Rhododendron: Description, Planting, Care

general description

Rhododendron is an evergreen shrub of the heather family. There is a wide variety, numbering up to 3000 species. Among them there are both creeping shrubs and trees reaching thirty meters in height.

There are deciduous varieties. Translated from Latin, rhododendron means tree of roses.

Rhododendron is represented by a wide variety of species

Indeed, the flowers, formed in lush clusters, resemble pink flowers, which vary in size and shape depending on the variety. The smallest ones are a few millimeters in diameter, and the largest ones reach 20 cm.

Cultivated for its beautiful flowers of varied colors:

purple
red
yellow
orange
pink
raspberry
white

The shape of flowers is varied, there are: funnel-shaped, tubular, bell-shaped, wheel-shaped. The flowers produce a fruit, which is a five-leaf capsule filled with seeds up to 2 mm.
Decorative egg-shaped leaves form an elegant crown. There are specimens with deep-set leaves and petioles. The roots have a surface system of many thin layers, which greatly facilitates replanting the plant.

They grow wild in coastal areas of seas, rivers, and on the northern slopes of the mountains of Southeast Asia.

History of the garden plant rhododendron

One of the most striking representatives of the Heather family, rhododendron (Rhododendron), is represented by shrubby plants and trees. If you read the species definition, there are:

Gorgeous rhododendron bush

evergreen;
deciduous;
semi-deciduous.

Different sources describe different numbers of plants in this genus. On average, it unites from 800 to 1300 plants, including azaleas, which are very popular in indoor floriculture.

For reference: among domestic flower lovers it is the azalea that is usually called “indoor rhododendron.”

Landing

When is the best time to plant rhododendron?

Garden rhododendron can be planted in the ground in the spring (from April to May) and autumn (from September to November). The optimal time for planting is indicated, although it can be done at another period, the main thing is that the plant is not flowering. In northern latitudes, it is recommended to plant cold-resistant varieties.

For planting, choose a shaded place with loose, well-fertilized acidic soil. In case of high groundwater, a raised bed is made to avoid rotting. In order for the bush to grow well, you need to carefully select the surrounding trees. It should not be planted in close proximity to crops whose roots are located at the same depth as rhododendrons.

Spring and autumn are the best times to plant a plant.

Good neighbors can be:

pear
Apple tree
pine
larch
oak

These trees have roots that are quite deep. And poplar, elm, alder, maple, chestnut, linden will take away water and nutrition from the bush. If it is not possible to avoid such a neighborhood, materials such as roofing felt, geotextile, or polyethylene film will come to the rescue, which separate the border of the plant’s growth.

How to plant correctly

The main condition for planting is the acidity of the soil, in addition to the fact that it must be well fertilized with humus. You can check for acidity using a simple folk method. To do this, currant or cherry leaves are poured with boiling water.

Throw a handful of soil into the cooled water. If the water changes color to blue, then the soil should be acidified. This is done by introducing rotted needles or sawdust of coniferous wood into the soil.

Before planting, the soil should be fertilized

If the water changes color to green, this indicates the neutrality of the soil, and if it turns red, it means everything is in order, the soil has the desired acidic composition. A hole is dug half a meter deep and 60 cm wide. A mixture of peat and loam, taken in a ratio of 8: 3.5, is poured in and compacted. Make a hole larger than the root system of the plant.

The seedlings are prepared for planting; they are kept in water until the rise of air bubbles stops. The seedling is lowered into the hole so that the root collar is level with the ground.

The soil around is compacted. The bush should be watered abundantly, and the soil around should be mulched 5 cm with moss, peat or oak leaves. If there are a lot of flower buds on the bush, some of them are removed so that the main forces of the bush are spent on rooting.

If plants are planted individually, they are tied to support pegs, which are removed after final rooting.

Care

Beautiful rhododendron is the result of proper care

The soil around the rhododendron cannot be loosened by hand to avoid damaging the roots located close to the surface.

Further care involves typical procedures for other crops:

watering
weeding
spraying
feeding
bush pruning
control of harmful insects and diseases

Watering

Rhododendron is a moisture-loving plant, but excessive watering causes root rot. Water with soft water: settled or rain.

Excessive watering harms the plant

You can soften the water for irrigation by adding a few handfuls of peat a day before watering. The plant is sensitive to both drought and excess moisture. You need to be careful here. Watering is carried out when the leaves lose their elasticity and shine.

