate a flower using seeds, dividing the bush, layering, cuttings, as well as grafting and dividing the bush.

The easiest and most affordable way is to propagate by layering. Let's consider the propagation of a plant by seeds, dividing a bush, layering and cuttings.

Reproduction by seeds. To obtain young plants, seeds are sown in flat containers with moist peat or heather soil, with the addition of 1 part of sand to 3 parts of the mixture. When planting, the seeds are not buried, as this prevents their germination.

For seeds, you need to organize a greenhouse, covering the containers with polyethylene or glass and put it in a well-lit place. The greenhouse needs to be aired daily, water the seeds and remove condensation from the glass.

The first shoots appear within a month. When the first pairs of leaves appear on the seedlings, they can be transplanted into more spacious containers according to the 2 by 3 centimeters scheme. The first year the seedlings live in a greenhouse, and they move to the flower beds from the second year of life. Such seedlings will bloom no earlier than after 6-8 years.

Propagation by cuttings. Semi-lignified stems 5-8 centimeters long can be used as cuttings. Lower leaves from the cuttings should be removed, and the cuttings themselves, on one side, should be kept in a root growth stimulator for 12-16 hours.

The cuttings themselves for rooting are placed in a mixture of peat and sand (3 to 1) and a mini-greenhouse is organized with a jar or plastic bag. Rooting takes a long time from 1.5 to 4 months, depending on the variety.

After rooting, the plants can be transplanted into a new container with a mixture of peat and pine needles (2 to 1). Seedlings overwinter in a bright and cool room, at a temperature of 8 - 12 degrees.

In the spring-summer period, a box with seedlings can simply be dug in the garden; the plant can be transplanted to a permanent place after a couple of years.

Of the rhododendron diseases, fungal diseases such as leaf spot, cancer, chlorosis, and rust are often pursued.

They, as a rule, arise in a situation of poor air exchange in the soil and stagnant moisture. Spotting and rust can be defeated with preparations based on copper sulfate.

Chlorosis can be defeated by adding iron chelate to the water for irrigation. Cancer-affected shoots and leaves should be trimmed and removed. All plants can be additionally treated with Bordeaux liquid as a prevention of cancer in early spring and late autumn.

Properties of rhododendron

In addition to decorativeness, this amazing plant also has useful properties that are used in the treatment different diseases, both in folk and traditional medicine.

Some varieties contain andromedotoxin, ericolin, arbutin and rhododendrin. The foliage of the plant contains ascorbic acid, the highest concentration of which is observed in summer.

Rhododendron is characterized by antipyretic, analgesic, sedative, bactericidal action. It helps to remove excess fluid from the body, relieves swelling, lowers blood pressure, and calms the heartbeat. The useful rhododendron also has contraindications.

It should not be used during pregnancy and lactation, or in people with conditions such as tissue necrosis and kidney disease.

But most plant species are poisonous, so you should not self-medicate, all drugs based on rhododendron should be taken strictly under the supervision of doctors, otherwise painful consequences of the flesh are possible before death.

Growing rhododendron in the suburbs

In breeding this majestic plant in the conditions of central Russia, it is important to know a number of features that will certainly lead you to success.

Observing these simple rules, you can permanently settle this handsome man on your site as a single plant or as part of a landscape composition.

VARIETIES OF RHODODENDRONS ARE SPECIAL DECORATIVE:

"Azurvolke"- a hybrid between the reddish rhododendron and the Blue Diamond variety. Received by G. Hachmann in Germany. Evergreen shrub up to 1 m high. The crown is compact, round, wide, up to 1.5 m in diameter, shoots grow upwards. Leaves are oblong-lanceolate, up to 3 cm long and about 1 cm wide, covered with scales on both sides. The flowers are shiny, lilac-blue (azure), often dark purple, collected in 4 - 5 in dense rounded inflorescences located at the ends of the shoots. It blooms from the first to the third decade of May. Glowing brightly colored flowers give a high decorative effect. It is quite winter-hardy. Used on alpine slides, in heather gardens, singly or in small groups.

"Percy Weissman" Photo of Mikhail Polotnov	"Goldflimmer" Photo of Prikhodko Marina	"Il Tasso" Photo of Prikhodko Marina
"Gold Tracht" Photo of Mikhail Polotnov	"Fireworks" Photo of Mikhail Polotnov	"Saint Michel" Photo of Mikhail Polotnov

"Alfred"- bred by the German breeder T. Seidel in 1899 when crossing the Everestiana variety with the Katevbinsky rhododendron. An evergreen shrub. Height about 1.2 m, crown diameter 1.5 m. The crown is compact. Brown bark. Leaves are oblong-elliptical, dark green above, shiny, glabrous, paler below, without drooping, 7 - 15 cm long, 3 - 5 cm wide. Blooms in June. The flowers are purple-red with a yellow-greenish spot, up to 6 cm in diameter, collected in 15-20 pieces in dense inflorescences. Flowering is annual, abundant and long, more than 20 days. Seeds in capsule fruits are rarely set and often of poor quality, that is, with low germination (10%). Annual growth of 3-5 cm. Photophilous, but can tolerate light shading. Prefers fertile, light, fresh, slightly acidic soils. Winter-hardy. Used alone on the lawn, in groups or along paths in gardens.

