Plant a rhododendron bush in spring. When is the best time to plant a rhododendron? When a plant blooms, the shape of the flower

Rhododendron is a wonderful plant of the heather family, which, however, is not easy to grow in our northern latitudes. Their homeland is the Mediterranean, so they are very thermophilic and do not tolerate Russian winters. "Sissy", in a word. In order for them to take root, proper care and adherence to proper agricultural practices are needed.
But this flower is so charming that everything more experienced and beginner flower growers try their hand at its cultivation. It should be noted that there are a lot of pitfalls and nuances in the care of rhododendron. Let's list some of them.

Selection of planting material

There are several winter-hardy species of this evergreen plant that have a chance to survive even with not very skillful care. These include the following species: Katevbinsky, deciduous Schlippenbach and Japanese.

in the wild grows in North America in the highlands of North Carolina, where the Katevba River originates, which gave it its specific name. It grows well in the shade on acidic or slightly acidic soils. Handles our winters very well. The height of the bush is 2-4 meters, the leaves are leathery, dark green, 15 cm long. The flowers are large, very beautiful lilac-purple in color, up to 15 cm in diameter. Recommended for group and single plantings in gardens and forest edges in the northwestern zone of Russia .

grows in the forests of Korea, Japan, Northeast China and Western Primorye. The name is obliged to the Russian naval officer and traveler - Schlippenbach A.V. Frost-resistant, shoots appear annually. It can propagate by rooting branches and seeds. The height of a cultivated plant reaches 1.6 m. The leaves are wide, falling, in autumn they turn into bright yellow-red colors. The flowers are large (up to 10 cm in diameter), the color is pale pink, diluted with purple specks.

grows on the sun-drenched mountainous slopes of the island of Honshu. Winter-hardy, photophilous. Well propagated by cuttings and seeds. Very handsome. During the flowering period, from a distance it looks like a flame of a bright fire. Moreover, it remains so until late autumn, due to the coloring of the leaves in orange-red tones. Flowers with a tart aroma, large, orange hues. In beauty during the flowering period, it surpasses all other species that can grow in central Russia. The bush grows very dense due to strong branching and reaches a height of up to 2 meters.

Successful cultivation of rhododendron largely depends on the place of purchase. planting material. The best option– nurseries or experienced growers who can give helpful tips on cultivation techniques and wintering rules specifically for your region. Beginners may be advised to start by planting and growing exactly the species, and not a specific variety of rhododendron. The species is less capricious and more winter-hardy than the variety obtained on its basis. And although the varieties are more attractive due to the huge variety of shades, the species are also distinguished by a riot of all kinds of colors.

But plants bought at markets or gardening fairs have much less chances. This is because sellers often simply do not know what types and varieties of rhododendrons they are selling. In summer, such plants will bloom and decorate your garden, but only for one season. They may not survive the winter.

For breeding, two- or four-year-old bushes are best suited. In seedlings, you need to pay attention to the bushiness of the cuttings (the most tenacious ones begin to branch immediately at the root neck) and to the leaves (there should be no spots or swellings). Inspection of the roots is also required - wet blotches and knots are unacceptable.

Soil and place for rhododendrons

Rhododendrons love acidic soils and are tolerant of waterlogging. it shade-loving plants, which many flower growers simply do not know about. Planting bushes in the open areas of their garden, they wait for years for flowering, which may never come. However, it has been noticed that competent transplants only benefit this plant. Therefore, do not be afraid to experiment with the choice and change of landing site. True, we are talking about well-rooted perennials. Keep in mind that root system in rhododendrons it is superficial and very compact. It won't be hard to dig it out.

When planting a rhododendron, it is very important to pay attention to neighboring plants that will surround the "rose tree". Trees with a shallow root system are undesirable, which will leave it without nutrients. Bad neighbors for rhododendron: oak, birch, willow, maple and some other trees. good neighbors: sprawling apple trees, pears, pines, spruces, larches. Some types of deciduous "pink trees" can also be planted in open areas (Daurian, Kamchatka, Canadian), but even they grow better in scattered shade. AT landing pit it would be nice to add a mixture of peat and rotted compost soil in a ratio of 3: 1. Planting rhododendrons in the soil is done up to the level of the root collar. From above, you can fill it with sawdust with a layer of 5-7 cm. Before planting, be sure to shake the roots with your hands so that they straighten out.