Weeding

Weeds need to be pulled out by hand

It is recommended to pull out weeds by hand, since using a hoe can damage the roots of high-lying plants.

Spraying

Frequent spraying of the bush is necessary

Since rhododendron comes from countries with a humid climate, frequent spraying of the bush with soft water is recommended.

Top dressing

The plant needs constant feeding, even if the bush was planted this year. Fertilizing begins in early spring and ends at the end of July, when flowering ends and young shoots begin to emerge.

The fertilizer is made from half-rotted cow dung. Manure diluted with water in a ratio of 1:15 is kept for several days. Before applying fertilizer, the bush is watered.

Long lasting fertilizer

Mineral fertilizers include: phosphate, nitrate, potassium sulfate, ammonium sulfate, calcium and magnesium sulfate, superphosphate. Calcium, magnesium and potassium fertilizers are taken in a very small proportion: 1.2: 1000.

Nitrogen-containing fertilizers are applied in early spring - 50 grams of magnesium sulfate and the same amount of ammonium sulfate per 1 m2. In early June, after flowering, use 20 grams. potassium sulfate and superphosphate, 40 grams of ammonium sulfate per 1 m 2. Later, in July, 20 grams are added. potassium sulfate and superphosphate.

Bush pruning

Rhododendron almost does not need to form a crown, as it has the correct outline. Pruning should be carried out periodically to remove dried branches and rejuvenate the bush. Sometimes it becomes necessary to regulate certain sizes of a bush.

Rhododendron pruning is carried out in the spring.

Pruning is carried out in early spring. Cutting areas of branches up to 4 mm thick must be treated with garden varnish. Pruning should be minor, leaving at least three quarters of the bush.

Rhododendrons bloom magnificently within a year. To have a beautifully flowering bush, it is recommended to annually remove faded inflorescences immediately after flowering. This will provide the plant with an influx of strength to form new buds next year.

Control of harmful insects and diseases

Mealybug

Due to poor air access to the roots, rhododendrons are susceptible to infection with fungal diseases.

The most common are:

rust
chlorosis
leaf spot
cancer

Yellowing of the leaves indicates chlorosis. To get rid of it, iron chelate is added to irrigation water. You can use a solution of citric acid with iron sulfate. Copper sulfate preparations are used to combat spotting and rust.

Spraying the bush with Bordeaux mixture in early spring and late autumn helps. It also prevents the occurrence of cancer. If symptoms have already appeared, diseased shoots are cut off.

The plant is often attacked by pests:

weevils
scale insects
mealybugs
spider mites
bedbugs
rhododendron flies
slugs, snails

Shellfish are collected by hand. For preventive purposes, the plant is treated with an 8% solution of TMTD fungicide. Weevils, bedbugs and ticks are destroyed with diazinon. Karbofos is used against flies, mealybugs, and scale insects.

Leave a place in the sun for others

Some consider this a disadvantage, while others consider it an undeniable advantage: rhododendrons grow well in partial shade! They won't dry out in the sun or melt, not at all. They may just get severe sunburn. And they are harmful not only to the decorative appearance of the shrub, but also to its viability. This does not mean that a place in a sunny area for rhododendron has been reserved.

There is a way out: you can always plant something on the eastern side of the bush that, like rhododendron, prefers acidic soil and has a thick, lush crown, which will cast a shadow on our exotic pearl until lunchtime in early spring. Yes, yes, we are talking specifically about a coniferous plant, it’s not for nothing that people everywhere say that conifers are the best neighbors for their deciduous counterparts in color. By the way, if the windows of your house face west or south, feel free to plant rhododendrons in front of them, because the house can also shade shrubs and protect from piercing frosty winds.

In the end, if both options are unacceptable to you, since, for example, your evergreen favorites decorate a rock garden with low plants or are even located among landscape stones, winter shelter (also known as shading) will help solve the problem.

The advantage of this feature of the bush is obvious. Rhododendrons can decorate dimly lit places on your site that are overgrown with weeds and moss, where ordinary plants either simply survive and do not live or die. Not just to fill the void, but to transform the corner. This could be the space between buildings, a place under the crown of a century-old oak tree growing on the property of a beloved neighbor, a composition from the western part of the house or gazebo. The most interesting thing is that evergreen rhododendrons, depending on the variety, not only have a different shade of inflorescence, but also fundamentally differ in height from each other, which means that they can be considered universal in their own way. Not only in a single planting, but also in multi-level compositions, the shrub will look incomparable.

