Garden landscape compositions of rhododendrons and conifers. Rhododendron: “flower explosion”: cultivation and care in open ground. Fertilizer and feeding of rhododendron

In ornamental gardening, rhododendrons are used as a forcing greenhouse crop, as a beautiful flowering plant in winter gardens as valuable ornamental plant open ground. The range of their use in landscaping is very wide: they are used in public plantings, where they are usually placed in large groups or in the form of solitary plantings, they are planted in memorials, used in rock gardens, and for landscaping summer cottages and garden plots.

The advantage of rhododendrons over other ornamental shrubs is that they are very diverse in color, size and shape of flowers, size and shape of leaves and habit, and bloom at different times. Under cultural conditions, they are distinguished by great longevity, maintaining high decorative qualities 200 years or more and delighting several generations with its beauty.

Kasama Tsutsuji Park. Photo: wikimedia.org

When planting rhododendrons in open ground in a permanent place, we must have a good idea of ​​what decorative effect we want to achieve, how the plants will look in a few years or even in a few decades. You should study plants well and their decorative qualities. In order for rhododendrons to grow and bloom well, you need to choose the right planting site and carefully prepare the soil. Rhododendrons should not be planted in close proximity to buildings, since the soil near buildings is usually alkaline and contains residues of cement and lime. It is not recommended to plant rhododendrons along the southern facade of a building, since these plants, especially evergreen species and varieties, do not grow well in areas with strong light. They are susceptible to diseases, damaged by pests, their leaves are yellowish-pale, shoot growth is negligible, and flowering is weak. At favorable conditions (suitable soils and optimal lighting), rhododendrons planted in close proximity to buildings grow quickly, obscure windows, and need to be pruned frequently, as a result of which the plants largely lose their decorative value.

When creating an exhibition of rhododendrons, regular planting should be avoided. Rhododendrons look best in large, loose groups that resemble their natural arrangement in nature. It is advisable to place large groups of rhododendrons on lawns, along their edges, near paths and paths. To form large groups, you can use thickened plantings, and then, as they grow, dig up excess plants. Minimal amount plants in group planting - three.

Rhododendrons are moisture-loving plants, so in parks they should be planted near bodies of water - streams, ponds, lakes, fountains, where, as a rule, the air is humid and partial shade. For creating decorative groups in such places, not only evergreen, but also deciduous species are suitable, since the vast majority of them have bright flowers light colors, the decorative effect of which is enhanced by the mirror reflection of plants in the water. Reflection flowering plants in water creates a unique decorative effect. It is recommended to plant near bodies of water Rh. canadense(L.) Torn, Rh. schlippenbachii Maxim., Rh. Vaseyi A. Gray, Rh. luteum Sweet et al.

In plantings with extensive use of rhododendrons, the principles established in ornamental gardening must be observed. It is not recommended to combine deciduous and evergreen rhododendrons, small-leaved and large-leaved rhododendrons in a group. If they join together in one group different kinds and varieties of rhododendrons, it is necessary to group them depending on their height: in the center of the group or at the back, if the group is adjacent to a building, large trees, fences, hedges, tall species and varieties are planted, with lower ones at the edges. Tall-growing species and varieties, for example rhododendrons Katevba, Smirnova, Metternich, bell-shaped and others, can serve as an excellent background for low-growing ones. Sometimes you have to experiment, make rearrangements, that is, empirically find the most interesting combination of plants in a group. Planting rhododendrons near conifers - blue or common spruce, pine, thuja, yew. Conifers create dark background, in which blooming rhododendrons stand out well, especially with light flowers. IN winter time Coniferous plantings, such as tall hedges of thuja, protect rhododendrons from cold, dry winds, and therefore from winter drying out.

When placing rhododendrons in plantings, you should strictly ensure that only varieties and species that are harmoniously combined in flower color are combined into groups. Rhododendrons with purple, pink and white flowers, as well as flowers painted in transitional tones, go well together. Rhododendrons with white flowers in group plantings should be used in cases where you need to combine or separate colors. It is difficult to combine species and varieties with red, carmine pink and purple flowers, so they are combined with white-flowered rhododendrons. Rhododendrons with red flowers and rhododendrons with purple and pure pink flowers do not go well together. Rhododendrons with yellow, orange and red flowers are surprisingly good in joint plantings. The soft yellow color effectively sets off pink and red tones. Evergreen rhododendrons with red, violet and purple flowers do not stand out well among other evergreens, so they should be planted with rhododendrons that have white and light purple flowers. Only in this combination their beauty is revealed.