R.Katevbinsky "Alba Nova" Photo of Gulko Larisa	"Ballerina" Photo of Olga Bondareva	"Ballerina" Photo of Olga Bondareva
"Blue Tit" Photo of Mandrico Natalia	"Chanzonetta" Photo of Olga Bondareva	"Cunninghams White" Photo by Igor Gorin, digitization of Konstantin Korzhavin
"Daviesii" Photo of Olga Bondareva	"Daviesii" Photo of Olga Bondareva	"Dreamland" Photo of Mandrico Natalia
"Gallipoli" Photo of Olga Bondareva	"Gold Dust" Photo of Olga Bondareva	"Gold Dust" Photo of Olga Bondareva
"Golden Sunset" Photo of Olga Bondareva	"Grandiflorum" Photo of Natalia Pavlova	"Haaga" Photo of Olga Alekseeva
"Harlekin" Photo of Olga Bondareva	"Harlekin" Photo of Olga Bondareva	"Homebush" Photo of Olga Bondareva
"Homebush" Photo of Olga Bondareva	"Juanita Knapp Hill" Photo of Olga Bondareva	"Juanita" & "Fashing" Photo of Olga Bondareva
"Kermensina Rosea" Photo of Anetta Popova	"Klondyke Knapp Hill" Photo of Olga Bondareva	"Klondyke Knapp Hill" Photo of Olga Bondareva
"Naselle" Photo of Mersiyanova Irina	"Nova Zembla" Photo of Natalia Pavlova	"Parkfeuer" Photo of Olga Bondareva
"Parkfeuer" Photo of Olga Bondareva	"Persil" Photo of Olga Bondareva	R. Katevbinsky "Rasputin" Photo of Gulko Larisa
"Schneespiegel" Photo of Mersiyanova Irina	"Shneegold" Photo of Mandrico Natalia	"Schneegold" Photo of Olga Bondareva
"Soir de Paris" Photo of Olga Bondareva	"Soir de Paris" Photo of Olga Bondareva	"Toucan" Photo by Svetlana Sotnikova

"Arnosht Silva Taruka"- a hybrid between the magnificent rhododendron and the "Karaktakus" variety was bred by the breeder B. Kavka from the Czech Republic in 1958. Evergreen shrub 1.5 - 1.8 m high, crown diameter 2.5 - 3 m, shoots grow upwards. Leaves are leathery, shiny, 10-14 cm long and up to 7 cm wide, glabrous on both sides, oblong-elliptical, dark green. Blooms from mid-May to early June. The flowers are large, broadly funnel-shaped, violet-pink in color with a carmine-red spot, flower diameter 7 - 8 cm, collected in 8 - 12 pieces in rather dense inflorescences. It is winter-hardy in Europe, but in Russia it needs a light shelter for the winter with dry leaves and spruce branches. Single plants or small groups are planted in the garden against the background of lawns or on the edge of light coniferous trees. Propagated by cuttings and grafting, should be tested more widely in amateur gardens in Russia.

Hybrid rhododendrons Exbury "Fireball" and "Golden Sunset" Photo of Elena Solovieva	Hybrid rhododendron Exbury "Anabella" Photo of Elena Solovieva	Rhododendron katevbinsky "Boursalt" Photo of Elena Solovieva
"Catharine van Tol" Photo of Elena Solovieva	"P.M.A. Tigerstedt" Photo of Elena Solovieva	"Simona" Photo of Elena Solovieva
Rhododendron repens groupe "Elviira" Photo of Voronina Svetlana	Rhododendron "Rosy Lights" Photo of Voronina Svetlana	Rhododendron "White Lights" Photo of Voronina Svetlana
Rhododendron "Fireball" variety series "Knaphill"	"Rosy Lights" The photo Shakhmanova Tatiana	Daurian rhododendron "April White" Photo of Mersiyanova Irina

"Berry Rose"- the variety was bred in England in 1934 by Lionel de Rothschild. Deciduous shrub 1.5 - 2 m high. Medium-sized. The crown is wide and compact. Young leaves are brownish, adults are bright green 4 - 5 cm long, 3 cm wide. Blooms from the last week of May to mid-June. The flowers are pink with a yellow spot, 5 - 8 cm in diameter, with a scent. The buds are orange-red. The inflorescence is rounded, contains 10 - 14 flowers. It is quite a winter-hardy variety. In the garden, they are planted singly and in groups in combination with others. ornamental shrubs, a well-known variety in Europe.