Reproduction

Rhododendron is propagated:

1 cuttings

2layers

3 seeds

Cuttings

Plant cuttings

Semi-lignified shoots are taken for cuttings. Cut cuttings 5–8 cm long. Remove the lower leaves and place cut side down in a root growth stimulator for 16 hours. Next, they are placed in a peat mixture with sand in a ratio of 3: 1. Covered with polyethylene, forming a transparent dome. Open slightly when watering.

The rooting period for deciduous plants is up to 1.5 months, and for evergreens - up to 4 months. Planted in boxes with a mixture of peat and pine needles (2: 1). In winter, place it in a room with a temperature of 8-12 degrees.

In the spring they are planted in the ground along with a box, and a year later they are transplanted to another place.

By layering

The easiest way to propagate rhododendron

The easiest way is propagation by layering. They take the lower shoot, bend it to the ground into a pre-dug ditch, press it in the middle and cover it with earth and peat.

Tie the upper part of the branch to a vertical peg. Water together with an adult bush. After rooting, they are transplanted to another place.

Seeds

Rhododendron seeds

The seeds are sown in containers with damp peat or heather soil mixed with sand in a ratio of 3:1. The seeds are sprinkled with sand on top. Cover with glass. Periodically ventilate and water as the soil dries out. Usually the seeds germinate within a month.

As soon as two leaves appear, the sprouts are transplanted at a distance of 3 cm to form a root system. During the year they are kept in a greenhouse in cool conditions. A year later they are planted in open ground. The flowering of the plant begins only at 6–8 years.

How to care for rhododendron in the garden in spring and summer?

Planting lays the foundation for further plant care in open ground. If it is planted in the right place in the right soil mixture, then further care is much easier. We described how to do this correctly in a special material - see at the bottom of the page.

In spring, the flower awakens after winter and you need to help it recover, save it from drying out and rotting. Caring for rhododendron in spring and summer consists of regular watering and spraying, fertilizing, pruning and disease prevention.

Saving the kidneys from drying out

After active snow melting (mid-March - early April), the soil can slowly thaw and the sun can become hot. The evaporation of moisture from the buds and leaves increases, and the roots are constrained and have not awakened.
Therefore, free the bush from last year’s frozen mulch (you can loosen it and remove half the layer) so that the ground near the roots thaws faster. This will allow the roots to start working and save the buds from drying out. It is especially important to remove the mulch quickly if the winter was cold or with little snow.
Pour hot water over the “rose tree” (even boiling water) and spray with warm water.
If the rhododendron overwintered without shelter, then make a protective shield from the sun on the south and west sides. Drive in the stakes and stretch the fabric. Read more in the article “Preparing for winter” - link at the bottom of the page.
After complete thawing of the soil to a depth of 20-30 cm (beginning - mid-April), on a cloudy day or in the evening, remove the protective cover (covering material) or winter shelter.

If you still find signs of burns on the shoots, the buds have dried out and do not begin to grow, then spray them with warm water every day, and every 3-4 days with a growth stimulant (Zircon, Epin, etc.).

Rhododendron flower buds in spring after removing winter cover

Rhododendron pruning

Trim the plant only if necessary (once every 2-5 years): if you need to update an old specimen, shorten a bush that is too tall, or remove frozen stems.

Classic formative pruning is not necessary because the natural shape of the plant is correct and attractive in 99% of cases.

Rules

Carry out pruning before the buds swell (mid-March - early April).
The cut should be made directly above the dormant growth point - a small pinkish swelling-thickening. Be sure to learn how to identify them.
Treat each cut with garden varnish.
Provide pruned specimens with regular watering and fertilizing during the active growing season.

Species features

Small deciduous species need to be rejuvenated every 5-7 years, and large ones (Canadian and others) every 14-18 years.
Small-leaved evergreen species up to 4-5 years old need to be pruned to stimulate branching. If desired, you can even create a ball shape. Since powerful flowering is observed even in 20-25 year old branches, they are rarely pruned.
Evergreen species with large leaves are pruned every spring by 1-3 shoots from their total number so that the lateral branches develop better. Otherwise, in a few years these shoots will become ugly and long branches with leaves only at the top. The leaves themselves will become small and the flowering will be weak.

