What do rhododendrons love? Description of dark rhododendrons

There is an opinion that caring for a rhododendron is quite complicated, and the shrub itself is capricious, so not everyone undertakes to grow it in a temperate cold climate. And only when you get to know this amazing and beautiful plant better, you understand that the matter is not in complexity, but in the specifics of culture. Rhododendron is not complicated - it's just not like everyone else.

Rhododendron bush in bloom - such a handsome man is worth the effort!

General requirements for the growing environment

It so happened that the rhododendron belongs to the elite of the flower-decorative kingdom. By purchasing such a valuable specimen, many strive to allocate the best place in the garden for it - in the sun, with fertile soil generously seasoned with humus. Stereotypes are triggered that have nothing to do with the real needs of culture, and in this main mistake not experienced gardeners.

Under natural conditions, most species of rhododendrons grow in the undergrowth, that is, in a special microclimate under a tree canopy, where they are reliably protected from the scorching sun, piercing winds, and drafts. When planting rhododendrons in the garden, they need to create growing conditions, focusing on the principles of life in the natural environment.

The light needs intense, but diffused. It is this kind of lighting in the lower tiers of the forest, and just such an intensity solar radiation determines the structure of the leaves and the type of photosynthesis. Evergreen species are more sensitive to excess sun - on open space they get leaf scorch.
Acidic and well-drained soil. Under natural conditions, most of the root system (and in rhododendrons it is superficial) is located in deciduous forest litter, consisting of rotted and fresh litter, humus, and podzolic soil. This environment is not very nutritious, has an acidic pH, but is saturated with air, which is important given the structure of the plant's roots.
Symbiosis with fungi is the basis of plant nutrition. Rhododendron roots, like other representatives of the heather family, do not have root hairs. The role of the supplier of nutrients from the soil to the tissues is performed by the mycelium of mycorrhiza - the simplest fungi that live directly in the cells of the plant. So that the mycelium does not suffocate, a constant flow of air is needed, therefore dense clay soils are absolutely not suitable for heather crops.
Increased soil and air moisture. Rhododendrons have a special relationship with moisture - they suffer from both a lack of water and an excess, especially in case of stagnation or flooding. The problem is solved by a properly selected structure of the planting substrate, which should not only be filled with moisture and retain it, but also have sufficient aeration.
Protection from winds and drafts. Many, including winter-hardy, species that tolerate temperatures of -30⁰ C and below, suffer from winter piercing winds and drafts. For protection, agricultural practices are used - a protected place, shelter for the winter, planting in groups.

Thus, if rhododendrons are grown taking into account biological characteristics, they will not create any problems and will delight the owners with magnificent flowering for decades.

Evergreen rhododendron in bloom

The right choice and planting is the key to the longevity of the plant

So that the acquired rhododendrons do not become a culture of one season, you should thoroughly prepare for the reception of the plant. Agrotechnical measures preceding planting are conditionally divided into several stages - the choice of a suitable variety, the storage of components for the substrate, and the selection of a site.

plant selection

Agrotechnics of planting and caring for rhododendron largely depends on the species. If you are new to gardening, or if you are not sure about the temperature in your area, it is best to start with deciduous varieties. Firstly, they are more adapted to a cold climate; they do not require crown shelter for the winter; secondly, they are not so demanding on moisture and can grow in the open sun.

From deciduous shrubs for middle lane Suitable R. Canadian, Japanese, Dahurian, Schlippenbach, yellow, pink. Moreover, it is better to start with species rather than varieties - they are more viable and resistant to adverse conditions.

If, nevertheless, the choice was stopped at evergreen rhododendrons, start with the Katevbinsky, Caucasian, Yakushiman species or varieties and hybrids created on their genotype.

Important! When choosing planting material give preference to plants from local nurseries. Although they are not as attractive as those grown in the mild climate of Europe, they are hardened and adapted to the conditions of the region. The optimal age of the seedling is 3-4 years.

Properly selected variety winters well even without shelter

Location selection

The most problematic areas of the garden, unsuitable for light-loving crops, are often suitable for growing rhododendrons - in the shade of trees, on the north, north-west side of buildings. The main thing is that it be secluded, protected from the winds prevailing in the region and midday sunlight.

When placing a shrub under the trees, you need to choose varieties of the latter with a deep root system in order to delimit the plant nutrition zones. Rhododendrons prefer growing next to pines, junipers, oaks, maples, apple trees.

Substrate preparation

In our gardens, soils suitable for growing rhododendrons are quite rare, so the planting substrate should be prepared in advance. Necessary components for the soil mixture:

riding (red peat) with an acidic pH;
coniferous litter, consisting of semi-decomposed needles, twigs, cones, mixed with humus and other plant residues;
river sand or sandy soil (top fertile layer);
rotted sawdust of coniferous trees.

The substrate is prepared from peat and coniferous litter in equal proportions with the addition of one part of garden soil or river sand. Needles can be replaced with sawdust, acidify ordinary lowland peat by adding sphagnum moss, acidic fertilizers, such as potassium sulfate or ammonium. The main thing is that the substrate is light, breathable and acidic. If there is nowhere to take suitable ingredients for the substrate, you can purchase targeted soil for azaleas.

Important! One of the reasons why the rhododendron does not bloom may be alkaline soil. Such an environment has a depressing effect on the plant - in addition to not blooming, it weakly adds to growth, is affected by pests, leaf chlorosis develops.

Landing technology

Container-grown seedlings are planted both in spring and autumn. AT spring period- it is advisable to do this before the start of active vegetation, approximately in April. autumn month planting - September, so that the plant has time to take root and adapt before the cold weather.

A mandatory agrotechnical requirement for planting a shrub is the preparation of a deep (at least 50 cm) and wide (60–70 cm) planting hole, which is filled with a prepared substrate. It is carefully compacted and spilled with water.

Before planting, the seedling is lowered into the water so that the earthen lump becomes limp, the roots are straightened and placed in the prepared hole. Another requirement is that in no case should the root neck be deepened, it should be at the same level as before transplantation.

