Rhododendron , also known asrhododendron , is a species rich in species belonging to the heather family (Ericaceae). In the natural environmentplants of the genus rhododendronare found mainly in the mountain forests of Asia and North and Central America. They inhabit shaded places with high air humidity. It is worth knowing that the name rhododendron, which is sometimes used interchangeably, is a bit broader than the rhododendronAzaleas, which have soft, slightly hairy leaves, which are shed for winter, make them more frost-resistant.Rhododendrons are true evergreen and in winter they do not tolerate the influence of cold, drying winds. Learn the secretsgrowing rhododendrons in the garden , see what the correctcare for rhododendrons in the gardenand learn how tobreeding rhododendrons ! "
Rhododendron 'Gunninghanis White'. Its white flowers contrast wonderfully with the dark green leaves
Where to plant the rhododendron?
The successful cultivation of rhododendron in the gardenlargely depends on the choice of an appropriate site for him, where we can provide him with conditions similar to natural. Therefore, we should choose a semi-shaded place, sheltered from the wind, with high air humidity. We can achieve this byplanting the rhododendron in the vicinity of larger groups of shrubs , which at the same time will create a decorative background for the rhododendron.
Tall trees will also be good company.Since the roots of rhododendrons grow flat, they will do best in the vicinity of trees with deep-rooted roots, such as oak, ginkgo biloba or golden eel. Since in naturerhododendronsoccur in regions with high air humidity, apart from planting them in the company of larger groups of shrubs, in sheltered and shaded places, the vicinity of small ponds or streams helps to create favorable conditions.
How to plant a rhododendron?
Rhododendron requires moderately compact or light soil , permeable, moderately moist and acidic (pH between 4.5 and 6.0), although breeders can also find varieties that cope with also on more alkaline soils. If the soil is too alkaline, rhododendrons react very quickly with visible symptoms of nutritional deficiencies in the form of leaf discoloration, stains and chlorosis.
Because a fertile, humus-rich and acidic soil in our gardens is quite rare,the place where we are going to plant the rhododendron, we should prepare it properly To do this, for each plant, dig a hole about half a meter deep and 1 meter wide and fill it with a mixture of acid peat, composted pine bark and fertile garden soil or compost (in a 1: 1: 1 volume ratio). If we do not have these ingredients, a ready-made rhododendron soil available in garden stores will also be a good solution.Water abundantly after planting rhododendrons.
Mycorrhiza to rhododendrons
When planting rhododendron , it is worth noting that maintaining a properly acidic soil can be somewhat difficult. Therefore, it is worth taking advantage of the phenomenon of mycorrhiza. Mycorrhiza is a mutually beneficial coexistence of plants and specific symbiotic fungi that make direct contact with plant roots. Mycorrhiza in the garden can be introduced through the use of special mycorrhizal vaccines for heather plants.
Rhododendron 'Gold Flimmer' has interesting reddish leaves
Exactlyin the case of acidophilic plants, which include rhododendron , mycorrhizal vaccines bring amazing results. They are enough to prepare a suitable substrate for heather, rhododendron, magnolia or blueberry. The soil can be acidified by the traditional method by simply mixing it with peat. But the soil acidification performed in this way will be short-lived. Meanwhile, thanks to the use of the mycorrhiza vaccine, the effects will last for many years, andrhododendrons will be beautiful even with unfavorable soil pH
The best choice for rhododendrons will be ectendomycorrhiza (ericoid mycorrhiza) in the form of RHODOVIT®vaccine, which contains the live mycorrhizal mycorrhiza of heather plants.
When to plant rhododendrons?
The best time to plant rhododendrons is spring , although bushes bought in containers can be planted throughout the growing season.
Perhaps the question arises why the best season is not fall, as is the case with many other plants. Well, rhododendrons have a shallow root system and after autumn planting it will be difficult for them to take root deep enough to survive the winter frosts.If we plant rhododendrons in the fall, remember to protect the bushes for the winter , making a mound of thick ground pine bark, compost or acid peat at their base.
If our soil is very light and permeable, water shortage may occur and we shouldregularly water rhododendrons with soft water , if possible - with rainwater. It is also a good idea to cover the ground around the shrub with a layer of mulch to reduce water evaporation. Pine bark is perfect for this, as it will additionally acidify the soil. Thanks to this treatment, the soil will dry out slower in summer, and freeze later and shallower in winter.
Rhododendron 'Flavum' has wonderful yellow flowers
Even more dangerous than the water shortage, it can be excess water on heavy and impermeable soils, as it can lead tochoking of rhododendron rootsair). In such a situation, the plants can be planted on a gentle slope, drainage, or prepare a bed for them in the form of an embankment surrounded by tree trunks or stones.