Rhododendron Care

In summer, caring for rhododendrons is simple: removing wilted inflorescences, regular watering and frequent spraying of plants in hot weather jets of water. tap water with bleach and lime for watering these capricious plants totally unsuitable. The best option: rain, melt or running water. Rhododendrons tolerate only soft water, which lathers well and does not form scale on electrical appliances. Rhododendrons respond well to top dressing before flowering, immediately after it and in late summer - early autumn.

For top dressing, there is a special instant fertilizer for rhododendrons (20-30 grams per 1 liter of water). You can add 5-10 grams of any nitrogen fertilizer. From autumn feeding nitrogen must be excluded, and 30 g of superphosphate should be added under each bush with the addition of 15 g of potassium sulfate. Be sure to mulch the soil under them with softwood sawdust twice a year - in early spring (as the snow melts) and at the end of summer. The benefit is double: the soil will not dry out, and coniferous sawdust will reduce its acidity. In addition, the mulch is well protected from weeds.

Preparation of rhododendrons for winter and shelter for the winter season

Here it is necessary to make a reservation. They need to be prepared for winter everywhere, but the timing of its start for different regions is different. In conditions middle lane the beginning should be considered the first days of August. In a dry autumn, abundant watering is needed - at least 10-12 liters of water for each adult plant. After the onset of the first frost, rhododendrons should be covered with burlap, lightly tying the branches with twine. It is necessary to remove the cover in early spring, after the snow has melted. This is necessary to ventilate the bushes. It is better to do this on a cloudy day, as spring sun can harm a bush that has not yet awakened.

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. natural area the distribution 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 the 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 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 - tall shrubs, which even in winter do not shed dark leathery foliage. 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) - not tall shrubs wintering well under a layer of snow. The plant is characterized by a compact form, huge amount flowers during the flowering period. In winter, 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 equal parts from 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 groundwater, laying a special drainage layer at the bottom of the pit should be provided. 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

The transplanted plant needs attention and meticulous care. In addition to the 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 it is important to follow the rhododendron timely pruning 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 leaves or the leaves will change color, the formation will stop. flower buds.

Organic fertilizer for feeding rhododendron bushes - semi-decomposed manure that needs to be infused in water. Top dressing is carried out with an aqueous solution of manure. To increase the formation of flower buds, as well as to prolong the flowering period, granular superphosphate, or double superphosphate, is used, which is scattered on the moist soil under the 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 overmoistening or overdrying of the soil, alkaline reaction of the soil, sunburn of the 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, rhododendra 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 slides, in mixborders and decorative flower beds.

Planting a garden rhododendron: video

Types of rhododendron: photo

Rhododendron is a magnificent plant in its decorative effect and variety of species. Many gardeners are sure that it is very difficult to grow it because of its exotic origin. In fact, if you follow a fairly simple and clear rules, you can become the owner of a handsome man even in areas with a rather harsh climate, for example, in central Russia, namely, in the Moscow region.

Origin, natural habitat

Rhododendrons is the name of a genus that includes many species of deciduous, semi-evergreen and evergreen shrubs and trees.

To create the most favorable environment for development, it is worth remembering their habitat. The geography of distribution is quite wide. These amazing shrubs prefer places with high humidity- coasts of seas, oceans, large rivers. You can meet them in semi-shaded areas or on the northern slopes of the mountains. The soil in the growing areas has an acidic environment, is rich in nutrients and passes moisture well.

Varieties for central Russia

For landing in the Moscow region, you need to choose only frost-resistant varieties. Here is some of them.

Rhododendron, further r. Ledebour;
R. Katevbinsky and its hybrids;
R. Smirnov and hybrids;
R. short-fruited;
R. largest;
R. Golden;
R. Canadian;
R. Schlippenbach;
R. Vazeya;
R. Pukhansky;
R. Adhesive;
R. Pink.

R. "Costerianum";
R. Japanese;
R. Kamchatka;
R. yellow;
R. alpine (dwarf).

Rules and place of landing

most pernicious natural factors for rhododendrons are wind and excess sun. Therefore, a protected place is chosen for planting, on the north or northeast side of the house or fence, which will be shaded from the scorching sun. Exotics suffer not only from summer, but also from early spring sunlight.