After planting, the root zone must be mulched. For these purposes, coniferous needles, rotted sawdust, leaves, straw are suitable. Their layer should be at least 5–7 cm thick. Mulch not only retains moisture, but also serves as a light organic fertilizer for rhododendrons.

The shrub loves group plantings - natural thickets reliably protect shoots from winds and freezing. The distance between seedlings depends on the height of an adult shrub, but not less than 1 meter.

The planting hole is much larger than the size of the root ball - this is a reserve for growth and nutrition for many years to come.

Seasons: seasonal worries

For rhododendron, the specificity of care is determined by seasonal changes: in spring - withdrawal from winter sleep and preparation for flowering, in summer - care for growth and laying flowering buds for the next year, in autumn - preparation for winter.

Spring chores

When positive temperatures are established and there are no strong night frosts, the covering material is removed. This should be done in cloudy weather, it can be done in several steps, gradually opening the bush, first from the north, and a little later from the south. Leaves overwintered without access to light are sensitive to the bright spring sun and can get burned.

The leaves of the rhododendron in the spring remain twisted for some time, without receiving an impulse from the roots, so the first thing to do is to start the root system. To do this, rake the mulch so that the soil thaws faster. If after a week the leaves are still twisted, then they have lost a lot of moisture and the root zone should be watered with warm water.

After the buds swell, the shrub is inspected and frozen shoots and dried branches are removed. If the weather is dry, the plant must be watered at least 2-3 times a week before flowering. Watering rate - 10-15 liters per adult bush.

Important! Water for irrigation of rhododendrons should have a pH level in the range of 4-5 units, otherwise it will alkalize the soil, which is undesirable. To acidify the water, 3-4 g of citric, oxalic, acetic (70%) acid or 15-20 ml of electrolyte for batteries are dissolved in 10 liters of liquid.

Spring is the only time of the year when rhododendrons can be fed. organic fertilizers. Only well-rotted manure can be used, if possible, riding peat is added to it. A bucket of this mixture is poured into the trunk circle instead of mulch and watered abundantly.

How to feed rhododendrons in the spring, if there is no organic matter? At the end of flowering, top dressing with Kemir's targeted complex fertilizers for azaleas (rhododendrons) is effective. It is fully balanced and, in addition to containing necessary elements nutrition, acidifies the soil.

Evergreen rhododendron is about to bloom bright buds

Summer care

After flowering, rhododendron care is aimed at replenishing the strength for the growth of young shoots and laying flower buds. The plant needs the following agrotechnical measures.

Regular, abundant watering and spraying the crown with water summer temperature during the hottest hours.
Removing seed pods so that the shrub does not expend energy on seed maturation, but directs them to young growth. This should be done in hot weather so that the injured shoot dries up immediately.
If the plant was not fertilized with Kemira during flowering, June top dressing is needed with nitrogen-containing fertilizer, for example, ammonium nitrate (25–30 g per 10 l of water). Nitrogen is needed for the growth of green shoots. Irrigation rate - 2 buckets of solution per adult bush.
In addition to fertilizing rhododendrons in spring and June, some gardeners recommend fertilizing in the second half of July. By this time, the shoot completes its growth, its leaves become dense, leathery, and a flower bud appears at the top. Top dressing at this time with a phosphorus-potassium composition is a guarantee of abundant flowering next year.

Advice! For top dressing in three doses - in early spring(100 g/m²), during flowering (100 g/m²) and mid-July (50 g/m²) use the following universal composition acidic fertilizers. Mix superphosphate (10 parts) and sulfates - ammonium (9), potassium (4), magnesium (2).

By the end of summer, a flower bud is formed at the top of each shoot - now, the main thing is to keep it until spring.

Preparing for winter

An important element of rhododendron care is proper preparation for winter.

An evergreen shrub should be very well saturated with moisture in winter so that it is enough for long months of cold weather, so it is recommended to water it abundantly in autumn. Deciduous shrub needs watering only in case of dry weather.

Both deciduous and evergreen species need to cover the root system with a thick layer of mulch (up to 20 cm). The soil is covered in trunk circle to crown radius.

For shelter around the bush build a wire frame or wooden slats- a kind of impromptu wigwam. He is surrounded spruce branches or covered with 2 layers of breathable covering material (burlap, lutrasil). Low-growing varieties fall asleep with fallen leaves, needles.

Shelter ornamental shrub spruce branches

When growing rhododendrons, the main thing is to understand their nature, learn to recognize problems and needs according to the condition and appearance of the shrub. The plant is responsive not only to the correct agricultural technology, but love and care and will definitely reciprocate.

Video about preparing rhododendrons for winter:

– This is a charming ornamental plant for your garden. But it is not easy to grow in our area. The homeland of this flower is the Mediterranean, which indicates its thermophilicity, and poor frost tolerance. Therefore, in order for the plant to take root, it will be necessary to comply with all the conditions for proper agricultural technology and provide it with proper care. Today we’ll talk about how to choose the right seedlings for planting rhododendron on your site, about the features of this process, and also pay attention to the subsequent care and preparation of rhododendron for winter. In addition, information regarding its application in landscape design.

The right choice of planting material

Two- or four-year-old rhododendron bushes are best suited for planting. When buying, pay attention to the bushiness of the cuttings of the seedling (the most tenacious ones branch immediately near the root neck), and to its leaves (should be free of spots and swellings). Also, be sure to inspect the roots of the seedling, it is unacceptable that they have wet blotches and knots. The place where you buy seedlings is also important.

It is best to buy them in experienced gardeners or special nurseries, and not desirable - in the markets, since they have much less chances (most sellers simply do not know what varieties and types they sell).

Important!Beginners are advised to start not with a specific variety of rhododendron, but with planting the species. Since the species is less whimsical, and more frost-resistant than the variety obtained on its basis. Despite the fact that the varieties are very tempting with their wide variety of shades, the species also stand out for their variety of colors.