When talking about creating decorative groups of rhododendrons in plantings, we should not forget such a factor as flowering time. Everyone who has rhododendrons in the garden wants them to bloom as long as possible. In the climatic conditions of the Latvian SSR, the flowering of rhododendrons of different species and varieties in total continues from mid-April to mid-July, i.e. there is real opportunity for three months to admire the blooming plants. When forming groups of rhododendrons, the flowering time of the species included in the group should be taken into account. A group in which one rhododendron is in the midst of flowering and the other has already faded is by no means decorative. It is best to combine the earliest and latest species and varieties. In this case, the early species and varieties completely fade before the later ones begin to flower. To preserve the decorative effect of a group of rhododendrons, early varieties By the time of flowering, the faded inflorescences are broken off.

Rhododendrons can be used in plantings not only in large groups, but also in solitary plantings. Single specimens are especially good on lawns, but only if they are at least 1 m in height and in diameter. The most effective in solitaire plantings are rhododendrons that reach a height of 2-3 m and a width of 3-4 m. This means that seedlings are required to be at least 10 years old. This is due to the fact that rhododendrons, even in the most good conditions They grow slowly, small specimens are “lost” on the lawn and do not give the desired decorative effect. Usually, solitary plantings of rhododendrons are practiced if they want to attract the attention of visitors to any part of the planting, because no one can indifferently pass by plants that have a beautiful habit, juicy dark green leaves and wonderful bright flowers collected in dense inflorescences. In addition, evergreen rhododendrons do not lose their decorative value even in winter.

Very important property What should be considered about rhododendrons when using them in green spaces is that they do well in dimly lit areas. There are very few known beautifully flowering plants that grow and bloom well in partial shade or even shade. Usually shade-loving plants They have rich foliage and bloom with undecorative flowers. Rhododendrons bloom profusely and beautifully even in these conditions.

Rhododendrons can be successfully used to decorate old rare parks where they usually grow tall trees with a wide and beautiful crown, but with bare trunks. Even widely used plants do not grow here in the lower tier. ornamental shrubs, because there is not enough light for them. For such places it is impossible to find better plants than rhododendrons, since they prefer shaded places for normal growth and development. Large trees provide rhododendrons with the necessary partial shade, and beautifully flowering rhododendrons increase the decorative value of parks. However, when planting rhododendrons between large trees, it is necessary to follow some rules. It should be borne in mind that there should be a clear sky above them, not covered by the foliage of the trees. The best place The plantings are small clearings. If the site chosen for planting is surrounded by trees with a shallow root system, then the edges of the hole in which the rhododendrons will be planted must be insulated with two layers of roofing material, sheet metal or slate when preparing the soil. This will prevent competing roots from larger trees from penetrating the rhododendron roots.

Rhododendrons are also suitable for creating restrictive plantings - hedges. With their help, any area in the garden can be limited better than with a fence or stone wall. In this case, rhododendrons can be combined with other evergreens, such as boxwood and mahogany. Rhododendrons can cover any fence, an ugly wall, fill an empty corner in a plot, etc. Strong-growing species and varieties, for example Rh. catawbiense Michx., Rh. smirnowii Trautv. and others, are used in the creation of trimmed hedges. Thus, in the specialized literature there is evidence that in Scotland in one of the gardens long years growing hedge from rhododendron ponticus, 100 m long and 1.5 m high. This hedge, despite the fact that it is regularly trimmed, has a healthy appearance, beautiful dark green foliage. Restrictive plantings of Katevba and other vigorously growing rhododendrons are very decorative during flowering, but their creation can only be done by organizations, since this business requires significant material costs.

When creating collection displays, it is advisable to plant rhododendrons in long narrow beds along buildings, paths, fences or hedges. The advantage of such plantings is that rhododendrons are easily visible from the paths. The optimal dimensions of the beds should be as follows: length 10 m, width 1.5-2.0 m. Plantings of this kind facilitate phenological observations, the study of any of the species or varieties presented here, hybridization and others necessary work. By planting rhododendrons in beds, the breeder gets the opportunity to small area place a large number of plants.