"Bieber"- the variety was obtained by T. Seidel in Germany in 1900 by crossing the Katevbinsky rhododendron and the Milner variety. Evergreen shrub up to 2.5 m high, crown diameter up to 3 m. The crown is loose, shoots grow upwards. Leaves are leathery, oblong-elliptical, up to 10 cm long, 3 -5 cm wide, glabrous on both sides. Blooms in June - early July. The flowers are carmine-red, large, up to 6 cm in diameter, wide-funnel-shaped, lighter at the edges, collected in compact inflorescences of 12-15 flowers in each. It is quite winter-hardy. Hibernates with light cover with spruce branches and peat. It is used singly or in small groups against the backdrop of a lawn or coniferous trees. Popular in Europe, valued for its large flowers and leaves, flowering duration. In Russia it should be experienced widely.

"Elite"
Photo of Lena Borsyakova

"Blue Peter"- obtained by crossing with the Pontic rhododendron in 1933. An evergreen shrub. Height 1.8 m, crown diameter 2 m. The crown is slightly spreading. The bark is dark gray. The leaves are large, 12-15 cm long, 5-6 cm wide, dark green above, shiny, lighter below, without pubescence. Blooms from mid-May to June. The flowers are 6 cm in diameter, light lavender blue, inside with a dark purple spot on the upper petal. The edges of the petals are slightly corrugated. Inflorescences are compact of 20 or more conical flowers. Decorative during abundant and prolonged flowering, large flowers and large leaves are beautiful. The fruit is a capsule. Seeds are tied, ripen at the end of October, germination rate is below 50%. Annual growth is 7-9 cm. Photophilous. The soils are peaty, moist, acidic. It is winter-hardy, but it is better to cover young plants with spruce branches. It is used in single and group plantings, in places protected from the wind.

"Blue Tit"- a hybrid between dense rhododendrons and Augustine. Received by J. Williams in 1933 in England. Evergreen shrub up to 1 m high, crown diameter slightly more than 1.2 m. The crown is rounded, shoots grow upwards. Leaves are leathery, broadly oval or rounded, bluish-green, young - somewhat pubescent with hairs. Blooms from early to third decade of May. The flowers are light lavender-blue or sky-blue, collected in medium-sized inflorescences of 4-6 flowers, flower diameter 3.5 cm. Quite winter-hardy variety. They are planted in groups or singly on alpine slides or in heather gardens. One of best rhododendrons with blue flowers. Deserves testing in Russia in amateur gardening.

"Mother" s Day " Photo of Tatiana Shakhmanova	"Surrey Heath" Photo of Tatiana Shakhmanova	"Unique" Photo of Tatiana Shakhmanova
"Coccineum Speciosum" Photo of Tatiana Shakhmanova	"Exquisitum" Photo of Tatiana Shakhmanova	"Bridesmaid" Photo of Tatiana Shakhmanova
"Golden Eagle" Photo of Tatiana Shakhmanova	"Fireglow" Photo of Tatiana Shakhmanova	"Lady Roseberry" Photo of Tatiana Shakhmanova
"Homebush" Photo of Tatiana Shakhmanova	"Sun Chariot" Photo of Tatiana Shakhmanova	"Windsor Peach Glo" Photo of Tatiana Shakhmanova
"Salmon Sander" Photo of Tatiana Shakhmanova	"Princess Anne" Photo of Natalia Zarucheyskaya	"Temple Belle" Photo of Mironova Irina

"Bourseult"- the variety arose as a result of the selection of the Katevbinsky rhododendron in Germany and was named after the breeder Bourzault. An evergreen shrub. Height 1.5 - 1.8 m, crown diameter 2 - 2.4 m. The crown is spreading. The bark is dark gray. Leaves are leathery, oblong-elliptical, shiny, dark green, 10-15 cm long, 5 cm wide, green below, without pubescence on both sides. Blooms from mid-May to early June. The flowers are dark purple with a greenish-yellow spot, 5 cm in diameter, collected in dense inflorescences of 15 - 20 pieces. Blooms profusely and for a long time, 3-4 weeks. One of the best large-flowered varieties. The fruit is a capsule. The seeds are dark brown and ripen in late October. Annual growth 6-8 cm. Photophilous, tolerates slight shading. Prefers fertile, light, slightly acidic soils. It is quite winter-hardy. Used in single and group plantings in amateur gardens.

"Violetta"- a hybrid between the blushing rhododendron and the dense rhododendron. Evergreen, undersized shrub about 1 m high, with a wide spreading crown. Leaves are broadly elliptical, 1.5-2 cm long and 1 cm wide, highly scaly, leathery on both sides. Blooms in May for 3 weeks. The flowers are dark purple, collected in dense inflorescences of 16 - 22 pieces. It is quite winter-hardy. They are planted in groups on the lawn, in rocky areas, in heather gardens.