The buds of rhododendron, formed back in August, often burn in the spring sun, which warms enough already at the end of February. As a result, the bush blooms only with north side and where he was covered with snow.

To prevent this from happening, the rhododendron needs care. In early spring, it is necessary to shade with shields from the south and west sides. This is done with the help of a shading material, which is securely fastened to stakes driven into the ground, 1.5 times higher than the rhododendron. At the bottom and top, be sure to leave gaps for ventilation. For shading, improvised materials are used: lutrasil (density 60 g per m 2) or spunbond, burlap (stretched in a double layer).

Rhododendron can be planted near other trees, remembering that bad neighbors for them are trees with a shallow root system. The battle for moisture nutrients will end in the death of your pets. These include spruce, chestnut, linden, birch, maple. But the neighborhood of pine, oak, fruit trees is quite acceptable. The crowns of the trees should not overshadow the undersized shrubs.

As for the root ball of rhododendron, it is compact, located close to the surface, so they tolerate transplanting well, regardless of age.

The soil

Particular attention must be paid to the soil in which the bushes will be planted. As mentioned above, they are suitable for loose soil with an acidic environment, good removal of excess moisture. Drying is also unacceptable. It is recommended to prepare such an earthen mixture: sour, red-colored high-moor peat with pH = 4.5 - 5.5, loam and pine needles in proportions 2:3:1. All components are important and necessary, because peat provides the necessary acidity and nutrition, loam does not allow the earth to dry out excessively, and pine needles make the lump loose and breathable.

Soil acidity is one of the most important conditions good growth shrub. Before planting a rhododendron in a chosen place, samples of the substrate are taken to determine it. Then they are mixed, and one st. The spoon is placed in a glass dish. Distilled water is also added here (four times the amount). Everything is thoroughly mixed and left for a couple of hours, sometimes shaking the mixture. Then indicator paper is moistened with it and the color of the paper is compared with the color of the scale. Thus, it is easy and simple to determine the pH at home.

If you find that the acidity of the soil is insufficient, it can be increased different ways:

For example, by adding sphagnum peat from raised bogs (its pH is 3.6-4.0), heather land.
You can also add chemical substances, such as aluminum sulphate A1 2 (SO 4) 3 (150 g per 1 m 2 of soil), concentrated sulfuric acid (5 ml per 10 l of water). Just remember that you must add acid to water, and not vice versa. And this must be done very carefully. Rhododendrons are watered with a mixture during the growing season several times. This will help maintain the pH of the soil.
Physiologically acidic fertilizers such as potassium sulphate (Sylvinite, Cainite, Kalimagnesia, Kalimag), superphosphate (Simple Superphosphate, Double Superphosphate, Phosphorite Flour), ammonium sulphate are also a good way to maintain soil pH.

Where is the best place to plant a rhododendron?

To remove excess moisture, it is better to plant rhododendron on hills so that in spring due to melt water the neck of the root did not get wet. To prevent the hillock from spreading, you can overlay it with stones, which, moreover, will harmoniously fit into the composition.

For landing:

dig a hole about 60x60 cm in size and 40 cm deep;
fill it with substrate components;
mix thoroughly;
rammed (this volume will require about 120 liters of ready-made earthen mixture, that is, 40 liters of peat, loam and needles each);
dig a hole to the size of the root ball and plant the plant in the ground (while making sure that the base of the root is not buried in the ground);
the soil around must be mulched with peat or needles, without filling its base.

Young specimens with an undeveloped root system can be planted in a smaller hole - 40x40cm and 30cm deep. The volume of the substrate for it is 25 liters. As the roots grow, the pit can be increased in width by pouring fresh earthen mixture.

It is better to plant a fragile tree in a protected, shaded corner of the garden, and only after 1-2 years plant it on permanent place.

Rhododendron Care

Rhododendrons do not require special care, if planted according to all the rules. The main components are watering and timely top dressing during the season.

Since these trees are moisture-loving, you need to make sure that they do not suffer from a lack of moisture, and also carry out regular watering with rainwater. At the same time, remember that excess water is also unacceptable, so do not fill the rhododendron too much. It is better to water little by little, but more often, so that the moisture has time to absorb. In August, watering is sharply reduced, or even stopped, so that the plant gradually begins to prepare for a state of rest. Care also includes the removal of weeds, but this can only be done by pulling them out, and the soil is not loosened.

top dressing

They have a very positive effect on the development of the plant. For dressings, special mineral fertilizers are suitable, both liquid and granular (Ammophos, Nitrofoska, Diammofoska). They are applied according to the instructions from the beginning of May to the end of June. Further, no top dressing is required until the next season.