In recent decades, rock gardens have become very popular in our republic. This form of landscaping is of particular interest when, due to limited space, it is impossible to use ordinary perennials, ornamental trees and shrubs. Creeping perennials, dwarf forms of trees and shrubs are used in rock gardens. Rhododendrons occupy a large place among them. In rock gardens, small-leaved, small-flowered and low-growing species of rhododendrons are very impressive. Tall rhododendrons are not suitable for rock gardens, as they will be taller than a miniature hill. Rhododendrons in rock gardens should be planted in groups, which are very impressive during flowering.

Rhododendrons in rock gardens help eliminate the monotony that is inevitable if only low-growing herbaceous plants are used.

Due to the fact that rock gardens are usually arranged on the south side of buildings, on the southern slopes of garden plots, where it is always dry and very light, the soil should be prepared very carefully before planting, and after planting, ensure regular watering and spraying of rhododendrons on hot sunny days.

In the Latvian SSR, many types of rhododendrons that are well acclimatized in the conditions of the republic can be used for rock gardens. Among them, first of all, we should mention both alpine species - rusty rhododendrons Rh. ferrugineum L. and coarse-haired Rh. hirsutum L. In light partial shade or even in highly lit areas sunny places ah, with sufficient humidity, Kamchatka rhododendron grows well Rh. camtschaticum Pall., which, forming a dense carpet, completely covers the stones located nearby. Rhododendron Kamchatka, which has purple flowers, blooms profusely every year, forming bright colored spots in rock gardens. Look good in rock gardens and dense rhododendrons Rh. impeditum Balf. I. et W. W. Smith, Canadian Rh. canadense Torr., equal height Rh. fastigiatum Franch., reddish Rh. russatum Balf. f. et Forrest, racemose Rh. racemosum Franch. and Pukhanese Rh. poukhanense Levl. In larger rock gardens, you can also use relatively tall, beautifully flowering species, for example, Ledebourg rhododendrons Rh. ledebourii Pojark., Schlippenbach Rh. schlippenbachii Maxim., Japanese Rh. japonicum Suring. and yellow Rh. luteum Sweet.

If dolomite or some other limestone is used to create a rock garden, then an alkaline environment will form around the slabs over time. In such rock gardens, it is best to plant rusty and coarse-haired rhododendrons, since they tolerate changes in the environment towards the alkaline side better than other species. The use of rhododendrons will make it possible to expand the assortment beautiful flowering shrubs for rock gardens and significantly increase the decorative value of plantings of this kind.

Speaking about the practical use of rhododendrons, it should be noted that they can be used in memorial plantings. Since ancient times, people have preferred to plant evergreen trees and shrubs in cemeteries as a symbol of the continuation of life. In Western European countries, where rhododendrons have been cultivated for a long time, they are widely used among other shrubs in landscaping cemeteries. In our republic, cemeteries in most cases are located on dry, sandy hills overgrown with pine trees. In terms of lighting for rhododendrons, the conditions here are ideal, but care should be taken to prepare the soil and water supply. The most suitable for plantings of this kind are evergreen species - Katevba, Caucasian, Smirnova, short-fruited, largest rhododendrons, but deciduous light-loving species are also suitable for open sunny places - Japanese, yellow, soft, Kamchatka rhododendrons. In the Latvian SSR, rhododendrons are quite widely used in memorial plantings in Riga, especially at the Forest Cemetery.

It is often observed that rhododendrons planted in cemeteries die after 2-3 years. What is the reason for their death? Mostly drought. As a rule, rhododendrons die if in hot, sunny summer days they are not provided with sufficient water. The second reason is overfertilization. Sometimes up to 50% manure is added to the substrate, which inevitably changes the reaction of the substrate, leading to the death of the roots and, ultimately, the plant as a whole. In order for rhododendrons to grow and bloom well in memorials, they need the same care as in any other type of planting.

When planning green spaces, one should consider not only clean plantings rhododendrons, but also their various combinations with other plants, especially evergreens, bulbs and perennials. Such plants include conifers - yew, various types of pines, fir, larch, juniper, as well as deciduous trees - oak, birch, fruit trees and other species with a deep root system. These so-called decorative-ecological groups are very stable and require minimal care.