Rhododendron "Ledicanense"
Photo of Polonskaya Svetlana

"Gold Dust "- hybrid obtained in 1951 by L. Rothschild in England. Deciduous shrub about 1.5 m high, crown diameter 2.5 m, wide crown. Shoots grow upward, green, slightly reddish-brown when blooming, pubescent. Leaves are light green, oblong-lanceolate, 3-4 cm long, about 2 cm wide, along the edge with rare ciliate hairs, which are also present on the surface of young leaves. Blooms from late May to mid June. The flowers are orange-yellow with a pinkish tinge with a bright yellow spot, 6-8 cm in diameter, collected in compact round inflorescences of 6-11 pieces. The buds are red. It is quite winter-hardy. Used in groups on the lawn or in combination with evergreen rhododendrons.

"Grandiflorum", or "Large-flowered"- obtained in England by A. Vaterer at the beginning of the 19th century as a result of selection from seedlings grown from seeds of a wild species - Katevbinsky rhododendron. An evergreen shrub. Height 1.5-2m, crown diameter 1.5-2m. The crown is spreading. The bark is dark gray. Leaves are leathery, elliptical, dark green above, lighter below, glabrous, 7-8 cm long, wide 5-6 see Blooms in June. Lilac flowers with a greenish spot, b - 7 cm in diameter, odorless, collected in 15 pieces in compact inflorescences. Decorative during abundant and prolonged flowering. The fruit is a capsule, the seeds ripen in October. Vigorous and fast-growing shrub. Annual growth 6-10 cm. Photophilous, shade-tolerant. Prefers fertile, fresh, slightly acidic or acidic soils. Winter-hardy. Better to plant in semi-shady and wind-protected places. They are planted singly and in groups in gardens on the lawn, along the paths in rows.

"Grishtede"- a hybrid between reddening and dense rhododendrons. The variety was obtained in 19b1 in Germany. Evergreen undersized shrub about 0.5 m high, crown diameter 0.8 -1 m. The crown is wide, round, compact. Leaves are leathery, narrowly elliptic, 2 - 4.5 cm long, bluish-green, when blooming, pubescent with filiform hairs. The flowers are shiny, lilac-blue, without spots, with a diameter of 2 - 3.5 cm, collected in 2 - 7 pieces in round inflorescences at the ends of the shoots. Single flowers are rare. Flowering time: late April to mid-May. Moderately winter-hardy, tolerates low temperatures (- 18 - 20 ° C), in Russia it can be grown with shelter. They are used singly and in groups on alpine slides and in heather gardens.

Rhododendron "Berryrose" Photo of Irina Makhrova	Rhododendron "Blanice" Photo of Irina Makhrova	Rhododendron "Klondike" Photo of Irina Makhrova
Rhododendron "Milan" Photo of Irina Makhrova	Rhododendron "Moravanka" Photo of Irina Makhrova	Rhododendron "Nicholaas Beets" Photo of Irina Makhrova
Rhododendron "Oslava" Photo of Irina Makhrova	Rhododendron "Otava" Photo of Irina Makhrova	Rhododendron "Panenka" Photo of Irina Makhrova
Rhododendron "Petr" Photo of Irina Makhrova	Rhododendron "Profesor Jersov" Photo of Irina Makhrova	Rhododendron "Rohiimii Kavka" Photo of Irina Makhrova
Rhododendron "Rose Marie" Photo of Irina Makhrova	Rhododendron "Saturnius" Photo of Irina Makhrova	Rhododendron "Sylphides" Photo of Irina Makhrova
Rhododendron "Vilem Heckel" Photo of Irina Makhrova	Rhododendron "Vltava" Photo of Irina Makhrova	"Nabucco" Photo of Mikhail Polotnov

"Humboldt"- evergreen, compact shrub 1.5-2 m tall, strongly branched. Leaves are leathery, oblong-elliptical, up to 12 cm long, 3 - 5 cm wide, dark green above, paler below, shiny, glabrous. The flowers are light purple-pink with a dark red spot, collected in a dense inflorescence of 15 - 18 pieces. Blooms profusely in June for three weeks. It hibernates with light cover (leaf and spruce branches). In the garden, they are planted singly or in groups on the lawn, against the background of trees, along the roads in rows. It is recommended to test it more widely in the temperate zone of Russia, primarily in amateur gardening.

"Yellow Light"
Photo of Andrey Ganov

"Gessen"- the variety was obtained by the German breeder T. Zaydel in 1906. when crossing the Katevbinsky rhododendron with the "Karl Mitte" variety. An evergreen shrub with a height of 2.5-3m, the crown diameter usually exceeds the height by 1.5 times, the crown is wide and rather dense. Leaves are leathery, oblong-elliptical, 7-12 cm long and 3-5 cm wide, dark green above, shiny, glabrous, lighter below. The flowers are large, carmine, about 6 cm in diameter with a brown spot on the upper petal and shiny light stamens, collected in dense inflorescences of 15 - 20 pieces. Blooms profusely in late May - early June. It is quite winter-hardy, adult plants hibernate without shelter. Single and group plantings against the background of a lawn or in combination with deciduous rhododendrons and other ornamental shrubs in places protected from the wind are effective. Deserves a wide test in amateur gardening in Russia.