Planting rhododendron in the garden

When planting a rhododendron in the garden, certain guidelines must be followed when and where to plant a rhododendron, how to do it correctly, and how to prepare the soil.

Did you know?The tree rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal. In this country, rhododendron is consumed in the form of pickled flowers, and in the form of juice.

When to plant rhododendron

It is recommended to plant rhododendron in the ground from early April to mid-May, and from September to November. But in fact, this can be done at any time during the growing season of the plant, in addition to the flowering period of the rhododendron, and a couple of weeks after flowering.

Where is the best place to plant a rhododendron on the site

It is better to plant rhododendron in a shady place, on the north side of the house. The soil should be loose, acidic, well-drained, rich in humus. When the groundwater in your area lies at a depth of less than one meter, then the plant is planted on a raised bed. When planting a rhododendron, it is also important to pay attention to neighboring plants.

It is undesirable to plant rhododendron close to trees that have a superficial root system, because they will take all the nutrients from the plant. Birch, willow, maple, chestnut, linden, alder should also be attributed to undesirable neighbors, and apple trees, pears, pines, spruces, larches, poplars belong to the inhabitants of the site near which rhododendron can be planted.

How to prepare the soil and plant a rhododendron

First of all, prepare a hole for planting. The pit is dug about 40 cm deep and about 60 cm in diameter.
Then prepare a mixture of eight buckets of high-moor peat and three and a half buckets of loam (loam can be replaced with two buckets of clay). Mix this mixture thoroughly, pour into the pit, and tamp well.
After that, dig a hole in the soil the same size as the root of the seedling.
Before planting directly, put rhododendron seedlings in water, and hold them there until air bubbles stop emitting.
Place the seedling in the hole and fill the hole with substrate to the very top so that the root collar is at the level of the surface of the site, tamping it down to eliminate all voids.
Water the plant abundantly, and mulch the soil around the trunk with peat, moss, sawdust, oak leaves, or pine needles, a layer of about 5-6 cm.

Important!If there are many flower buds on the seedling, then it is better to remove them so that all the forces of the plant are directed to the rooting of the rhododendron, and not to its flowering.

The combination of rhododendron with other plants and use in landscape design

Rhododendron will find its place in landscape design of almost any style. The plant looks excellent in the role of a tapeworm, and in group compositions, and in the latter case it is perfectly combined with conifers, and with other species. flowering plants. It is best to select species with which rhododendron grows in its natural environment - pines, larches, ferns, junipers, and others.

Rhododendron is perfect for decorating rocky gardens and alpine slides. For this, low-growing types of rhododendron with different flowering periods are suitable. You can compose them, decorating rocky slopes, with gentian, mountain pine, and heather.

Medium-sized species of rhododendron are often used in group plantings in the form of living fences, with the selection of the desired shades of the plant. For example, rhododendrons yellow flowers go well with those shrubs that bloom red and bright orange flowers, and rhododendrons with purple and pink flowers- with plants that bloom white.

Shrubs planted on the lawn or along garden paths and borders look good, especially when decorating the parterre lawn, although in this case only mature rhododendron shrubs (at least ten years old) are suitable.

When creating group compositions with rhododendrons, it is recommended to combine evergreen species with deciduous ones, while correctly "mixing" plants of different heights. Tall shrubs look better in the center of the composition, and undersized ones along the edges.

Proper care of rhododendron in the garden

Caring for a rhododendron consists of the usual procedures for plants: feeding, watering, spraying, weeding, pest and disease control, bush formation.

Important!Loosening the soil around the plant is prohibited, and even more so digging it up, since the roots of the rhododendron are placed too close to the surface. For the same reason, weeds are best removed by hand, without using choppers.

How to water

Rhododendron requires atmospheric and soil moisture more than other plants, especially when buds are formed and during flowering. You need to water it regularly, and in dry weather you should also spray the plants with water. Proper watering It also affects the laying of flower buds of next year's rhododendron. Water the plant with soft water(settled, thawed, or rain), which can be softened with a handful of high-moor peat thrown a day before watering.

The frequency of fluid application is determined by the condition of the leaves: for example, when they are dull and have lost their elasticity, then the plant is thirsty. When watering, the soil should get wet to a depth of 20-30 cm.

Important!When watering, you can not pour the roots of rhododendron, because they are very sensitive to excess moisture. You can learn about an excess of fluid by lowered and curled leaves.

How to feed a plant

The first dressing of rhododendron takes place in early spring, and the last - at the end of July, at the end of the flowering period, when young shoots begin to grow. Can be used to feed the plant half-ripened cow dung, and horn flour. Rhododendron prefers liquid top dressing, so the manure is poured with water (ratio 1:15), and left to brew for a couple of days. Before you apply fertilizer for rhododendron, it should be watered.

If we talk about mineral fertilizers, then in order not to disturb the reaction of the environment (rhododendron grows in acidic soils), it is best to use superphosphate, ammonium sulfate, low concentration magnesium (1.2: 1000), and an even weaker solution of potash fertilizers.

Optimal mode top dressing involves the introduction of organic or mineral nitrogen-containing fertilizers at the rate of fifty grams magnesium sulfate and fifty grams of ammonium sulfate for one square meter(fertilizers are applied to the soil in early spring), and at the end of the flowering period (in early June), forty grams of ammonium sulfate and twenty grams of potassium sulfate and superphosphate should be per square meter. In July, only twenty grams of potassium sulfate and superphosphate are added per square meter.

Did you know?Honey from the nectar of some species of rhododendron has hallucinogenic and laxative properties. Even the ancient Romans and Greeks talked about the side effects of rhododendron honey.

How to prune a rhododendron

Rhododendron requires minimal shaping and pruning, as its bushes form the correct shape by themselves. However, from time to time it will be necessary to cut too high, frozen or old shoots, which will help rejuvenate the rhododendron. Prune rhododendron shoots in early spring, and the places of cuts are processed with garden pitch (but only where the thickness of the branches reaches 2-4 cm).