How to trim a large bush?

Trim the shoots in places 2-4 cm thick near dormant buds. After 20-25 days, the dormant buds will wake up and begin to grow, and next year the decorative appearance of the bush will be restored.

How to rejuvenate a bush?

To rejuvenate very old bushes or those seriously damaged by frost and wind, cut the branches at a level of 30-40 cm from the soil near dormant buds: first one half, and after a year the other, to facilitate rehabilitation.

Rejuvenating pruning of evergreen rhododendron after an unsuccessful winter

Advice

If you want a thick and spreading deciduous rhododendron, then pinch out seasonal shoots in June for the first 3-4 years after planting, and cut off all weak stems inside the crown in September.

Medicinal properties

Flower tea helps with colds

Rhododendron contains large quantities of ascorbic acid, tannins, essential oils, phytoncides, rutin, tannins, arbutin, andromedotoxin, ericoline, and many other elements that make it one of the medicinal plants.

Caucasian, golden, Daurian, and Indian rhododendron have pronounced medicinal properties.

Preparations prepared from the leaves and flowers of the plant give the following effect:

1bactericidal

2painkiller

3calming

4antipyretic

5sweatshop

Bactericidal properties are used in the fight against staphylococci, streptococci, and pathogenic microorganisms.
A decoction of flowers helps in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. It is part of a diuretic drug for urolithiasis.
Rubbing a tincture of leaves and flowers into sore spots helps with polyarthritis, osteochondrosis, neuralgia, and sciatica. The ability to remove fluid from the body is used in many diseases, as it helps to cope with swelling, which contributes to improved health. Used to treat diseases of the heart and blood vessels, hypertension.
Preparations from the leaves alleviate the condition of bronchial asthma, epilepsy, soften dry cough, have a beneficial effect on the lungs, and relieve fever. The calming effect improves sleep, relieves irritability and nervousness.
An infusion of leaves is used as a douche for uterine erosion.
Flower tea relieves pain in the head and throat. Effective for colds.
An alcohol tincture of flowers and leaves is taken for mercury vapor poisoning and inflammation of the mucous membrane.

Since rhododendron contains a small amount of toxic elements, preparations made from it are contraindicated:

Nursing mothers
Pregnant women
Patients with acute renal failure

The content of a large amount of essential oils makes rhododendron popular in the perfume industry. Extracts from the plant are used to make perfume.

Chemical composition

It is important to know about rhododendron that it is a poisonous plant. The dangerous properties are associated with a substance contained in the composition called andromedotoxin (also called rhodotoxin, acetylandromedol).

Varietal rhododendron at home

This cyclic diterpene is classified as polyhydroxylated. According to the mechanism of action, it is comparable to neurotoxins and is characteristic of almost all Heathers.

The action of this toxic substance is based on the ability to disrupt the functioning of cellular receptors. Initially, the central nervous system is excited, and then comes into a state of depression. This mechanism of action is quite capable of leading to death. This information is not known to everyone, but it eliminates all doubts about whether the rhododendron bush is poisonous or not.

Features of growing in cold climates

Some gardeners, having chosen a beautiful specimen of rhododendron and planted it on a plot in the Moscow region, are disappointed, since the bush does not take root and freezes at the first frost. This is not surprising, since the plant was chosen incorrectly.

There are specimens suitable only for warm regions. Planting just such bushes gives unsuccessful results.

Among rhododendrons there are cold-resistant varieties

Residents of the Leningrad region and Moscow region can grow rhododendron in their garden if they choose the right variety. And then the bush will delight gardeners with its exotic beauty.

Among rhododendrons there are cold-resistant varieties. These are deciduous plants of the following varieties: Phukansky, Kamchatka, Schlippenbach, yellow, Japanese. Of the evergreens, the following are suitable: Cavtenby (hybrids: Nova Zembla, Abraham Lincoln, Alfred, Kenningham), Smirnova (hybrids Laika, Dorothy Swift, Gabriel), the largest, golden, short-fruited.

Northern Light plants are suitable for the cold of central Russia: Spicy Lights, Pink Lights, Rosie Lights. Finnish varieties have recently been developed for harsh climates: Hague, Elvira, Mikkeli.