"Dagmar"- a hybrid between the magnificent rhododendron and the Pink Pearl variety. The variety was obtained by the breeder B. Kavka in the Czech Republic in 19b5. Evergreen shrub up to 2 m high. The crown is wide, compact, up to 2.5 m in diameter. Shoots grow upward, wide, diverging to the sides. Leaves are leathery, oblong-elliptical, 7-12 cm long, about 5 cm wide, smooth, dark green. Flowers are light pink with a yellow-green or yellow spot on the upper petal, with a light aroma, collected in 6 - 8 pieces in round inflorescences. Flowering time: mid to late May. Blooms for two weeks. The variety attracts attention with its dark green leaves and fragrant flowers. It is quite winter-hardy, however, in winters with little snow, it should be covered with spruce branches, tying it around the plant. Both single and group plantings in gardens are effective, it is advisable to plant in places protected from the wind.

Jacksoni- a hybrid between the Caucasian rhododendron and the Nobleanum variety, obtained by V. Herbert in 1835 in England. Evergreen shrub from 1.5 to 2 m tall; the crown is round, compact, the branches are low, the diameter of the crown is about 3 m. There is a low-growing form with a height of 0.6 - 0.8 m. It grows slowly. Leaves are leathery, oblong, dull green, brownish below, with curled edges, up to 10 cm long. The flowers are pink when blooming, later - white with yellow spots on one of the petals, collected in 8 - 12 in dense rounded inflorescences. Blooms from late April to mid-May. In central Russia, it suffers from early spring frosts. It is used in single or group plantings, in places protected from the wind in a heather garden. The variety is prized for its early flowering.

"Irena Koster"- a hybrid of the western rhododendron. The variety was obtained by F. Koster in Boskop (Holland). Deciduous shrub 2 - 2.5 m in height. Average annual growth of 6-8 cm. The crown is broadly round, up to 5.5 m in diameter. Leaves are oblong-elliptical, 4 - 10 cm long, 2 - 4 cm wide, with cilia at the edge. covered with bristly hairs on both sides, yellow or purple in autumn. The flowers are pure pink with a yellowish-orange spot, 5 - 6 cm in diameter, with strong smell, collected in round-shaped inflorescences, compact, 6 - 12 flowers each. Flowering time: late May - early June. It is quite a winter-hardy variety for central Russia. Used in groups of 5-7 plants next to evergreen rhododendrons with later flowering dates. Deserves widespread in amateur gardening.

"Karaktacus"- the variety was bred by the English breeder A. Vaterer in 186 5 from the Katevbin rhododendron. Evergreen shrub up to 2 m tall, the diameter of the bush exceeds its height. The growth of the bush is strong, the annual growth is up to 10 cm. The crown is wide. The leaves are large, 7-15 cm long, dark green, shiny above, paler below, young slightly pubescent, then glabrous. The flowers are purple-red with a lighter center, about 6 cm in diameter. The inflorescences are dense, contain 15-20 flowers. Flowering time: all June. The variety is quite winter-hardy, but it preserves flower buds better with light cover for the winter with spruce branches. In the garden, they are planted in groups or along paths in a place protected from the wind. One of the most decorative large-leaved and large-flowered rhododendrons. Winter-hardy in the temperate zone of Russia.

"Hellikki"
Photo of Mumrina Elena

"Cunningham"- the most popular variety of the Caucasian rhododendron, bred in Edinburgh in 1850 by J. Cunningham. An evergreen shrub. Height up to 2 m, crown diameter 1.5 m. The crown is compact. The bark is dark brown. Leaves are leathery, oblong, glabrous above, dark green, lighter below, with brown glands, 4 - 6 cm long, 2 - 3 cm wide. Blooms in May - mid June. Has abundant and long flowering(3 weeks). The flowers are white with a yellowish-brown speck, 3.5 cm in diameter, collected in dense inflorescences of 10 pieces. Annual growth is 3-5 cm. In culture it is durable. In Europe, 100-year-old specimens are known. Photophilous. Shade tolerant. Unpretentious, tolerates alkaline soils poor in humus and shading, hygrophilous. It is quite winter-hardy, therefore it is a good stock for many winter-hardy rhododendron varieties. Recommended for use in hedges, which are grown without cutting, in groups or single plantings.

"Lavende Girl"- variety obtained in 1950 by V. Slokkoko by crossing the Fortune rhododendron and the Lady Gre Egerton variety in England, in the Woking nursery. Evergreen shrub up to 3 m tall and rather wide, up to 4 m in diameter with a dense crown. Leaves are leathery, young light green, old - dark green, glabrous on both sides, 7-12 cm long, 3-8 cm wide, oblong. Blooms profusely, in summer in June - early July. The flowers are fragrant, large, up to 8.5 m in diameter, pale lilac, the border of the petals is pink, lighter in the middle, completely white at the base, yellow spots on the upper petal. Inflorescences on b - 12 flowers, friable. For the winter, the plants must be covered with spruce branches in order to preserve the flower buds; in severe winters, a shelter should be built from shields and glassine. It is best used in group or single plantings in gardens where you can provide thorough care and shelter for the winter. It attracts special attention due to its large flowers and leaves, long flowering period.