A month later, dormant buds on the shoots awaken, and a renewal process begins, which lasts for a year. Heavily frozen or very old bushes are cut at a height of 30-40 cm from the ground - one half of the bush in the first year, and the second - in the next.

Important!Rhododendrons have a characteristic feature: in one year they bloom and bear fruit quite generously, and the next year they are already much more modest. To get rid of such periodicity, it is necessary to break off wilted inflorescences immediately after flowering. Then the rhododendron will use its strength and nutrition to form flower buds for the next year.

Preparing for winter and sheltering rhododendron

It is necessary to prepare the rhododendron for winter in advance. To do this, from the end of summer, you should stop fertilizing the plant with nitrogen, and switch to potash fertilizers(this will help ripen late growths). You can also add colloidal sulfur to the soil, which will acidify the soil and slow down the growth of fungi.

Rhododendron flowers are considered popular and interesting plants that adorn any garden. They belong to the genus of deciduous or semi-deciduous trees and shrubs. They belong to the Vereskov family. The literal translation of the name of this plant is rosewood, since the inflorescences really resemble unique and attractive roses in appearance.

Rhododendrons

Note! Rhododendron flowers can vary significantly in size and shape, as well as in color, which allows you to choose the best type of plant for each grower.

Description of rhododendron

In nature, rhododendrons grow in Japan and the Himalayas, and are also found in North America and South China. Often grow on the coast of different seas, rivers or oceans.

The features of garden rhododendrons include:

is a shrub equipped with leaves of different configurations and dimensions, and shrubs can be annuals, biennials or perennials;
there are sessile or petiolate, as well as serrate or ovate leaves;
rhododendron is incredibly popular due to the attractive appearance of the leaves, but flowers with a white, pink, purple or red tint are considered the most beautiful;
flowers are collected in brushes or shields, so they form rather large bouquets that amaze with their decorativeness and sophistication;
rhododendron flowers can have a different shape, which depends entirely on the variety and type of plant, so they can be funnel-shaped or tubular, bell-shaped or wheel-shaped;
in many varieties, flowers have a unique pleasant aroma;
as a fruit, five-leaved boxes, which contain many seeds, act;
rhododendron seeds do not exceed 2 mm in length;
the root system of the plant is compact;
the roots are located on the surface of the earth, so transplanting a rhododendron is a simple and quick job.

Note! This flower is in demand in areas where beekeeping apiaries are arranged, since the rhododendron is an early spring honey plant.

Types and varieties of rhododendron

There are a huge number of different types of rhododendron, but the most popular are:

Dahurian rhododendron. It is found in nature near coniferous forests or on rocks. It is represented by an evergreen shrub, characterized by significant branching and medium height. Its height varies from 2 to 4 m. It has gray bark and long branches pointing upwards. The leaves are small in size, as they usually do not exceed 3 cm in length. Moreover, the plates are smooth on top and scaly on the bottom. Some leaves do stay on the shrub throughout the winter. The flowering of this rhododendron lasts about 3 weeks, and the inflorescences appear before the direct blooming of the leaves. The flowers are funnel-shaped and purple-pink. Their size in diameter reaches 4 cm. Flowering is often repeated in autumn time. The species is considered resistant to frost and propagated by cuttings.

Daurian rhododendron (Rhododendron dauricum)

Japanese rhododendron. This species grows naturally in Japan, and is considered one of the most attractive and interesting. It is represented by a branched shrub, the height of which is within 2 meters. It has bare shoots, and some may have silver bristles. The leaves of this rhododendron are green in color and oblong in shape. They have soft pubescence on both sides. In autumn, they acquire a reddish tint. The flowers are bell-shaped, and their size is about 8 cm in diameter. They are collected in racemose inflorescences of about 8 pieces. They have an orange or red tint.

Japanese rhododendron (Rhododendron japonicum)

Hybrid. This includes many varieties obtained as a result of the combination different types rhododendron. The most popular varieties are: Blue Peter, Alfred and Rose Marie.

Rhododendron Blue Peter (Rhododendron Blue Peter)

Rhododendron Alfred (Rhododendron Alfred)

Rhododendron Rose Marie (Rhododendron Rose Marie)

Thus, before directly acquiring a certain type or variety of rhododendron, one should decide which variety is optimal for growing.

Rhododendron - planting

Russian climatic conditions are considered not very suitable for this plant, therefore, only winter-hardy varieties. The procedure for planting a plant is accompanied by certain features:

it is recommended to plant rhododendrons in the ground between the beginning of April and mid-May, and it is also allowed to carry out the process in the fall, namely in October;
it is not allowed to plant during the flowering period, so this process is usually carried out 2 weeks after it ends;
for planting rhododendron, it is desirable to choose shaded areas of the territory, therefore the northern side of the building is considered optimal;
loose soil with a high acidity index is prepared, and it is desirable to additionally add humus to it;
the soil must be well-drained;
if groundwater is located close to the surface of the earth, then it is recommended to plant rhododendron using a raised bed;
it is optimal to plant a plant next to oak or larch, as well as other trees whose roots go deep into the ground;
for planting a rhododendron, an optimal planting pit is created, the diameter of which is approximately 60 cm;
its depth should be approximately 40 cm;
a mixture of peat and loam is poured into it, since these components are considered optimal for creating a high-quality planting mixture;
this mixture is well rammed in a hole, after which a hole is made in it, the dimensions of which are completely equal to the root whoa of the prepared seedling;
it is recommended to prepare rhododendron seedlings well, for which they are lowered into the water before planting and kept there until air bubbles appear on the surface;
the roots of the plant descend into the prepared hole, after which the hole is covered with a substrate;
it is well rammed, since voids are not allowed;
if the soil was not moistened in advance, after planting the rhododendron is well watered with water, and it is important that the soil is moistened by about 20 cm in depth;
the trunk circle is mulched with peat, and oak leaves or moss are also used for this;
if a rhododendron seedling was purchased, equipped with a large number of buds, then some of them are eliminated so that all the forces of the plant are directed to rooting;
to protect against the wind, it is recommended to use a support, and it leans towards the winds, and it is removed after the rhododendron bush is well rooted.