In no case do not use ash as a fertilizer, as it alkalizes the soil, and the plants begin to suffer from chlorosis. Special acidifiers, for example, colloidal or ground sulfur, will help to correct the situation. To change the pH by one, sulfur is added at the rate of 40 g per 1 square meter of land. But we must remember that its action will not be momentary. In order to see the result immediately, it is worth using a chelated fertilizer (for example, Zircon, Domotsvet, Cytovit, Ferovit), which contains iron (for example, chelated iron).

When caring for rhododendron, excellent top dressing will also be fir branches with needles. Fertilizer is done like this:

cut the branches into pieces (1 cm long);
fall asleep in a container, pour cold water;
put on fire and boil for about 10 minutes;
leave under the lid for three days;
1 liter of broth is diluted in 10 liters of water and the bushes are added;
to reduce the acidity of top dressing, 1 tablespoon of creamy lime is added to 10 liters of solution.

Mulching

Rhododendron care includes annual mulching around the bushes. They cover the beds with synthetic or organic material in order to protect the plants from poor environmental conditions and enrich the soil.

They do it like this:

laying mulch preferably after rain;
before that, it is recommended to loosen the soil surface so that it does not compact;
a layer of mulch is from 4 to 9 centimeters;
organic mulch left in the garden all winter.

a deliberate choice of a variety, which must be winter-hardy, so that the plant overwinter without loss;
right choice landing sites: shaded from the midday sun in summer and sheltered from the winds in winter;
the optimal composition of the substrate (it is important to remember about acidity, the plant does not develop well on alkaline and slightly alkaline soils): high-moor peat, leafy soil, needles in proportions of 2: 3: 1;
regular watering (10-12 liters per tree two to three times a week);
ensuring the removal of excess moisture from the soil by planting on small hills, since the shrub does not respond well to excess moisture;
mandatory annual mulching;
exclude loosening the soil directly near the bush, because the root system is located close to the surface. Therefore, it is desirable to remove weeds near rhododendron bushes with your hands;
a well-thought-out feeding calendar with special fertilizers (for example, Gilea, Azalea).

Outcome

Even in a zone with such a harsh climate as the Moscow region, you can grow magnificent rhododendrons without undue effort and labor. The main thing is to carefully follow all the rules of planting and care, as well as to know how best to feed and how to properly mulch this exotic tree.

Clouds of blooming bushes of delicate pastel and bright colors decorate any place, be it a park, alley, slopes of alpine slides or a garden in a private courtyard. The rhododendron plant belongs to the heather family and was first cultivated by English homeowners, some in deference to beautiful flower call it alpine rose.

Russia allowed itself to be decorated with an airy and cloudy flower only in the 18th century. The harsh climate of the country scared away gardeners, but over time it became clear that the plant develops and grows without any problems if conditions are created for it to exist.

Decorative compositions from rhododendron

Group landings

To decorate recreation areas, parks, alleys, planting flowers in a group arrangement is suitable, spectacular plants emphasize the edges of paths, lawns. The flower loves wet places, so along the banks artificial reservoirs bred rhododendrons in the suburbs. Planting and care does not require much effort, and a majestic atmosphere appears in the park. The original enclosing borders are created by mass flowering plants.

When creating decorative groups, do not mix evergreen bushes with colored specimens. In the center of the composition are tall plants, along the edges they are emphasized by undersized species. A favorite technique of designers is the combination of conifers with bright rhododendrons. When decorating slides, hedges, they try to combine a variety of color shades similar in scale. Violet, pink and white colors beautifully shade each other. The arrangement of yellow, orange and red bushes next to each other, which perfectly complement the interior, creates a feeling of a bright holiday. Photos of rhododendron flowers are given below.

Single landings

Beautiful spreading bushes planted alone for decorating a lawn or emphasizing a tall tree. Such a luxurious bush looks great near a bench, table, gazebo, breath into the house. good design technique it is considered the cultivation of rhododendrons in separate large flowerpots or containers that move, as necessary, for decoration various parts yard or garden.