Long-term experiments in creating sustainable decorative and environmental exhibitions of rhododendrons in the Botanical Garden of Leningrad State University. P. Stuchki showed that in these groups, semi-shade-loving perennials, such as ferns of various types and funcias, should be planted in the foreground. White-flowered rhododendrons look good next to bluish-leaved funkia, and rhododendrons with purple flowers harmonize with funkia having golden leaves. If rhododendrons are planted near bodies of water, then incense can be placed in the foreground ( Bergenia L.). When placing rhododendrons near paths, the free area from the paths to the rhododendrons should be planted with evergreen ground cover plants - various types and varieties of heather ( Calluna L.), wintergreen ( Gaultheria L.), ivy ( Hedera L.), pachysandra ( Pachysandra terminalis Michx.), periwinkle ( Vinca L.), tenacious ( Ajuga reptans L.), hoof ( Asarum L.), epimedium ( Epimedium L.), fragrant woodruff ( Asperula odorata L.), liverwort ( Hepatica nobilis Mill.), Iberis ( Iberis sempervirens L.), forget-me-nots ( Myosotis L.), primroses ( Primula L.), saxifrage ( Saxifraga L.), sedum ( Sedum L.), violet ( Viola odorata L.), Waldsteinia ( Waldsteinia Willd.), etc.

Various types and varieties of heather and erik are recommended for joint plantings with small-leaved alpine and deciduous rhododendrons; they do not combine well with large-leaved varieties and species. Wintergreens, planted in well-prepared soil with a large admixture of peat, coniferous and deciduous soil, very quickly grow, forming a dense carpet. For heavily shaded areas, pachysandra turned out to be the best ground cover plant. The only condition for the normal growth and development of this plant is carefully prepared soil. Pachysandra has not only excellent ground cover properties, but also great shade tolerance. In the Botanical Garden of Leningrad State University. P. Stuchki in decorative and ecological exhibitions, including rhododendrons, pachysandra have been growing well under the canopy of large linden trees for many years. This plant can successfully replace ordinary lawn grasses in heavily shaded areas. Pachysandra shows some aggressiveness towards certain types of deciduous rhododendrons. Thus, in Schlippenbach and Canadian rhododendrons, active growth of shoots begins only in late May - early June. By this time, pachysandra already has quite large young shoots and long rhizomes, which, penetrating into groups of rhododendrons, intertwine the root system of plants, inhibiting their growth. To avoid this, you should cut off the shoots and rhizomes of pachysandra in the spring.

Among the plants recommended for joint planting with rhododendrons, special mention should be made of periwinkle and iberis. The dense, carpet-like growth of periwinkle with shiny leaves and fresh green shoots and blue flowers is very impressive. Iberis also covers the entire soil and produces white flowers in spring that stand out beautifully against the dark green foliage of the rhododendrons.

The use of ground cover plants in joint plantings with rhododendrons also has some negative aspects. As they grow, they form such a thick cover that they begin to oppress rhododendrons. To prevent this, you need to carefully monitor the growth and development of ground cover plants and prune them if necessary.

From bulbous plants Crocuses go well with rhododendrons ( Crocus L.), snowdrops ( Galanthus L.), muscara ( Muscari Mill), scylla ( Scilla L.), daffodils ( Narcissus L.), tulips ( Tulipa L.), white flower ( Leucojum L.), colchicum ( Colchicum L.), spring flower ( Eranthis Michx.), as well as various types of lilies ( Lilium L.). All these plants bloom mostly in early spring, reviving groups of rhododendrons.

By skillfully combining rhododendrons and many other plants in decorative and ecological displays, we obtain harmonious long-term plantings that are highly decorative.

These shrubs are magnificent when in flower. At the beginning of the 19th century, rhododendrons first began to decorate Russian gardens. Varieties, cultivation in open ground, planting, care, propagation: we cultivate rhododendrons according to all the rules.

Description of rhododendron: varieties and varieties

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

The culture belongs to flowering deciduous or evergreen shrubs of the heather family. The branches of the plant may have smooth bark or pubescence. The leathery, dark green, small, ovoid leaves are sometimes pubescent. The 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 Rhododendrons are yellow and orange in color. Numerous small seeds ripen in capsules.

Rhododendrons, the cultivation of which is most acceptable in Russia, are limited to 26 species belonging to three groups of plants.