It is not enough to have a cold-resistant variety; you need to plant it correctly and provide the necessary care.

Having chosen a shady place, you need to prepare a soil mixture by mixing peat with garden soil and pine needles. Rhododendron mixture can be purchased at the store. Complex mineral fertilizer is added to the soil. The bush must be planted while maintaining a distance from other trees, the distance should be at least a meter so that the roots do not interfere with the development of the bush.

If the soil is clayey, a 15 cm layer of broken brick is poured onto the bottom of the pit. The size of the pit should be twice the size of the container with the plant. When planting, it is not recommended to bury the root collar of the bush; it should be flush with the surface of the earth. After compacting the soil, the rhododendron needs to be watered.

Caring for the plant is the same as for a regular garden species.

It is necessary to adhere to certain rules, these are:

maintain soil acidity at the proper level, avoid alkalization. Avoid getting ash, dolomite, lime into the soil, as these substances alkalize the soil.
You cannot loosen the soil around the planting , as you can damage the root system located close to the surface of the earth. Mulching is used instead
plant rhododendron on the northern shady side of the site. Protect the bush from direct sunlight by covering it with cloth or gauze.
do not flood the plant. In summer, water twice a week.

Constantly falling rains in the fall can cause rapid growth of numerous shoots. Since they die with the onset of cold weather before they have time to ripen, their appearance can be avoided by spraying the bush with potassium monophosphate or sulfate (1.0%). This procedure prevents the development of young shoots and promotes the formation of flower buds.

You cannot water the plant after spraying, even if the weather is dry.

Before the onset of cold weather, the bush is covered with a frame with film and secured with twine to prevent cold air from entering.

Decorative use

Not a single gardener, having once seen this flowering shrub, will deny himself the pleasure of planting it on his site. Many believe that it is incomparable to any other decorative flowering plant. And if many call the rose the queen of the garden, then the rhododendron is deservedly called its king.

The year a young rhododendron blooms after planting is influenced by many circumstances - applied fertilizers, weather conditions, care. A high decorative effect can be achieved already from the first year of planting seedlings by purchasing large-sized plants aged 5-8 years with a formed crown and flower buds ready to bloom.

Also, the effect in decorative use largely depends on exactly how the plant is located on the site.

Important! Since rhododendron grows for a long time, you need to buy either mature bushes, or immediately expect that it will show itself in all its glory decades later.

Types and varieties

The plant has multiple varieties. Let's look at some of them that are common in parts of Russia.

Pink rhododendron

Pink rhododendron A deciduous shrub variety native to Canada. Frost-resistant, withstands cold down to -30 degrees. The leaves are ellipsoidal, up to three centimeters in size, covered with villi. The height of the bush ranges from one to three meters.

The inflorescence contains up to 9 flowers. Flowering begins with the appearance of the first leaves in April and lasts two weeks. The plant prefers rocky soil and is preferably planted in groups. Avoid areas with underground groundwater.

Propagated by layering, bending shoots to the ground, and by seeds. If the plant is provided with proper care, it can delight you with lush flowering twice a year.

Rhododendron Katevbinsky "Grandiflorum"

Rhododendron Katevbinsky "Grandiflorum" This type of shrub has a magnificent appearance during flowering. This plant reaches a height of up to 6 meters. The overgrown semicircular dense crown has a diameter of up to two meters. Used in group plantings. Complements landscape design, can be used as a hedge. Loves illuminated places, afraid of drafts.

The bark has a brown tint. Elongated dark green leaves up to 15 cm long and up to 5 cm wide. Above - dark and shiny, below - matte and light with visible dark veins.

Flowers in the form of bells are lilac, white, violet, violet-red. The inflorescence contains up to 20 flowers with a diameter of about 6 cm. The flowering plant presents a grandiose spectacle, capable of decorating the most exquisite landscape from May to June. The fruits are formed in October and have the form of boxes.

The plant is used to decorate fences, paths, and gazebos. With the help of plantings, you can create colorful compositions by combining them with other crops. They look beautiful next to thuja and cypress.

Since the shrub grows well upward, pruning is recommended in the form of pinching individual shoots. The plant is moisture-loving, so in hot weather it is best to provide deep watering.