Personally, in such cases I usesimple drainage under the expanded clay rhododendronFor this purpose, I dig a little deeper hole under the planted plant and pour in the expanded clay. So as to create a 10 cm thick layer. Only on top of it I pour soil and plant a rhododendron.
The addition of TerraCottem to the soil helps to regulate soil moisture under planted rhododendrons.You need to apply them before planting, mixing with the soil in which you will plant rhododendrons. TerraCottem contains a hydrogel whose granules have the ability to accumulate quite a lot of water.When the soil is too wet, the hydrogel takes away excess water, and when the soil dries up it releases this water back. Thanks to thisrhododendrons will have the required soil moist, but not excessively wet
In addition to the TerraCottem hydrogel, it also contains a starting dose of fertilizer and pieces of volcanic rock that loosen the soil. Thanks to this,helps to prepare the right soil for planting rhododendrons .
How to water rhododendron?
The importance of soil moisture for the success of rhododendron cultivationmakes it very important to water the plants properly, regularly, especially in summer, when it is dry. Reduce watering at the end of summer and autumn.Too dry a substrate causes the leaves of rhododendrons to go limp and hang from the shoots, or to curl trumpet-like along the main nerveIn such a situation, the bush should be watered abundantly. It is also possible to sprinkle the leaves with a diffused stream of water.On the other hand, if we notice that the leaves turn gray-green and the roots rot, it will mean that the substrate is over-hydrated and watering needs to be limited.
Katawbi's Rhododendron 'Omega' blooms profusely in pink
Fertilizing Rhododendrons
"The he althy development of rhododendrons also requires proper fertilization.We start fertilizing rhododendrons in April and end in mid-JulyWe can apply multi-component mineral fertilizers or special mineral fertilizers for rhododendrons. Since these plants cannot tolerate too much salinity in the soil, they must not be fertilized in advance. Feeding should be even and in small doses, which can be achieved by using slow-release fertilizers such as SUBSTRAL Osmocote. Before applying the fertilizer, remove the litter from under the bushes and then spread it again. "
Earth weeding under rhododendrons
The soil under the rhododendrons should not be dug in order not to damage the roots.A slight loosening with a hoe is allowed. However, regular weed removal is imperative before they reach large size, as picking up large weeds can also damage shallowly spaced rhododendron roots.
Pruning Rhododendrons
"Rhododendron also requires proper pruningIn spring, cut out dried and frozen shoots. During this time, you can also encourage young azaleas to branch out by lightly pruning them. For Rhododendrons it is enough to break the apical bud. Older shrubs that have lost many lower leaves and look ugly should be rejuvenated by pruning all the shoots, even the thick ones. After shortening the branches, a lot of young twigs will grow from sleeping buds within a few weeks. If we are not sure if the bush is strong enough to withstand such a radical cut, we can rejuvenate half of the bush in spring and the rest the following year. "
Removing faded rhododendron inflorescences
It is also very important to properly care for rhododendrons after flowering, mainly by removing faded inflorescences. Slightly break the dried up inflorescences with your hand, taking care not to damage the new buds that are forming. Thanks to this,rhododendron does not produce fruit and seeds, but it spends more energy on creating new flower and leaf budsThis means that the shrub will bloom abundantly next year and will look nice.
Rhododendron in winter
Evergreen rhododendron can suffer quite easily in the cold winter.On sunny or windy days its leaves evaporate a lot of water, which the plant cannot re-extract from the frozen soil. The bushes should therefore be covered with spruce branches or, around larger bushes, by building protective fences made of non-woven fabric or foil.
The ground at the foot of the bush should also be covered in orderto protect the rhododendron root block from freezing The best protection against frost is snow. However, if the winter is snowless and frosty, we cover the ground around the shrubs with leaves, bark or peat.If we see that during periods of long frost the leaves are curled and the shrubs look unhe althy, which is a symptom of a lack of water in the soil, the closest warming up, when the ground thaws, we have to water the plants abundantly. We can also do it preventively in late autumn, at the last moment before the onset of winter.
Rhododendron reproduction
Rhododendronsand azaleas growing in the garden can be reproduced by layering. It is a relatively simple method, but requires patience. For this purpose, in spring or August, dig a 15-20 cm deep groove near the bush, bend one of the twigs and insert it into the groove, and then cover it with soil. It is good to damage the bark on the part of the shoot that will be underground. Layers take root usually after two years, although, unfortunately, we cannot be sure that it will be successful.