• Evergreens are tall shrubs that do not shed their dark, leathery foliage even in winter. Large flowers are painted in different colors and tones. Growing evergreen rhododendrons in open ground requires compliance with a number of necessary rules: plants are located in places with diffuse shade; the soil for them should include a large amount of peat.

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

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

• 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 require special adaptation in winter. Flowering in spring, repeated in autumn.

Planting a plant

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

The choice of place for planting a plant must be done with special care. Rhododendron plantings should be protected from the prevailing wind and direct sunlight. It is important that the shrub is accessible for viewing, then the decorative appearance of the plant during the flowering period will decorate the area and please the eye.

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

The planting hole 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 completely removed. To plant a plant, you need to prepare a special soil consisting of equal parts from heather soil; peat; garden soil or leaf humus; rotted manure; needles (pine).

The prepared hole is filled with the mixture, and 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 compressed tightly; the formation of voids and “pockets” in the planting soil is not allowed. At high level groundwater, provision should be made for laying a special drainage layer at the bottom of the pit. The top layer of soil after planting should be mulched with peat chips.

Rhododendron: proper watering

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

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

Plant care

The transplanted plant requires attention and careful care. In addition to regular, abundant watering, rhododendron requires foliage spraying, especially when planted at a later date. 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 root system of rhododendrons consists of delicate, thin hairs, similar to matted hair, so loosening the soil, especially deep, should be excluded from flower care measures. Weeds that grow near the plant must be removed periodically.

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

To provide proper care For rhododendron, it is important to carry out timely pruning of overgrown bushes. To prevent infection of the plant, the cut areas are covered with paint or garden varnish.

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

Fertilizer and feeding of rhododendron

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

Organic fertilizer for feeding rhododendron bushes is semi-decomposed manure that needs to be infused in water. Feeding is carried out with an aqueous solution of manure. To increase the formation of flower buds, as well as extend the flowering period, granular superphosphate, or double superphosphate, is used, which is scattered over wet soil under the plants. Feeding the plant with microelements is also beneficial - fertilizers are applied in the form of watering or spraying the green mass of the bush. It is necessary to intensively fertilize the bushes until the end of August.

Rhododendron propagation

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

Propagation by seeds — great way obtain plants with improved traits. Sowing takes place 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 of seeds is carried out in shallow bowls or boxes filled with a nutrient mixture of peat, sand, coniferous and turf land, taken in equal proportions. The seeds are pre-soaked for a day. Sowing is done on the top layer of soil, without planting deep into the ground. The crops are moistened by spraying. It is required to provide seedlings with 12-hour illumination by lamps daylight. The timing of seed germination depends on the variety. The first flowering of seedlings is possible after 3-4 years.

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

New plants can be obtained faster using vegetative methods of crop propagation: cuttings, dividing the bush, rooting layering.

Diseases and pests

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

Plants can be damaged by blight, rust and chlorosis. Disease control measures - improving plant conditions, application special means to fight diseases. Rhododendron diseases are often caused by pathogenic fungi: gray rot, fusarium, late blight.

Pests that damage rhododendrons: slugs and snails that eat young leaves and buds. These pests are collected manually. In addition, the plant is harmed by: bugs (rhododendron), spider mites, mealybugs, weevils, scale insects, and rhododendron fly. Getting rid of pests is not difficult when using 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 rays of the sun.

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

Rhododendron in landscape design

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

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

Planting garden rhododendron: video

Types of rhododendron: photo

Word rhododendron(emphasis should be on the third syllable) means “ pink tree" This word denotes a genus of plants belonging to the heather family.

Description

In nature, this plant can be found in the middle and southern latitudes of the northern hemisphere. There is a huge variety of varieties of rhododendrons, they can be either deciduous or evergreen shrubs or trees, ranging in height from 0.5 m to 30 m. All of them are remarkable for their beautiful dark green foliage and especially for their magnificent flowers, which also have a wide variety of colors and shapes . Rhododenrons usually grow near bodies of water, in the foothills and mountains.

Surely many are familiar with azalea, which can often be found in apartments as indoor plant. Azalea also belongs to the rhododendron genus. Azalea produces lush, bright flowers during flowering various shades. Looking at indoor azalea, it’s hard to believe that rhododendrons can be huge in size: up to 30 m high.

