Rhododendrons are one of the most spectacular decorative cultures of all cultivated by Russian summer residents. No wonder this plant of the heather family is called a rosewood. In terms of beauty and elegance to the Queen of Flowers, rhododendrons are practically inferior to nothing.
Key Features
There are only two conditional groups of rhododendrons: evergreen and deciduous. In nature, both of these types grow in areas with a rather mild climate - mainly in the humid highlands of Asia and North America. Therefore, only specially bred frost-resistant varieties are suitable for cultivation in central Russia. The heat-loving rhododendrons of Russian winters do not tolerate at all, freezing out, even if they are carefully sheltered for the winter.
The best varieties for Russia
Very often, domestic summer residents grow at their sites evergreen rhododendrons. Frost-resistant varieties of this variety are actually extremely popular. After all, they are able to decorate the yard or garden all year round. In particular, reviews praise the evergreen species and varieties:
A beautiful decoration of a suburban area can be beautifully flowering deciduous rhododendrons. Frost-resistant varieties in Moscow, the Urals, Siberia, etc. can be grown different. But the most popular among Russian summer residents are still deciduous rhododendrons of the Northern Light group, such, for example, as:
Spicy Lights
Tri Lights;
Rosy Lights, etc.
Also in summer cottages, Japanese rhododendrons (Rh. Japonicum) and yellow (Rh. Luteum) are very often grown.
Katevbinsky Rhododendron
This species, according to most Russian summer residents, is the most beautiful rhododendrons. Frost-resistant varieties of the Katevba group are quite tall shrubs (2-4 meters) with a dense semicircular crown. The leaves of plants of this series are slightly elongated, large (up to 15 cm in length and 5 cm in width). Katevba rhododendrons bloom from May to June. And it’s actually very beautiful. Their pretty large flowers are collected in lush inflorescences and resemble bells in shape. The hue at the petals may be different depending on the variety. Both violet and purple or white flowers of this variety are very beautiful.
Helliki Rhododendrons
Compact crown and lush flowering are what distinguish these rhododendrons. Frost-resistant varieties are often slightly less effective in heat-loving. Helliki’s rhododendron, capable of withstanding the lowest temperatures, is completely irrelevant. The leaves of this variety are very beautiful - they have a bright green color, and on the underside they have a margin. Helliki blooms in mid-June. The buds of this species are also very pubescent, and therefore look "felt". Flowers of this variety are grouped in spectacular groups, have a funnel shape and a beautiful violet-red hue with orange specks. One of the features of the care of Helliki's rhododendrons is the need to remove all dried brushes. If for some reason the owners of the site forget to do this, the plant may not bloom next year.
Mikkeli Rhododendrons
This Finnish hybrid combines two qualities of no small importance for any decorative plant - a spectacular appearance and unpretentiousness. His buds are red, and the flowers have a pale pink tint, gradually changing to white. Old variety leaves are downy. A feature of this hybrid is not too abundant flowering of young bushes.
Varieties of the Northern Light series
This group of rhododendrons includes several complex American hybrids. The name of the series is translated into Russian as "Northern Lights". The advantages of these varieties of Russian summer residents include primarily the ability to easily withstand frosts even up to -35 ... -40 degrees. Most Northern Light hybrids bloom from late May to the second half of June. Their flowers are not too large, but very fragrant. The color of the petals can be cream, white, pink, golden or lilac. The main features of the Northern Light hybrids include rapid development, the ability to bloom at a very young age, and shade tolerance.
Japanese rhododendrons
The best winter-hardy rhododendron varieties considered by us above are very beautiful. But in appearance they are more or less similar to each other. Japanese rhododendrons in this group of ornamental plants stand apart. They look truly luxurious. The main distinguishing feature of Japanese rhododendron is a very strong branching. This plant blooms from May to June. The bush can reach a height of 1.5 meters in nature, and not more than 80 cm on a garden plot. The leaves of the Japanese rhododendron are unusually beautiful - oblong, bright green. Their upper side is covered with hairs. The flowers of all varieties of Japanese rhododendron are very large (6-8 cm), collected in lush brushes and are distinguished by bright colors. The hue of the petals can vary from rich red to cream.
Rhododendron yellow
This species is also called Pontic azalea. According to reviews, in the plots of rhododendron yellow should be grown only for those summer residents who do not have small children and pets. The fact is that this species is a poisonous plant. The main distinguishing features of this group of varieties include a spreading crown and a pleasant aroma of flowers. In height, rhododendron yellow can reach two meters. His appearance is very spectacular. Large fragrant flowers are gathered in thick brushes, and the leaves have a bright green saturated shade.
How to choose a place on the site
These are, in most cases, grown by domestic gardeners rhododendrons. Frost-resistant varieties, the price of which is quite high (about 500-700 rubles per seedling), care, however, requires careful. First of all, you should choose the right place for the plants. Most rhododendrons are sun-loving plants. However, with constant exposure to UV rays, burns may appear on their leaves. According to reviews, the best solution would be to plant a rhododendron near some tree, so that it is slightly shaded. These plants cannot tolerate strong winds. Therefore, on the hillocks, in places unprotected from the constant movement of air masses, it is not recommended to plant them.
What should be the soil
The best soil composition for rhododendrons is considered to be:
A high level of groundwater occurrence is something these plants really dislike. Frost-resistant varieties grown in Russia feel much better in drained areas.
How to plant
Under the rhododendrons on the site they make not too deep holes - about 50 cm (without drainage). Before planting, the roots of the plants are necessarily soaked in water for 24 hours along with an earthen lump. The distance between the bushes is maintained depending on the height of the variety. For undersized rhododendrons, this indicator is 50 cm, medium - 1.2 m, high - up to 2 m.
Plants are planted in such a way that their root neck is located on the surface. If it is buried, the flowering from the bush in the future, the owners of the suburban area will not wait.
The soil under the planted rhododendron should first be shed well. Then the trunk circle is mulched with sawdust, moss or peat with a layer of at least 5 cm thick.
How to water and fertilize properly
Winter-hardy rhododendrons, the types and varieties of which were examined by us above, will delight their hosts with beautiful flowering, of course, only if properly maintained. Summer residents recommend feeding these plants twice a year: after snow melting and after flowering. As fertilizer, slurry is usually used (0.5 l per 10 l of water). Rhododendrons are often watered, preventing the soil from drying out in the near-stem circle.
Frost-resistant rhododendrons and wintering of bushes in the Russian climate
In autumn, it is advisable to bend plant branches to the ground. Subsequently, they are covered with snow. You can also make over the bushes huts of lapnik. However, the procedures are not obligatory at all. All frost-resistant varieties tolerate Russian winters without shelter.
Conclusion
Thus, we all examined in detail what kind of plant it is - rhododendrons (frost-resistant varieties, price, cultivation are now known to you). As you can see, these beautiful original decorative bushes require constant care. For those summer residents who do not have time to regularly visit the suburban area, reviews are not recommended to plant rhododendrons. Without regular watering, these plants will simply dry out quickly, and money on seedlings will be wasted.