Note! With the correct planting process, the root neck of the seedling is at ground level.

Rhododendron - care

These plants are considered easy to care for, so light actions are performed for optimal growth:

it is not allowed to loosen or dig up the soil next to the rhododendron bushes, as the roots located near the surface of the earth can be easily damaged;
weeds are removed exclusively by hand, so you can not use a chopper or other auxiliary tools;
rhododendron is considered a specific plant that needs a lot of moisture, not only in the soil, but also in the atmosphere, and this is especially true during the period when buds are formed or the flower begins to bloom;
it is recommended to water the flowers with exceptionally soft and settled water;
it is allowed to add a little peat to the water a day before its use;
the number of waterings of rhododendron is quite easy to determine after examining the condition of the leaves, since if they become dull, then it is necessary to water them;
it is necessary to water with a significant amount of water in order to shed the soil to a depth of about 30 cm, but it is not allowed to flood the roots heavily, as this can lead to lowering and folding of the leaves;
it is recommended to additionally spray rhododendron leaves in hot weather;
pruning of the plant is minimal, since the bushes themselves form an attractive and regular shape, but sometimes it is necessary to cut excessively tall bushes;
frozen shoots are removed by pruning, and this process must be performed in early spring;
slices are processed with garden pitch;
top dressing is certainly introduced for all rhododendrons, and this process must be carried out in early spring and in the middle of summer after the end of flowering;
it is desirable for this plant to use liquid fertilizers obtained using hornmeal and cow dung;
water the plant well before using top dressing;
rhododendrons are grown in acidic soil, so fertilizers suitable for such soil are selected.

Note! A specific feature of rhododendron is that in one year it strikes with abundant and attractive flowering, but the next year, fruiting and flowering worsen, and in order to prevent such consequences, it is recommended to remove wilted inflorescences after flowering, as this will lead to the fact that all the forces of the plant will be directed to the formation of new kidneys.

Thus, there are no particular difficulties with the care of rhododendrons, so if you carefully study all the rules, they will always delight you with abundant and beautiful flowering.

Rhododendron after flowering

In autumn, it is required to water the plants well in dry weather. If the rains are regular, then you can not water the rhododendrons at all. In November, the bushes are insulated next to the roots, for which a fairly dense layer of peat is used.

For optimal wintering, it is recommended to cover the plants with burlap, under which spruce or pine branches are laid. Such a shelter is removed in early spring after the snow melts.

Diseases and pests of rhododendrons

Often on the plant there are pests:

spider mites, bedbugs and weevils, and they should be destroyed with diazinon;
flies and mealybugs, as well as snails, scale insects and other pests are removed by karbofos.

Fungal diseases in rhododendrons are common, which include cancer, rust, or leaf spot. Usually their appearance is associated with poor aeration of the roots. To eliminate diseases, copper sulfate or other special preparations are used.

From chlorosis, rhododendrons turn yellow, therefore, when watering, it is recommended to use water with the addition of iron. Cancer-affected shoots are removed, and the entire plant is treated with Bordeaux liquid for prevention.

Rhododendron in the Moscow region

Many people are interested in the possibility of growing rhododendron in the Moscow region, as this plant is striking in its sophistication and attractiveness, so it can become an ornament to any site.

Note! Many people acquire a plant, plant it in the territory and observe the attenuation of the rhododendron, and this is due to improper care of it.

The main features of growing a flower in the Moscow region include:

selected exclusively frost-resistant varieties that withstand a significant drop in temperature;
landing is carried out in the spring and in a place where there is partial shade;
the close proximity of the rhododendron to other flowers is not desirable, so a distance of about 1 m is left between them;
it is recommended to purchase a special soil designed for rhododendrons;
a hole for planting is made 2 times larger than the root system of an existing seedling;
if there is clay soil, then a drainage layer is made at the bottom of the landing pit;
it is not allowed to significantly deepen the root neck of the rhododendron;
the seedling is watered after planting;
balanced, regular and deep watering is certainly carried out;
if a lot of sunlight gets on the rhododendron, it is recommended to cover it with gauze or mesh;
circles are mulched next to the plant, but it is not allowed to loosen or dig up the flower.

Thus, the key to effective and optimal growth and development of rhododendron in the Moscow region is its competent planting and proper care.

Properties of rhododendron

Rhododendron has not only an attractive and unique appearance, but also some useful properties. These include:

ascorbic acid is present in some varieties, and its content is maximum in summer;
rhododendron is used to reduce pressure, get rid of edema and shortness of breath, and also helps to remove excess fluid from the body;
can be used as an antipyretic and analgesic;
used for sedation.

Note! Rhododendron is not a harmless plant, therefore it is forbidden to take it to pregnant and lactating women, as well as people with kidney disease.

Rhododendron flowers - photo

Rhododendron Mother's Day

So the rhododendron is beautiful plant, for the growth and flowering of which requires optimal care. With a competent approach, a truly attractive and bright plant is obtained, which becomes a real decoration of the territory. It can be used to treat various diseases due to its many beneficial properties.

These shrubs are great when in bloom. At the beginning of the 19th century, the gardens of Russia for the first time began to decorate rhododendrons. Varieties, cultivation in open field, planting, care, reproduction: we cultivate rhododendrons according to all the rules.

Description of rhododendron: varieties and varieties

The genus of rhododendrons is quite extensive - more than 1,000 species, which include diverse varieties of this wonderful plant. The natural distribution area of rhododendrons is limited to eastern countries: China, Japan, Korea, the Himalayas; some varieties of the plant are found in the Caucasus, North America, northern Africa and Australia. On European territory, two varieties of rhododendron grow in the mountainous regions of Germany.