The most commonly grown varieties of compact bushes in separate pots, for example, the Cousin rhododendron and various evergreen species. Some varieties are bred for industrial pruning, cut branches are stored for 20 days without losing the decorative effect.

Some types of flowers are useful for the human body. These include types:

Dahurian;
Caucasian;
Golden;
Yellow;
Schlippenbach.

The high content of ascorbic acid in the leaves of rhododendron allows use decoctions of herbs to restore immunity. But the leaves of the plant are used with caution, as they contain toxic substances that are harmful to the human body. For the treatment of heart disease, vascular abnormalities, epilepsy, articular rheumatism, an infusion of a tablespoon of herbs in a glass of boiling water is prepared. This drug, with constant use, removes fluid from the body, normalizes the heartbeat, reduces shortness of breath, and helps to overcome the common cold.

Contraindications for taking the drug inside

There are some reasons for taking the drug the plant cannot be used for medicinal purposes:

the children's body does not tolerate drugs from the plant;
pregnant women react poorly to decoctions and infusions of the flower;
people suffering from kidney disease and having necrotic changes in body tissues are treated by other means.

Before using medicinal infusions from the herb of rhododendron, they consult a doctor for advice, even if the above deviations from the standard state are not visually detected.

Technology of growing rhododendron

Soil for planting

They start breeding a flower in the spring, early planting in the ground gives the plant time to adapt and root. If the variety has a closed root system, then the flower landing at a later time. To do this, prepare beds with acidic, loose soils rich in humus. As a substrate, a mixture of peat, leafy soil, fallen needles is used, mineral fertilizers are added. Photos of the plant can be viewed on the Internet.

The plant is planted in pits up to 70 cm wide to a depth of 40 cm. In heavy clay soils the plant is buried less, by only 20 cm, while the pit expands to 1.2 m. The landing site is filled with peat or a substrate prepared in advance, the pH of which is 4.0-5.0. For cultivation, mixtures are recommended:

acidic peat, soil with needles and leaves, coastal sand in a ratio of 3:3:1;
sawdust, acid peat, river sand in solution 1:2:1;
acid peat, compacted needles, sawdust, river sand in a consistency of 2:1:1:1.

All mixtures are enriched with mineral fertilizer (170-220 g per cubic meter), sulfur is added to them in the amount of 50-60 years. If the acidity of the soil is insufficient, then it is acidified with undiluted sulfuric acid, which is added in an amount of 1 ml per 10 liters of water. Apply acetic, citric, oxalic and other acids (4 g per 10 liters of liquid).

As an oxidizing agent, the use of electrolyte from batteries is justified, which is added in an amount of 20 ml per 10 liters of water. The electrolyte, in addition to acid, contains sulfur, which further enriches the soil. Do not plant plants in pure peat or a mixture of peat and needles. This mixture is a poor conductor of moisture to the root system. Before planting in the soil, the lower part of the plant is placed in a vessel with water and wait until the air bubbles stop rising to the surface, after this procedure the bush is ready for planting.

Drop off location

Representatives of the varieties of Yellow, Japanese, Schlippenbach in the strong sun in the middle and southern areas burn, so they are covered with shields from the side of direct rays. Varieties that are resistant to heat, but afraid of the wind - Sticky, Pink and Canadian after the summer, in early autumn, they must be protected by artificially constructed huts from penetrating currents of cold air. Optimal location for planting bushes plants are the northeastern and northern slope surfaces in Russia and Ukraine.

In the northern conditions of a harsh winter, they plant frost-resistant plant varieties: Pointed, Ledebour, Daursky, Sikhotinsky, capable of enduring temperatures up to 40 degrees below zero without freezing.

It is impossible to have a rhododendron next to growing lindens, maples, chestnuts, birches, willows, such plantings adversely affect the development of flowers. These trees actively suck moisture out of the soil, the bush, without receiving enough moisture, will die. The neighborhood of coniferous plantations or fruit-bearing trees is optimal, but their crowns should not obscure the rhododendron.

Flowers grow well in moist soils, but excess moisture, for example, in swampy areas, is removed with drainage system. Bushes are planted in high beds if there is a threat of spring floods and partial flooding of the site. The elevation above the liquid level should be at least 15 cm, the edges of the beds are fixed with stones, among which flowering bushes look very picturesque.