Rhododendron Helsinki

Helsinki Rhododendron Winter-hardy evergreen variety bred in Finland. This is the most resistant bush to weather changes and the effects of cold. The height of the bush reaches 1.7 m with a crown diameter of 1.5 m. Dark green leaves reach 15 cm in length.

Delicate pink flowers with dark red specks in the upper part of the petal have a funnel shape with a diameter of 7.5 cm. A distinctive feature is the slightly wavy edges of the petals. Flowers are collected in inflorescences with up to 18 flowers. Young plants bloom in early summer (June).

The shade-loving plant can bloom even in the shade of trees and buildings. The bush tolerates frosts down to -40 degrees.

For better flowering, remove faded inflorescences and seed pods. For successful wintering, the plant is watered. Good watering should be provided in hot weather - 12 liters per bush twice a week.

Weeding is done by hand, leaving the weeds next to the bush for mulching. Propagated by cuttings and seeds. Planting seeds does not make it possible to get a flowering bush quickly; flowering begins only in the fifth or sixth year.

From this side cuttings are effective. Flowers appear after a year. The plant reproduces well by layering, ensuring flowering every year.

Planting is carried out in separate groups, I select plants of various colors. To select a composition, combine it with evergreen shrubs that differ in bush height.

The beauty of rhododendron flowers is especially impressive against the background of the dark crown of spruce, cypress, and pine trees. It goes well in composition with creeping crops in rock gardens.

Rhododendron Nova Zembla

Rhododendron Nova Zembla This is a hybrid variety, named after the island of the same name on Novaya Zemlya, pleasing the eye with bright red lush inflorescences. The size of the flowers reaches 10 cm. The inflorescence contains up to 12 bell-shaped flowers.

The ruby color of the petals with brown spots in the center and golden anthers present a magnificent sight. Elongated leathery leaves with a dark green surface and light on the back. The branched trunk is gray in color.

The evergreen shrub is cold-resistant. The bush grows quickly, reaching a height of two meters. Has a spreading crown. Branched trunk of gray color.

A distinctive feature is that it can be grown without shelter for the winter; it overwinters at temperatures of -30 degrees. In particularly harsh winter conditions in the Urals and Siberia, the bush is covered with a protective frame for the winter. Young, immature shrubs also require shelter with the onset of cold weather.

The bush blooms in May–June. The preferred planting location is bright areas. It is better to grow on the northern slopes of the mountains, in the shaded corners of the site. The plant does not like strong winds. Feels good when planted next to pine trees.

The plant looks beautiful in large garden plots, in the garden, and near ponds in the form of group plantings. It is effective when combined with other varieties of evergreen rhododendron, which benefits from the use of contrasting colors. It turns out to be an enchanting spectacle.

The main methods of propagating shrubs are cuttings and layering. Propagation by seeds is not particularly used for evergreen plants, since this method leads to the loss of varietal characteristics.

Rhododendron: care in autumn and preparation for winter

Caring for rhododendron in the fall comes down to preparing for wintering, which includes proper watering, disease prevention, mulching and, if necessary, protection with covering material or construction of a shelter.

Watering

In September we water more often than in August, and in October we need abundant watering before winter, especially in dry autumn and for evergreen species and varieties. Water them until the November frosts. If it is not possible to go to the country in November, then it is better to plant only deciduous rhododendrons.

In rainy autumn, often in the Moscow region and Leningrad region, watering is rare.

A sufficient amount of moisture in September - October - November contributes to the successful wintering of the plant, increases its endurance, and drought reduces resistance to external negative factors.

Disease Prevention

At the end of September - beginning of October (before frost), treat the plant with Bordeaux mixture, copper sulfate or copper-containing fungicide to prevent fungal diseases.

For more information about the drugs, see the article: “ HOW TO GET RID OF POWDERY MILDEW ?”

Preparing for winter and sheltering for the winter

By the beginning of October, the bush should have formed flower (large, round) and growth (smaller and sharper) buds for the next year. The main task is to preserve these buds until spring from freezing, burns, breakage and drying out.

Since this is a very serious point in caring for rhododendron, we covered it in a special article - see the link at the bottom of the page.

Rhododendron evergreen

This type of rhododendron is distinguished by the fact that it does not shed its leaves for the winter, but they just curl up, returning to their original shape in the spring.