Rhododendron - a magnificent plant with a long flowering period

The culture belongs to flowering deciduous or evergreen shrubs of the heather family. The branches of the plant may have a smooth bark or pubescence. Leathery, dark green small ovate leaves sometimes have pubescence. Flowers are bell-shaped, funnel-shaped, simple and double. The color of the petals varies depending on the variety: white, pink, lilac, red, purple. Modern varieties of rhododendron have a yellow and orange color. Numerous small seeds ripen in boxes.

Rhododendrons, the most suitable for cultivation in Russia, are limited to 26 species belonging to three groups of plants.

Evergreens are tall shrubs that do not shed dark leathery foliage even in winter. Large flowers painted in different colors and tone. Growing evergreen rhododendrons in the open field requires compliance with a number of necessary rules: plants are placed in places with scattered shadow; the soil for them should include a large amount of peat.

Rhododendron evergreen

Tip: It is important to choose the right neighborhood for evergreen rhododendron species, especially when designing territories in landscape design. It can be all types of conifers, heather, ferns grown in the open field.

Intermediate (semi-evergreen) - low shrubs that winter well under a layer of snow. The plant is characterized by a compact form, a huge number of flowers during the flowering period. AT winter period the main part of the leathery leaves falls off, only a whorl of leaves remains at the ends of the branches, from the center of which new foliage grows.

semi-evergreen rhododendron

Deciduous - rhododendrons of this group are most adapted to the conditions of the Russian climate. Growing these plants is not difficult, and the plants themselves do not need to specially adapt in the winter. Flowering in spring, repeated in autumn.

Rhododendron deciduous, grade "Fireworks"

Planting a plant

Rhododendron: planting and caring for plants in compliance with agrotechnical rules - transplanting plants in spring and autumn is allowed. In autumn - in any of the three months, in spring - in warm, settled weather, when the soil is no longer frozen (usually April or May).

The choice of a place for planting a plant must be carried out with great care. Planting rhododendrons should be protected from the prevailing wind and direct sunlight. It is important that the bush is available for viewing, then decorative look plants during the flowering period will decorate the territory and delight the eye.

Tip: before planting a plant from a container in open ground, it should be thoroughly saturated with water.

A landing pit for rhododendron bushes is prepared based on the actual size of the root system, and should be 2 times larger in volume. Natural soil should be removed completely. For planting a plant, it is required to prepare a special earthen consisting in equal parts of heather land; peat; garden soil or leaf humus; rotted manure; needles (pine).

It is very important to plant the plant correctly, then it will quickly take root.

The prepared pit is filled with a mixture, a place is prepared in it for planting a rhododendron bush, which must be placed strictly vertically. The soil around the root system of the plant must be tightly compressed - the formation of voids and "pockets" in the planting soil is not allowed. At high level ground water, it is necessary to provide for laying a special drainage layer at the bottom of the pit. Upper layer soil after planting should be mulched with peat chips.

Rhododendron: proper watering

Watering of the planted plant is carried out at the time of planting - plentiful, sufficient to moisten the soil to a depth of 20-30 cm. Subsequent watering of the rhododendron should be done with soft, acidified water, with complete soil moisture.

Tip: When planting a plant with buds, it is necessary to remove most of them.

plant care

A transplanted plant requires attention and careful care. In addition to regular abundant watering, rhododendron requires spraying on the foliage, especially when planted later. spring time. The soil needs to be mulched to retain sufficient moisture. When mulching, you should choose options that increase the acidity of the soil.

The plant needs regular watering.

The root system of rhododendrons consists of delicate, thin hairs that look like tangled hair, so loosening the soil, especially deep soil, should be excluded from flower care measures. Weeds growing near the plant must be removed periodically.

The appearance of the plant will immediately report a lack or excess of water - the leaves of the rhododendron will begin to turn yellow and fall off. Watering is required to be carried out in sufficient quantities, but without overflow, this is one of the main rules for caring for a crop.

To provide proper care for rhododendron, it is important to carry out timely pruning of overgrown bushes. Places of cuts to prevent infection of the plant are smeared with paint or garden pitch.

Bushes need to be trimmed periodically

Compliance with simple requirements for caring for a plant will allow you to grow a wonderful flowering bush.

Fertilizer and top dressing of rhododendron

In the first year, transplanted plants already require careful fertilization, which is applied in highly diluted form, in small portions. The plant itself will signal the need for fertilizer: it will stop growing, shed its foliage or the leaves will change color, the formation of flower buds will stop.

Organic fertilizer for feeding rhododendron bushes - semi-decomposed manure that needs to be infused in water. Top dressing is carried out aqueous solution manure. To increase the formation of flower buds, as well as extend the flowering time, apply granular superphosphate, or double superphosphate, which crumbles into damp soil under plants. Useful for the plant and fertilizing with microelements - fertilizers are applied in the form of watering or spraying the green mass of the bush. Intensively fertilize the bushes until the end of August.

Rhododendron before flowering

Reproduction of rhododendron

Growing a rhododendron involves propagating the plant by layering and seeds, dividing the bush, grafting, and cuttings.

Reproduction by seeds- a great way to get plants with improved traits. Sowing is carried out from the end of December to the end of March. The second period suitable for seed propagation of rhododendrons is the end of November.

Sowing seeds is carried out in shallow bowls or boxes filled with a nutrient mixture of peat, sand, coniferous and soddy soil, taken in equal proportions. Seeds are pre-soaked for a day. Sowing is carried out on the top layer of soil, without embedding deep into the ground. Sowing is moistened by spraying. It is required to provide seedlings with 12-hour illumination with fluorescent lamps. The timing of seed germination depends on the variety. The first flowering of seedlings is possible in 3-4 years.

Rhododendron seeds

This method has its advantages, but with seed propagation of rhododendrons, it takes up to 5-6 years to obtain full-fledged plants.

New plants can be obtained faster with vegetative methods of crop propagation: cuttings, division of the bush, rooting of cuttings.