Rhododendrons can be either or plants. Rhododendrons can bloom in red, purple, blue, as well as yellow or white flowers. Rhododendron blooms in spring period, as soon as the weather stabilizes. The duration of flowering is the entire warm period.

Since rhododendrons love warmth, in mid-latitudes they should only be planted winter-hardy varieties. These varieties include, for example

Planting rhododendron

When plant rhododendrons? You can plant rhododendrons both in spring and in autumn period, but it’s still better in the spring.

Where plant? It is very important for the plant to choose right place for landing. The plant will feel most comfortable in the northern part of the garden, where there will be partial shade during the day. Rhododendrons love acidic soil, which will have a lot of humus and no lime. Alkaline or neutral soil are destructive to the plant. It is best to grow rhododendrons in soil consisting of a mixture of peat and clay.

The root system of rhododendron is superficial, so it will not grow well next to trees that have the same superficial root system, such as linden, elm, poplar, and maple. At the same time, oak, pine, apple, pear, whose roots go deep - good neighbors for rhododendron.

How plant? Planting occurs as follows:

1. To begin with, a hole is dug with a depth of 30 to 35 centimeters. The width of the hole should be approximately 60 centimeters.
2. Sand and pebbles should be poured into the bottom of the hole for drainage. The thickness of the drainage should be approximately 10-15 centimeters.
3. The drainage layer is filled with peat and loamy mixture.
4. Next, you need to compact the soil and make a small depression so that you can freely place the earthen lump of the plant.
5. Then you need to lower the seedling vertically and fill it with soil up to the root collar. It is important that the root collar is level with the soil surface.
6. After planting, the plant is watered.
7. Next comes mulching. Both peat, leaves and moss are perfect as mulch.

To make the root system develop faster, you can resort to a little trick: during the flowering of the rhododendron, you should cut off the most magnificent buds. This will allow the shrub to redirect its forces to the development of roots.

Rhododendron care

When caring for plants, it is important to carefully monitor watering, weeding and pruning of the plant. It is also important to fertilize on time and ensure that rhododendrons are not infected with various diseases and pests.

You should loosen the soil around the plant carefully, because the root system of rhododendrons is in close proximity to the soil surface. When removing weeds, do not use either a hoe or a knife. Weeds are removed manually.

Watering

Rhododendrons are capricious about moisture. The plant does not tolerate overly waterlogged soil, but it responds very positively to constant spraying, as well as watering with pre-prepared water.

Watering should be regular, the water should be slightly acidified. To acidify the water, you need to dip several handfuls of peat into it for a day. It is best to use rain or settled water for irrigation.

Rhododenron does not tolerate stagnant water.

Pest Control Measures

Various pests can be found on the plant:

• snails and slugs;
• spider mites;
• scale insects;
• mealyworms.

To get rid of unwanted guests, it is necessary to treat the leaves and stems of the plant. For processing you can use either Tiram, or Karbofos.

If rot appears on the plant, it should be cut off completely.

Rhododendron in landscape design

Rhododendrons can be planted as single plants, but they are especially good in groups of 3-5 plants, as well as in compositions with other plants - for example, thujas, other conifers, or other types of shrubs. Rhododendrons will look good against the wall of the house, in borders around

Let's decide from the very beginning what DO NOT plant rhododendrons. Trees and shrubs with wide and dense (that is, with big amount fibrous roots) root system: large species and varieties of spruce, birch, bird cherry, mock orange, lilac, etc. Plants that form abundant growth and actively grow with the help of root shoots are also not suitable: mountain ash, silver oleagin, sumac, etc.

Rhododendrons themselves have a dense, compact root system located in top layer soil. The root ball has the shape of a tablet and is easily pierced by the stolons of aggressive neighbors, and also hopelessly loses in the competition for water and nutrition neighbors with a more powerful and deep root system. Neighborhood with pronounced and calciphiles is also not suitable ( tree peonies, almonds, etc.), since rhododendrons themselves prefer acidic soils.

Taking this into account, the requirements for the neighbors of rhododendrons are clear - “a friendly root system, similar preferences for soil characteristics, attitude towards moisture and light. Note that the above is equally true for herbaceous perennials and for trees and shrubs.

Woody rhododendrons

I’ll note right away that the best neighbors for rhododendrons are... rhododendrons. Almost all species and varieties look great and feel great when planted together, and by selecting bushes of different flowering periods, we can get a group that blooms for more than 3 months.