It includes several subvarieties:

golden
Adams
Alfred
Yakushimansky
Roseum Elegance
Katevbinsky

Rhododendron golden

Golden rhododendron A low, wild-growing shrub in the regions of the Far East, Siberia, and Buryatia.

Reaches a height of up to 60 cm, sometimes up to one meter. The elongated dark green elliptical leaves reach a length of 8 cm and a width of 2.3 cm.

Golden-yellow flowers reach a diameter of 5 cm. The inflorescences number up to ten flowers. The pubescent filaments end in anthers up to 2 mm in size.

It does not take root very well in artificial conditions. Although there is information about successful cultivation from seeds. It is successfully grown in the Baltic states and Finland. Outside the natural growth zone, due to different natural conditions, the bush finds it difficult to take root. Succumbs to disease and dies.

Adams rhododendron

Adams' rhododendron Also known as Buryat tea, fragrant wild rosemary, Belogorsk tea. The natural habitat is the rocky slopes of the highlands of Buryatia.

This is a low shrub that grows up to half a meter in height. The elongated leaves reach two centimeters in length and one centimeter in width. Green leaves change color to reddish-brown with age.

Hairy shoots are covered with scales. Light pink flowers with a diameter of 1.5 cm are collected in inflorescences that contain up to 15 flowers. Flowering occurs from June to August.

The shrub has medicinal properties equivalent to ginseng and lemongrass. Energy-restoring and stimulating drugs are prepared from it. Inflorescences and leaves are used to prepare medicinal mixtures.

The drugs are used to restore immunity, against colds, and as a sedative. Used in gynecological practice to combat infertility.

Tea brewed from the petals and flowers of the plant improves heart rate, improves cerebral circulation, thereby improving mental performance.

Alfred's rhododendron

Alfred's rhododendron Hybrid bush up to 1.2 m high with a one and a half meter crown.

The elongated shiny dark green leaves reach a length of 15 cm and a width of 5 cm. Large flowers of purple-red color with an olive spot in the middle reach a diameter of 6 cm, collected in inflorescences of 20 flowers.

Flowering begins in June and lasts about 20 days. Used for both single and group planting in shaded areas.

Rhododendron Yakushimanski

Rhododendron Yakushimanski A beautiful evergreen shrub with soft pink flowers in early bloom. As it blooms, the color changes to dazzling white.

Flowers with a diameter of 7 cm are collected in inflorescences of 7 pieces. Flowering begins in May and ends in June.

The bush has a fairly wide crown with a diameter of 1.5 m and a height of up to one meter. Another feature that is pleasant for gardeners is that the plant is resistant to diseases and pests.

Roseum Elegance

Roseum Elegans Shrub reaches a height of 3 meters. It has an almost regular spherical shape.

Funnel-shaped flowers with wavy petals along the edges are collected in inflorescences of up to 15 pieces. The flowering plant has a beautiful appearance, which makes it an advantageous choice when designing a landscape design.

The newly emerging leaves have a reddish color, changing to dark green as the plant grows. Gardeners love it for its decorative effect at any time of the year and its frost resistance.

Juice from petals of rhododendron dahurian

Scientists have discovered the following beneficial substances in the petals of the plant:

Daurian rhododendron

fructose;
phytoncides;
resins;
essential oils;
vitamins A, C, E.

It is not surprising that the juice from this amazing plant, which is also called rosemary, is used in medicine. In combination with fresh cream, juice obtained from the petals treats:

stomach and duodenal ulcers;
thrombophlebitis;
wound surfaces.

Having learned what rhododendron is and having become familiar with all the growing and care conditions necessary for the plant, you can decide whether it is worth planting it on your site.

Planting or replanting after purchase

Often indoor rhododendron is bought or given as a gift during its first flowering. And here the opinions of flower growers differ. Some are sure that they need to be replanted immediately after purchase. This is due to the fact that the plant in stores is contained in transport soil, which is overly treated with synthetic fertilizers to stimulate intensive flowering and longer preservation of its presentation. The latter are sure that this bush should not be planted in a new pot during the flowering period - the plant may die.

Know also about growing rhododendrons in Siberia.

If you prefer the second approach, it is recommended to replant it when all the buds have faded. Since azalea is a very finicky potted flower, this process should be approached with all care and responsibility, because a lot depends on what pot and substrate it will be planted in.