Implementation of care

If the planting is technologically correct, then caring for the plant will not be difficult. The main one is ensuring proper watering. Soft water is used a large number dissolved salts. Removal of weeds around the bush is carried out carefully, they are pulled out. Loosening tools are not used so as not to damage nearby roots.

The bush is fed in May, June, solutions of liquid mineral fertilizers intended for this type of plant are used for irrigation. The use of the popular Kemira-universal top dressing is effective, the dry granules of which are placed under a bush. At the end of the feeding season, in the last decade of June, the plant is watered with a prepared solution of potassium sulfate. On a bucket of water at room temperature dissolve a tablespoon of fertilizer. This amount is enough to irrigate a square meter of planting area for young plants. Adult plants are watered with 2 tbsp dissolved in it. l. potassium sulfate. This completes the fertilization period.

Pruning a rhododendron to improve growth is optional, but it is done to create decorative form bush immediately after the start of flowering. In the first days of June, they get rid of unnecessary root processes and too elongated shoots, in the process of care, dried and damaged branches of the plant are cut off. decorative pruning bush delays the period of appearance of the first flowers, and somewhat slows down growth. Best tolerate pruning fast growing species. faded buds plants are removed while preserving axillary buds, the operation accelerates growth and preserves lush bloom in subsequent years.

Irrigation water quality

Natural wet conditions in the highlands indicate that the plant loves to spray the bush with leaves and flowers. Rhododendron should be watered carefully, but in moderation. An important role is played by the acidity of irrigation water, which does not exceed the value of 4-5. River water at room temperature or collected moisture after rain is well suited for these purposes. The use of artesian or tap fluid enriched with magnesium and calcium salts will gradually clog the soil, and the bushes will lose their attractive appearance.

In order for the rhododendron to develop and delight the eye with beautiful flowering, use acidified water for irrigation:

citric acid is diluted in an amount of 3-4 grams per 10 liters of water;
half a glass of vinegar is diluted in a bucket of water;

The intensity of watering is increased during the flowering period. In a dry autumn without rain, the plant is watered abundantly, which will be a decisive factor for a good wintering. In dry and hot summer weather, the rhododendron is sprayed with drip irrigation, trying not to let the sun's rays fall on the leaves at this time.

A very unpretentious plant in terms of reproduction, it is carried out by seeds, branches, grafting, division, cuttings. The seeds of the plant are sown on the surface of the soil, if it falls even a centimeter deep, the plant will not grow. Shoots appear on the bush in 12-20 days, which depends on the variety of seeds, which differ different speed sunrise and germination.

After the appearance of shoots, the seedlings are transplanted into individual containers, drainage is performed to the root system for constant air access. Watering is carried out through a grid or by spraying, subsequently covering glass vessels to keep the soil moist room conditions. Glass caps are removed several times a day to prevent rotting. Containers with seedlings are placed in a bright place, but without scorching sunlight. During the period of the first year of growth, seedlings rise to 5 cm in height, some varieties give branching.

Long-awaited flowering starts 3-10 years after planting, the time of appearance of buds depends on the variety. If we talk about vegetative division, then flowering is observed already in the second - third year, the root system of the cuttings develops in 1.5-2 months. Rooting cuttings and active growth provided with proper watering, spraying, heating and care. Transplantation of developed cuttings is carried out in autumn period. Cuttings hibernate at room temperature about 5ºС, for example, in covered verandas or greenhouses.

In the spring they dive into the soil, using the land familiar to rhododendrons. Layering gives a small number of bushes, also a limited amount is obtained by dividing the bush. Therefore, if you want to decorate a large surface of a garden or park, then reproduction using seeds is preferable. After the plants have been grafted on the same bush, you can often see blooming flowers of different shades.

wintering plants

Some deciduous species of rhododendron belong to winter-hardy varieties and do not require additional shelter for the winter. Wrap only the neck of the bush. Evergreen rhododendrons cover, in winter they do not freeze as much as they dry out, therefore they require protection from wind and sun. Plants open after warming and thawing the soil.

– it's 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 will be no less useful.

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's 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 as a tapeworm, and in group compositions, and in the latter case it goes well with conifers, and with other types of 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 terms flowering. 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 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 of magnesium sulfate and fifty grams of ammonium sulfate per 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. 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 salient feature: in one year they bloom and bear fruit quite generously, and the next year - much more modestly. 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.

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