"Dark Purple Lee" or "Dark Purple Lee"- the variety was obtained in 1851 by crossing the Katevbinsky rhododendron and the "Maximum" rhododendron in England. An evergreen shrub. Height about 2 m, crown diameter 3 m. The crown is loose, wide. Brown bark. Leaves are leathery, dark green, almost black, 6-7 cm long, 3.5-4 cm wide. Blooms from late May to mid-June. Abundant and long flowering (at least three weeks). The flowers are dark purple, almost purple, with a yellow-brown spot, collected in inflorescences of 15 pieces. Annual growth up to 10 cm. Photophilous, but shade-tolerant. Prefers fertile, light, slightly acidic, moist soils. It is quite winter-hardy. Better to plant in places protected from the wind. Flowers and young shoots wither quickly in sunny places. Effective in group and single plantings along paths in the garden, in the form of a hedge.

"Maria Oliva Shlikova"- a hybrid between the magnificent rhododendron and the Pink Pearl variety. Bred at the Institute of Ornamental Horticulture in the Czech Republic in 1955, introduced into culture in 1958. Evergreen large-leaved and large-flowered shrub about 2 m tall, crown diameter 2.5 -3m. The shape of the crown is round, closed. Leaves are oblong-elliptical, leathery, 5 - 15 cm long, 3 - 7 cm wide, light green above, with a bluish bloom below, with curved edges. Blooms in the second half of May. The flowers are pale lilac-pink, with a dark red pattern on one of the petals. The diameter of the flower is 5.5-9 cm. The inflorescence is compact, rounded, of 10-14 flowers. Moderately winter-hardy, in Russia you need a solid shelter for the winter in the form of a lumber house or shields. Recommended only for amateur gardeners who are able to provide individual care of plants and adherence to the peculiarities of agricultural technology. In Europe, due to its high decorative qualities, it is recommended for expanding the range of urban landscaping and for industrial propagation and cultivation.

"Nova Zembla"- the variety was obtained from free pollination of the Katevbinsky rhododendron with the Persone Gloriosum variety in 1902 in Boskop (the Netherlands). An evergreen shrub, up to 3 m high and a fairly wide loose crown up to 3.5 m in diameter. Shoots grow straight up. Leaves are leathery, large, oblong-elliptical, up to 16 cm long and up to 5 cm wide, dark green above, shiny, glabrous, lighter below. Blooms from late May to the second half of June. The flowers are large, shiny, red with a black spot. Collected in compact inflorescences of 10 - 12 flowers in each, flower diameter 4.5 - b cm. In Europe, winter-hardy, but in central Russia it is necessary to cover! They are planted singly or in groups on the lawn, along the road, at the edge of deciduous and coniferous trees, in places protected from the wind. The variety is very decorative, widely cultivated in Western Europe... One of the best red hybrids, deserves a wide test in Russia.

"Oxidol"- variety obtained in 1947 by Lionel de Rothschild in England. Deciduous shrub up to 2.5 m high and a crown diameter of about 3 m, with erect and vigorous green shoots with a reddish-brown tint. Leaves are green, yellow or crimson in autumn, long 6-8 cm, 2.5 - 3.5 cm wide. It blooms from the last week of May to the second half of June. Flowers are pure white, with a faint yellow spot, slightly wavy along the edge, flower diameter 6-8 cm, rarely up to 9 cm, 6 - 10 flowers are collected in compact inflorescences of a round or wide-round shape. Cream buds. It is quite a winter-hardy variety. Used in small groups in combination with coniferous shrubs: junipers, cypress trees.

Rhododendron Japanese variety "Dimon"
Photo of Alexander Sergeev

"Panenka"- the variety was obtained by B. Kavka in the 60s by crossing the magnificent rhododendron with the "Karaktakus" variety. Evergreen shrub 1.5 m high, with a wide rounded crown exceeding the height, shoots grow upward, straight. Leaves are leathery, oblong-elliptical, 7 - 12 cm long and 3 - 6 cm wide, light green with a bluish bloom. Blooms from mid-May to early June. The flowers are light pink, the border or edges are darker than the base, broadly bell-shaped, fragrant, more than 6 cm in diameter. The bud is darker than the flowers that have opened. The upper petal has ruby ​​red spots. It is quite winter-hardy, but in severe winters it is better to cover it with spruce branches and a leaf. Used singly and in groups in gardens and parks.