Diseases and pests

Fulfillment of the requirements for agricultural technology of rhododendrons guarantees excellent growth and development of plants. However, repeated waterlogging or overdrying of the soil, alkaline reaction soil, sunburn leaves, can provoke a surge in crop diseases.

Plants can be damaged by blotches, rust and chlorosis. Disease control measures – improvement of plant conditions, application of special means to fight disease. Often diseases of rhododendrons are caused by pathogenic fungi: gray rot, fusarium, late blight.

Spotting - a fungal disease of rhododendron

Pests that damage rhododendrons: slugs and snails that eat young leaves and buds. The collection of these pests is done manually. In addition, the plant is harmed by: bugs (rhododendron), spider mite, mealybug, weevils, scale insects, rhododendron fly. Getting rid of pests is not difficult with the use of systemic insecticides.

Rhododendron: combination with other plants

Planting plants in combination with conifers and a group of heathers has a positive effect on the development of rhododendrons. In this case, you should remember the height of the rhododendron bush. Low cultivars should be located away from the dense shade of mature trees, but avoiding direct sunlight.

Blooming rhododendron perfectly sets off coniferous plants

An excellent combination is observed when shade-loving ferns and hosts are located next to the rhododendrons.

In landscape design, rhododendron is an indispensable attribute for planting in partial shade. The huge advantages of the plant are its long and very decorative flowering. Rhododendrons are widely used in the design of heather gardens, as an addition to planting pine groves. The plant looks great in mono plantings.

Rhododendron in landscape design

Low-growing varieties of rhododendrons are planted near alpine hills, in mixborders and in decorative flower beds.

Planting a garden rhododendron: video

Types of rhododendron: photo

The rhododendron plant is represented by a wide variety of species - it can be a shrub, a semi-shrub and even a tree. Their dimensions can be quite different: from small, creeping shrubs to tree-like varieties growing up to 30 meters in height. There are representatives with leaves falling for the winter and evergreen specimens. This genus also includes indoor azalea. The distribution area is also very extensive: from Asia to North America.

This plant belongs to the Heather family. The flowers that adorn the rhododendron shrub are tiny or very large, up to 20 cm in diameter. Color pleases with a variety of shades. Petals most often fold into a pipe, forming funnel-shaped flowers, collected in lush inflorescences. In beauty, they are not inferior to the queen of flowers - the rose. The leaves also vary greatly in shape and arrangement on the stem.

Types and varieties of culture

pink rhododendron tree

Pink rhododendron has incredible beauty: planting and caring for it does not cause any problems. This species has become one of the most favorite among gardeners. It is often called rosewood as it can reach two to three meters in height and is lavishly decorated with bright, pink-purple flowers that form beautiful inflorescences of 5-9 pieces that exude a wonderful aroma. It grows slowly, during the year the shoots grow only 5-8 cm. It sheds foliage for the winter, winters well, tolerates frosts down to -30 ° C.

Varieties of pink rhododendron

Beautiful pink-colored rhododendron Amoena planting and caring for which will allow you to get a whole cloud of pink flowers, is characterized by the fact that it belongs to the evergreen varieties. An equally remarkable variety from this category is the Pierce American Beauty rhododendron: planting and caring for which does not differ from the standard approaches to keeping other members of the genus.

This shrub grows up to 1.8 m, and in breadth it will grow up to 3 meters. During flowering, it is covered with raspberry-pink balls of inflorescences, in which you can count up to 18 beautiful, bell-shaped flowers. The diameter of each of them is about 7 cm, in shape they resemble a wide funnel. The upper petals are decorated with dark brown dots. The bush blooms for a long time and plentifully, for 20 days delighting the soul with its magnificence.

Rules for planting rhododendron at their summer cottage

In order for the care of the rhododendron to give good results, it is necessary to approach the choice of a site for its placement with all responsibility.

Correctly carried out planting of rhododendron and caring for it in the future, in compliance with simple rules, will ensure lush bloom shrub. Russian climatic conditions are not suitable for all types of plants. Therefore, you should choose cold-resistant varieties suitable for temperate latitudes. There are a great many of them, and some of them have been mentioned above.

Site selection and neighbors

It all starts with the selection of a site in the garden, where the shrub will grow for many years. Here you need to take into account several points. Firstly, the roots of the plant spread almost at the very surface of the earth. Therefore, the garden rhododendron is demanding of its neighbors: planting and caring for it include a mandatory item - a careful selection of the environment. It depends on this whether the shrub will develop normally, whether it will not burn out, as well as the quality of its flowering.

Which neighbors are best?

It is categorically contraindicated to plant rhododendron next to trees with superficial roots - spruce, linden. It is not recommended to place shrubs near birch, maple, aspen, chestnut. They will leave no chance for the rhododendron to get water and useful material in full. It is best to plant it next to a pine or oak, as their rhizomes go deep underground. You can plant seedlings in the vicinity of fruit trees, but in such a way that they are not in constant shadow from the crown.

Choosing a suitable site

Regarding the choice of site, it must be reliably protected from the wind and the scorching sun. It is advisable to protect the branches of the plant from the aggressive effects of sunlight in the summer at noon and daytime. You can plant a plant next to a fence or wall of a house facing north or northeast. No matter how strange it may seem, but it is these cardinal points - the best choice for rhododendron.

Why north or northeast?

The fact is that the plant has a property that everyone who is going to plant it needs to know about, so as not to ask later the question: why does the rhododendron not bloom, and its leaves burn? The bush forms buds in late summer and during autumn. They produce the most beautiful flowers in spring. During last days winters - the first spring days, the kidneys, under the influence of the bright sun, begin to actively lose moisture. With sunny February and March, they may become completely dehydrated.

Before the roots wake up (and this will happen no earlier than April), the embryos of future buds may completely lose their ability to bloom. For the same reason, the foliage burns. Therefore, it is very important to protect the shrub from the early, active exposure to the sun's rays in the spring. Otherwise, it will be possible not to wait for flowering from the bush, or it will bloom its flowers - bluebells only on the north side.