For example: Ledebur rhododendron (April), Canadian (early May), varieties of the PJM group (early May), varieties of Caucasian rhododendron (mid-May), Yakushiman rhododendrons (end of May), deciduous varieties from the Knap Hill groups, Nofern Laite (end of May - early June), Katevba rhododendrons or Finnish varieties - (first half - mid-June), varieties of sticky rhododendron (mid-late June), Weston-azaleas (July). And the group, which contains both deciduous and evergreen rhododendrons, will be no less elegant in September and October than during the flowering period, since most varieties of deciduous azaleas have a remarkably bright and varied color (from lemon yellow and orange-red to purple and purple) autumn foliage color.

It's always good to be next to decorative varieties.

The most suitable varieties are mountain pine and dwarf cedar. They are light-loving, which means they are suitable for joint planting with deciduous rhododendrons and those evergreens that tolerate light well (Yakushiman rhododendron varieties). Thujas are very hardy, they will look good in a lighted place and quite decently in partial shade. For proximity to rhododendrons, in my opinion, it is better to choose varieties with a clear crown shape, then outside the flowering of rhododendrons the group will be interesting due to the contrasting shape of the crowns - the natural “freedom” of rhododendron and regular pyramid(Smaragd) or ball, egg (Danica, Golden Glob, Woodwardii).

For a semi-shaded place, as neighbors with evergreen large-leaved rhododendrons, you can invite chisel-shaped tuepsis, varieties of cypress (Filifera, Squarrosa, Buleward), Canadian hemlock (Jeddeloh, Pendula, etc.), yew. When choosing and planting a coniferous neighbor, it is necessary to take into account that thujas and cypress trees are transplanted quite easily, especially at a young age, while all other of the listed species tolerate transplantation painfully. This means that you should carefully choose the distances when landing. We can always replant rhododendrons, but moving a paved path on which our favorite mountain pine will eventually lie is much more difficult. For the same reasons, inviting into the composition dwarf varieties spruces, fir, larches, it is worth asking about the size of this dwarf at least at 10 years of age.

Dwarf varieties of rhododendrons ( Luisella, Ronny, Azurika, etc.) also over time grow into quite lush pillows with a diameter of 70-90 cm. The proximity to conifers will provide us with a late autumn and winter decorative composition, the contrast of texture and color of needles, leaves, flowers, the contrast of the shape of the crowns will create pleasant impression in summer, in addition, pine litter will naturally acidify and enrich the soil, which is beneficial for rhododendrons.

Among deciduous shrubs, the classic neighbors of rhododendrons are hydrangeas. For planting in a bright place, varieties of paniculata hydrangea are suitable, and in a more shady place - tree hydrangea. That is, we plant paniculate hydrangeas with deciduous azaleas, and tree-like hydrangeas with large-leaved evergreen rhododendrons (Finnish varieties, varieties of rhododendrons Katevbinsky, Smirnova, etc.).

There is an exception - tree hydrangeas of the varieties Bella Anna and Pink Annabel must also be planted in the light, because in the shade they develop very thin shoots and require garter. There is an exception on the contrary - a number of varieties of light-loving hydrangea paniculata bloom quite well in partial shade:

Precox (Praecox), Floribunda (Floribunda). Hydrangeas in a composition with rhododendrons fill the pause in the flowering of the composition in the second half of summer, and according to agrotechnical requirements they completely coincide with them. Hydrangeas require annual pruning of shoots, therefore, when placing them in a composition, it is necessary to provide for the possibility of a convenient approach to the bushes for this purpose.

“Workhorses” will also come in handy - such unpretentious shrubs, like Japanese spirea, cut stephanandra, pressed broom, etc.

Often our composition with rhododendrons needs a background against which it could show all its advantages. Of the large shrubs that lend themselves well to shaping (we must be able to cope with the background if it decides to go beyond the desired boundaries), we can offer varieties of black elderberry, common hazel, chokeberry, Canadian serviceberry, etc. Elderberry in this role will also demonstrate expressive flowering and fruits, chokeberry and serviceberry - bright autumn color, against which evergreen large-leaved rhododendrons will look great.

When planning a composition with evergreen rhododendrons, it is difficult to do without ferns. Or rather, in no case should you do without ferns!