"Pink Deligt"- the variety was bred by E. Rothschild in England in 1951. Deciduous shrub 1.4 m high. Crown diameter 2.2 m. The crown is wide, round, loose. Shoots are green with a faint reddish tint. Leaves are light green, falling, oblong, up to 4.5 cm long, 2.5 cm wide, yellow or crimson in autumn. Blooms from the third decade of May to the first half of June. The flowers are pink with a yellow spot on one of the petals, collected in small loose inflorescences of 3 - 7 flowers each. The buds are red. Winter-hardy, but young plants should be covered for the winter! Planted singly or in groups in amateur gardens.

"Precox"- a hybrid between Daurian rhododendron and ciliated rhododendron. The variety was obtained in 1855 by the breeder Isaac Davis in England. Evergreen shrub about 0.5 m high, less often 1 - 2 m, upright, with a loose spreading crown. Leaves are elliptical or lanceolate, 4-7 cm long, 2-5 cm wide, shiny, green above, paler below, with cilia along the edge, with scales above and below, fragrant. It blooms in early spring, in April (in Europe in March - April, sometimes in February). The flowers are shiny, lilac-pink, 2.5 - 3.5 cm in diameter, without spots on the petals, collected in inflorescences of 2 - 3 pieces. Sometimes there are single flowers at the ends of the shoots. Winter-hardy variety. They are planted in groups and singly on the lawn and alpine slides. Unpretentious, sometimes in the forests of Europe it grows like a feral plant, without any care, gardeners are valued as a very winter-hardy variety.

"Purple Splendour"- the variety was bred on the basis of the Pontic rhododendron by A. Vaterer in England, around 1900. Evergreen medium-sized shrub, height 2 - 2.5 m, compact crown, about 3 m in diameter. Leaves are large, 15-18 cm long and 5-9 cm wide, oblong-lanceolate, shiny, dark green, glabrous on both sides, the vein is somewhat deep. Blooms in late May - mid June. The flowers are broad-crimson, dark purple, with a black-brown spot on the upper petal, which enhances the dark color. The edges of the petals are slightly wavy. Inflorescences of 15 - 20 flowers, half-shaped. In Russia, it hibernates with shelter. In Europe, this variety is called the "king of purple". It is widely used in hobby gardening, especially in England. Has shown good winter hardiness in Latvia. Easily propagated by grafting.

"Ramapo"- a hybrid of Rhododendron equine and Caroline rhododendron, obtained in New Jersey (USA) in 1940 by the breeder Naring. A low-growing evergreen shrub with a height of 0.6 m and a crown diameter of 1.5 - 2 m. The crown is compact, wide, flat. Leaves are oblong-lanceolate, 2-3 cm long, 1.5 cm wide, leathery, covered with scales on both sides, fragrant. Young leaves are gray-green, old ones are bluish-green, shiny. Blooms in the first three weeks of May. The flowers are pale lilac, small, collected in 2 - 3 or 3 - 5 at the ends of the shoots. The diameter of the flower is 2-3 cm. The variety is quite winter-hardy, as it hibernates under the snow, keeping flower buds from frost damage. Used on alpine slides in heather gardens. Effective during flowering and in autumn due to the beautiful color of the leaves. It attracts the attention of gardeners like the dwarf rhododendron. Has special requirements for soils: prefers acidic, moist, loose, with good drainage.

"Rose Marie"- the variety was bred by B. Kavka in 19b5 in the Czech Republic by crossing the magnificent rhododendron and the Pink Pearl variety. Evergreen shrub 1.2 m high. The crown diameter is more than 1.5 m, the crown shape is spreading. Leaves are leathery, oblong-elliptical, 5-15 cm long, 3-7 cm wide, light green above with a waxy bluish bloom, bluish-green below, not pubescent, slightly glossy. Blooms in May for three weeks. The flowers are pale pink, whitish-pink to the middle with a purple tint, 8 - 9 cm in diameter. Flowers are collected in 6 - 14 pieces in spherical compact inflorescences, with a faint odor. In the south of Russia (near Sochi, Adler) there is no need for shelter. In central Russia, plants at a young age must be covered carefully, building a frame. Adult plants are protected with peat and spruce branches. They are planted in groups in a clearing or at the edge of a forest.

"Roseum Elegance"- a hybrid of the rhododendron katevbinsky, obtained by A. Vaterer in England in 1851. Evergreen, vigorous shrub 3 m high.Annual growth of 15 cm. The crown is broadly round, closed from below, crown diameter is 4 m. brown, then dark green. Blooms in June. The flowers are pink with a reddish-brown spot, 7 cm in diameter, broadly funnel-shaped, petals slightly wavy along the edge. Inflorescences are compact, 15 flowers. Winter-hardy, provided that plants are planted in places protected from the wind. They are planted singly on the lawn, in groups against the background of coniferous or deciduous trees, in rows along the paths. Lives in culture for a long time, prefers fertile, slightly acidic soils, tolerates slight shading.