Planting rules

It is best to plant rhododendrons in the spring. The root system of the bush does not differ in large dimensions, so it will be necessary to prepare a hole for it, 0.5 m deep, 0.7-0.8 m in diameter. If it is planned to plant several bushes, then, depending on the variety, it is necessary to leave a distance of 0.8-2 m so that the plants do not overlap each other with a crown in the future.

Plants of this genus love watering, but do not live in permanently waterlogged soil. This must be taken into account and lay out drainage at the bottom of the dug hole. Its layer should be about 18 cm. After that, the soil is laid, consisting of peat, deciduous forest land and coniferous litter. All components are taken in a ratio of 2:3:1 and thoroughly mixed. A bush is planted in the prepared hole. Its neck should not go deep into the ground, it should rise a few centimeters above the ground level. The soil surrounding the planted bush needs to be pressed down a little and watered thoroughly.

Features of care in the open field

The rhododendron will not require much work and effort from the gardener: planting and care in the open field involves a classic set of techniques.

The most important of them is top dressing, since the root system is very close to the soil surface and cannot get nutrients from the deep bowels of the earth. Ash should immediately be excluded from the list of suitable dressings for the plant. It lowers the acidity of the soil, due to which the foliage on the bushes may turn yellow. What is the best fertilizer for rhododendrons?

Regular plant nutrition

Speaking about how to feed the rhododendron, you should first of all pay attention to the incompletely rotted coniferous soil, similar to peat with the remains of pine needles. It will not only even out the acidity of the soil, give useful substances to the plant, but also act as a mulching agent. You can also use ordinary peat, which, like coniferous humus, must be laid out around the shrub, trying not to sprinkle the outlet from which the branches grow. From industrial preparations for nourishment vitality plants use Kemira-universal granular top dressing or any liquid mineral fertilizers suitable for this species.

Rules for watering and irrigating crops

The plant loves watering, it is especially important to ensure that the soil around the bush does not dry out in the first year of life. Plain tap water not suitable for rhododendron. Its composition is too heavy for him. It is better to use rain or river water, as it is softer. From time to time, the irrigation liquid is acidified with the help of preparations that can be purchased at specialized stores. However, if top dressing is used, made specifically for rhododendrons, and constant mulching with coniferous humus is carried out, it is not necessary to acidify the soil.

Spraying and loosening the bush

Rhododendrons prefer moist air. It has been noticed that more lush inflorescences open where there are water bodies nearby. If such "natural moisturizers" are not available, then once every 7 days it is necessary to spray the plant. Water requirements remain the same as for irrigation. It is better to spray the plants in the morning or evening hours, when there is no scorching sun. The earth near the shrub does not loosen, because nearby, superficial roots can be damaged. It is better to carefully remove weeds by hand, so as not to hurt root system shrub.

Propagation of a rhododendron plant

There are several ways to propagate rhododendron. Before propagating rhododendron, it is necessary to determine the purpose of breeding. If the grower plans to get a new plant that completely matches the original variety, then the bush should be propagated vegetatively using layering or cuttings. When breeding wild varieties of shrubs, you can use the seeds of the mother plant.

Breeding using seeds

In the spring, seeds are planted in separate containers or containers with soil. The soil is prepared from two components - peat and sand. They are taken in equal proportions. It is not necessary to deepen the seeds, they are simply scattered on the surface of the substrate and crushed with a small amount of river sand. Then the earth is watered in boxes. Tap water should be slightly acidified with oxalic acid. It is bred in a minimal amount - only 3-4 grams per ten-liter bucket. The boxes are wrapped in foil and placed in heat.

Seedling care in spring and summer

After 20 days - 1 month, the first shoots of seedlings will appear. The film is removed, and the boxes are placed in a cool room (t- + 8 ° С - + 12 ° С). Watering is done in pallets. When the soil mixture is completely saturated, the water from the pallets is drained. For the summer, containers with young seedlings are taken out to Fresh air by placing them out of direct sunlight. For the first time, seedlings dive in June. At the same time, they are placed, retreating 1.5 cm from the previous sprout.

Seedling care in winter

For the winter period, they are brought into the house and arrange wintering for them at t- + 18 ° С. At this time, they need supplementary lighting with fluorescent lamps. Light day for normal seedling growth lasts at least 16 hours a day. At the end of winter, the plants dive for the second time. Now the distance between the seedlings should expand to 3-4 cm. After three years, the shoots move to permanent place growth.

Cuttings of rhododendron at home

When cuttings, flowering will come the very next year. Cuttings are cut from stems that are half lignified. Their length is 5-8 cm, the lower edge is cut obliquely. The foliage located below is cut off, and 2-3 leaves on top are not removed. Seedlings are placed in containers with a mixture of sand and peat (equal proportions), or from three parts of sawdust of tree species and 1 part of river sand. At the same time, they are not buried directly, but at an angle, the angle of which should be within 30 ° C. The earth around them is a little tamped and a polyethylene shelter is built.

The temperature during rooting should be about +24 ° C. Do not forget about additional lighting and maintaining good humidity. Rooted cuttings are transplanted into boxes with a soil mixture of peat and coniferous litter (2: 1) and kept at a temperature of + 8 ° C - + 12 ° C until spring. 14 days after transplanting into boxes, they are fertilized with urea (solution concentration -2%). With the onset of stable spring heat, the finished seedlings are planted in the ground.

Indoor rhododendron: why is the azalea whimsical?

The azalea flower is sometimes called the indoor rhododendron: planting and caring for it at home often fails, as all the conditions necessary for it are not met. In most cases, it grows in mountainous areas, which determines its love for humid and cool air and acidic soil. In apartment conditions, it is difficult to find a room with t + 10 ° С -15 ° С, where azaleas will be comfortable. Besides being dry warm air destructive to the flower in itself, it also causes some diseases of the domestic rhododendron, such as, for example, spider mites. Therefore, choosing this capricious flower, you must immediately make sure that the plant lives "with convenience", otherwise all efforts will be reduced to zero.