If the first transplant was successful and the plant began to grow actively, its timely planting in a new flowerpot will be a prerequisite for its further successful growing season and flowering. This must be done every year for the first three years, and then every two years.

Choosing a pot

When choosing a container in which to plant an azalea, you should remember that these plants are characterized by a superficial type of root system. Based on this, deep and large pots are absolutely not suitable for it. It is recommended to opt for wide and low containers, reminiscent of a salad bowl or a plate for first courses.

Pay attention to the information about growing rhododendron in the Moscow region.

Soil composition

Experienced gardeners recommend growing this potted plant in purchased soil (it is very easy to find on sale). It prefers acidic soil, which is unusual for indoor flowers (the pH of which is at a level not exceeding 4.5–5.0). To maintain acidity at the required level, once every couple of months you need to water the bush with either an aspirin solution (at a dosage of 1 tablet per 1 glass of settled water) or a 0.2% solution of citric acid.

In addition, the substrate for azaleas should preferably be:

nutritious;
fibrous;
loose;
with excellent aeration.

Secrets of success

In the garden, it is better to plant Rhododendron next to conifers. Plants look harmonious in a landscape composition and create a favorable environment for another species.

IN THE PHOTO: Coniferous trees are an excellent “company” for Rhododendrons.

The moisture-loving Rhododendron feels great on the shore of a garden pond.

Acidified water is optimal for watering the plant. For acidification in 10 l. add 3-4 g of oxalic acid to water.

It is not recommended to feed Rhododendron at the end of summer. This leads to untimely growth of young shoots and further freezing of the plant in winter. In severe frosts, bushes and trees are covered with spruce branches or lutrasil.

To preserve moisture and reduce the number of weeds, the soil around Rhododendrons is mulched with peat or pine needles.

Growing

Rhododendrons are suitable for single and group plantings and hedges. A shrub or tree will be a suitable “neighbor” for plants on an alpine hill.

It is possible to grow Rhododendron both in a sunny place and in light partial shade, but with a sufficient amount of diffused light. It is necessary to protect the area chosen for planting from the wind.

IN THE PHOTO: Tall trees slightly shade the Rhododendron and at the same time protect it from the winds.

Light soils are preferred, slightly acidic with a pH of 5.0–6.0 or neutral with a pH of 6.0–7.0. To avoid chlorosis, it is better not to place Rhododendron in soil with a pH greater than 7.0. Drainage made of crushed stone or gravel is required to remove excess moisture.

Rhododendron is planted in the spring, after the ground has completely thawed. For planting, a hole is dug 70 cm wide and 50–60 cm deep. The hole is filled in stages:

low acid peat;
compost from pine soil litter and pine needles;
organic substances, usually manure or plant humus;
two kilograms of river sand.

The plant is buried in the ground so that the root collar rises above the soil level. Then the seedling is covered with earth and watered abundantly to compact the soil.

Rhododendron is demanding when it comes to watering: moisture deficiency and stagnation are equally dangerous. You need to moisten the soil regularly, but moderately. Water for irrigation is pre-softened or settled.

Under no circumstances should Rhododendron be watered with hard tap or well water! To soften such water, you can use organic carboxylic acids: citric, succinic, malic, oxalic. Acetic acid is not suitable for acidification.

Dry air is detrimental to a bush or tree, so in the summer heat you will need sprinkling. The article will tell you about devices for it: “Which automatic watering systems are suitable for plants in the garden.”

An important part of caring for Rhododendron is fertilizing with nutrients. How to properly feed the plant is described in the material: “Rules for applying fertilizers for Azaleas and Rhododendrons.”

Rhododendron easily tolerates replanting, but you should not replant the plant in late autumn or before the end of flowering. Formative pruning is done after flowering is completed. Damaged and dry branches are removed as necessary.

Diseases and pests

Rhododendrons suffer from leaf spot, rust, root rot, and late blight.

IN THE PHOTO: Rhododendron affected by late blight.

Fungicides can prevent diseases and cure plants at the first signs of damage: Bordeaux mixture, copper oxychloride, Fitolavin, Physan 20, Topaz, Fundazol.

Rhododendron bugs and spider mites often appear on Rhododendron. Insectoacaricides Aktara, Aktellik, Aktofit, Vermitek will rid garden plantings of pests.