"Susan"- the variety was bred by the breeder J. Williams in 1930 as a result of crossing the bell-shaped rhododendron and Fortune's rhododendron. Evergreen shrub up to 4 m high, with straight but widely spread branches. The crown diameter is equal to or slightly higher than the height. Leaves are leathery, large, up to 15 cm long and up to 6 cm wide, dark green above, shiny, glabrous, below with red felt, brownish when blooming. Blooms from late May to mid June. The flowers are wide-funnel-shaped, corrugated, pale purple, the edges and veins are darker, on the upper petal there are dark purple specks. The variety is very beautiful during flowering due to its large inflorescences and delicate flowers. In central Russia, it can winter with shelter, in the southern regions - without shelter. They are planted in groups or singly on a lawn and a background of conifers, in hedges only in the south (Sochi, Adler, etc.).

"Fastuosum Flore Pleno"- the variety was obtained by crossing the Katevba rhododendron and the Pontic rhododendron around 1846. Evergreen shrub, height 1.8 - 2.5 m, crown diameter up to 3 m. Annual growth of 10-15 cm. The crown is broadly oval, dense. The leaves are large, 10-28 cm long, 8-9 cm wide, glabrous on both sides, with a slightly curled edge. The flowers are large, 4.5 - 6 cm in diameter, double, light purple with a golden yellow spot inside the flower. Inflorescences are large, 10-15 flowers, dense, 10-15 cm in diameter. Mass flowering in June, again less abundant in September. It is quite winter-hardy, adult plants hibernate without shelter. Planted in small groups of 3 or more plants against the background of conifers. It is better to plant in semi-shady and wind-protected places; in dry summers, abundant watering and spraying of plants (sprinkling) is recommended.

"Flava"- a hybrid between Ward's and Yakushiman rhododendrons, obtained by D. Gobbi in Germany in 1979. An evergreen shrub that reaches a height of 1.2, rarely 2 m by 20 years of life. The crown is quite compact, broadly round, squat (flattened or flattened), 1.8 m in diameter. Grows slowly. Leaves are leathery, oblong-lanceolate, dark green, shiny, 5-6 cm long, 3-4 cm wide. Flowers are light yellow with a red spot at the base of one of the petals, broad-funnel-shaped, collected in 5-8 pieces in inflorescences. Flowering time: late May to mid June, over three weeks. It is quite winter-hardy, only young plants in the first winter after planting should be covered with peat. They are used singly or in groups on rock gardens, in heather gardens, together with other ornamental shrubs of a different flower color or flowering time.

"Lavendula"- a hybrid between several rhododendrons. Received by D. Gobbi in Germany in 19b7. Evergreen undersized shrub 0.8 -1m high; the crown is compact, wide, shoots grow upward. Leaves are leathery, oblong-lanceolate or elliptical 2.5 - 4.5 cm long, up to 1.5 cm wide, green, in winter they become bronze, with aroma, the leaves are covered with brown scales below. The flowers are pale lilac (lavender) with a green or brown spot, the diameter of the flowers is 5-6 cm. They are collected in inflorescences of 3 - 5 pieces, the edges of the petals are wavy. Blooms profusely and continuously in May. It is quite winter-hardy, hibernates under the snow. In horticultural practice, it is highly regarded as a winter-hardy variety, suitable for stony and heather gardens, both in sunny and shaded places. Deserves widespread testing in Russia.

"Vykes Scarlet". The variety was obtained by Vaykes van Mess in 1954 in Holland, belongs to the group of Japanese azaleas. Semi-evergreen shrub 1.5 m high. The crown is loose, up to 2 m in diameter. The leaves are elliptical, 5-7 cm long, shiny above, green, lighter below, pubescent on both sides. The flowers are broad-funnel-shaped, up to 5 cm in diameter, dark carmine. Flowering time: late May to mid June. It hibernates with light cover with a leaf or peat. Is used for alpine slides and heather gardens, can be planted in small groups or singly in sheltered areas.

"Progress"- a hybrid of the Caucasian rhododendron. Evergreen shrub with low-lying shoots growing upward, height 2.5-3m, crown diameter about 3.5 m. Grows slowly in youth. Leaves are leathery, oblong-elliptical, 6-8 cm long, 2-4 cm wide, dark green. The buds are dark pink, the flowers are lilac-pink when blooming, later - white-pink with a dark red spot and fringed edges of the petals. The inflorescence is compact, consists of 6 - 8 flowers. Flowering time: early to late May, about three weeks. Winter hardiness is very good. Used alone or in groups on the lawn or against the backdrop of trees, along paths in the garden.

"Cunningham" s White "... Evergreen shrub up to 2 m tall, crown diameter 60 cm. Popular variety from the Caucasian rhododendron group, with white flowers. Bred in 1850. In GBS, seedlings were obtained from Poland in 1988 (1 copy), from Riga in 1986 (12 copies). The plant grows from 11 .V ± 4 to autumn frosts. Annual growth of 4-5 cm. Blooms from 8-10 years, from 15.V ± 3 to 4.VI ± 5, about 3 weeks. Does not tie fruit. Winter hardiness I (II). 80% of cuttings are rooted when treated with 1% IMC solution "dry".