Ferns are graceful and elegant; their lacy foliage will add air to the composition, emphasizing the monumentality of large bushes and the luxury of their flowering. We plant in the foreground between and in front of the rhododendron bushes varieties of shield plants, female and nippon grass, maidenhair, and if the climate allows, then multi-row varieties. In small compositions, woodsias, spikeworts and Japanese derbyans will be good.

Many shade-tolerant crops will fit into a shady composition with rhododendrons: liverworts, mountain weeds, varieties of large-leaved brunnera, smilacina, varieties of oak anemone, etc.

Let's talk about perennials, which bloom at the same time as rhododendrons. It would seem that the flowering of the latter is already so luxurious that it does not need addition. However, just as graceful gypsophila, for example, is appropriate in a bouquet of roses, the flowering of suitable crops can successfully complement the lush “bouquet” of rhododendron. For partial shade, you can offer varieties of splayed and pressed phlox, hybrid heucherella and tiarella, shady saxifrage, and wood anemone.

Tiarella cordifolia can also be used as ground cover plant in the composition, it gracefully blooms with white plumes at the same time as rhododendrons in late May - early June. But here you will have to make sure that the tiarella does not climb under the rhododendron bushes, into the uninhabited root layer, and remove the excess in time. Rhizomatous corydalis grows well in partial shade and light hybrid varieties Blue Panda, Craithon Blue, Spinners. It will add a piercing blue heavenly color to the composition with rhododendrons.

In a lighted place, in the foreground of a group of deciduous azaleas, you can also plant bushes of phlox subulate. Oddly enough, this mountain perennial successfully tolerates acidic soils, providing blooming azaleas with elegant “support” from below. The same applies to eight-petaled dryad, aubrieta, etc. Princes can be placed on the trellis in the background; most varieties bloom simultaneously with deciduous rhododendrons from the end of May.

For autumn flowering, Chinese ornamental and flipper gentians (sun or partial shade) are suitable. Varieties of heather will also decorate the composition in the fall (in a lighted area or very light shade).

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Rhododendrons feel good under the canopy of trees, especially under larches and pines, hawthorn and mountain ash, small-leaved maples, ornamental and fruit stone fruits.

Under trees such as Norway spruce, Norway maple, linden, birch, elm, ash, rhododendrons will lack moisture, since these species have a powerful root system or located close to the surface.

Shrubs can also be an excellent background for rhododendrons: barberry, viburnum, spirea, mock orange, lilac, bladderwort, derain, euonymus, honeysuckle. Rhododendrons, like many representatives of the Heathers, get along well with conifers - mountain pines, junipers, thujas, and dwarf spruces.

Of the many varieties of herbaceous perennials, cereals and ferns, irises, daylilies, astilbe, hosts, and heucheras are suitable as neighbors for rhododendrons. The Vereskovs will be kept company by groundcovers: periwinkle, pachysandra, tenacious and damselfish.

However, rhododendrons look best in groups against a background. bulk materials – pine bark, tinted wood chips, gravel. It is better to place the plants listed above at some distance from them. When planting any types of peonies near rhododendrons, you should be careful, since peonies will outshine the beauty of rhododendron plantings, and besides, these plants have different soil needs.

Composition of varieties of rhododendrons

When creating a composition from different varieties plants need to take into account their characteristics so that the picture remains attractive as long as possible. In a small area, it is undesirable to mix warm and cold tones. Rhododendrons of carmine, purple and pink colors will look good nearby. And orange, red and yellow rhododendrons will look better in separate groups. Varieties with white coloring are compatible with all colors, so they can be planted as a contrast between varieties that do not harmonize well with each other.

When planting rhododendrons, it is better to take note of everything in advance necessary recommendations, and then, when the plants grow, it will be too late to change anything, because adult rhododendrons do not tolerate transplantation well.

Planting rhododendrons in the garden | Near the househttps://site/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/113-220x150.jpghttps://site/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/113-220x150-150x150.jpg 2019-01-04T20:18:22+03:00 Near the house Flowerbeds and lawns planting, rhododendronRhododendrons feel good under tree crowns, especially under larches and pines, hawthorn and rowan trees, small-leaved maples, ornamental and fruit stone fruits. Under trees such as Norway spruce, Norway maple, linden, birch, elm, ash, rhododendrons will lack moisture, since these species have a powerful root system or located close to the surface. Excellent...Near the house