Rhododendrons, frost-resistant varieties: description, features, species, cultivation and responses

Rhododendrons - one of the most spectacular decorative crops from all grown by Russian summer residents. It is not for nothing that this plant of the Heather family is called a pink tree. According to the beauty and elegance of the queen of flowers, rhododendrons are practically in no way inferior.

Key Features

There are only two conditional groups of rhododendrons: evergreen and deciduous. In nature, both these types grow in areas with a fairly mild climate - mainly in the humid highlands of Asia and North America. Therefore, for cultivation in the central strip of Russia only suitable specially prepared frost-resistant varieties are suitable. The heat-loving rhododendrons of Russian winters can not stand completely, freezing out, even if they are carefully concealed for the winter.

Best grades for Russia

Very often domestic dacha grow on their own sites evergreen rhododendrons. Frost resistant varieties of this variety are in fact extremely popular. After all, they are able to decorate the yard or garden all year round. In particular, the reviews are praised by evergreen species and varieties:

• Katevbinsky (Rh. Catawbiense);

• Helliki;

• Mikkeli.

A nice ornament of the 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 the deciduous rhododendrons of the group Northern Light, such, for example, as:

• Spicy Lights;

• Tri Lights;

• Rosy Lights, etc.

Rhododendrons Japanese (Rh. Japonicum) and yellow (Rh. Luteum) are also very often found in country cottages.

Katevbinsky rhododendron

This species, in the opinion of most Russian summer residents, is the most beautiful rhododendrons. Frost-resistant varieties of the Katevbinsky group are quite tall shrubs (2-4 meters) with a dense semicircular crown. The leaves of the plants in this series are slightly elongated, large (up to 15 cm in length and 5 cm in width). Blossom Katevbinsk rhododendrons from May to June. And in fact it is very beautiful. Their fairly large flowers are collected in lush inflorescences and resemble bells in shape. The hue of the petals may be different depending on the variety. Very beautiful as purple, or purple or white flowers of this species.

Rhododendrons of the Helllica variety

The compact crown and lush flowering is what distinguishes these rhododendrons. Frost-resistant varieties often lose a little in efficiency thermophilic. To the Helllyka rhododendron, capable of withstanding the lowest temperatures, this 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 the middle of June. The buds of this variety are also strongly pubescent, and therefore look "felt". The flowers of this variety are gathered into spectacular groups, they are funnel-shaped and beautiful violet-red shade with orange crab. One of the peculiarities of care for the Hellica rhododendrons is the need to remove all the dried brushes. If the site owners for some reason forget to do this, the next year the plant may not blossom.

Rhododendrons Mikkeli

This Finnish hybrid combines two important for any decorative plant quality - a spectacular appearance and unpretentiousness. The buds are red, and the flowers have a pale pink hue, gradually changing to white. Old leaves of the variety are pubescent. The peculiarity of this hybrid is not too abundant flowering of young shrubs.

Northern Light grades

This group of rhododendrons includes several complex American hybrids. In Russian, the name of the series is translated as "Northern Lights". The advantages of these varieties of Russian summer residents include, first of all, the ability to easily withstand frost even up to -35 ... -40 degrees. Most Northern Light hybrids blossom from the end of May to the second half of June. Flowers are not too large, but very fragrant. Color petals can be cream, white, pink, golden or lilac. The main features of hybrids of the group Northern Light include rapid development, the ability to bloom at a very young age, shade-endurance.

Japanese rhododendrons

The best winter-hardy varieties of rhododendrons, considered above, are very beautiful. But by external signs they are more or less similar to each other. Japanese rhododendrons in this group of ornamental plants stand apart. They look really luxurious. The main distinctive feature of the Japanese rhododendron is a very strong branching. This plant blooms from May to June. In height, the bush can reach in the nature of 1.5 meters, in the garden - no more than 80 cm. The leaves of the Japanese rhododendron are unusually beautiful - oblong, bright green. Their upper side is covered with hairs. Flowers in all varieties of Japanese rhododendron are very large (6-8 cm), collected in lush brushes and differ in bright colors. The hue of the petals can range from rich red to cream.

Rhododendron yellow

This species is called in another way azalea Pontic. According to reviews, in the homesteads of the rhododendron yellow is to 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 the spreading crown and a pleasant aroma of flowers. The height of the rhododendron yellow can reach two meters. His appearance is very spectacular. Large fragrant flowers are collected in thick brushes, and the leaves have a bright green saturated shade.

How to choose a place on the site

These are the ones that are grown in most cases by native 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, plants should be chosen correctly. Most of the rhododendrons are sun-loving plants. However, with constant exposure to UV rays, burns may appear on their leaves. According to the reviews, the best solution would be to plant the rhododendron near a tree, so that it is slightly shaded. Strong wind, these plants can not stand. Therefore, on the hillocks, unprotected from the constant movement of air masses, it is not recommended to plant them.

What should be the soil

The best composition of soil for rhododendrons is:

• Sheet earth - 3 parts;

• Soil from under the coniferous tree - 1 part;

• Riding peat - 2 parts.

A high level of ground water is what these plants do not like. Frost resistant varieties grown in Russia, much better feel on drained sites.

How to land

Under the rhododendrons on the site do not too deep pits - about 50 cm (without drainage). Before planting, the roots of plants must be soaked in water during the day, together with an earthen lump. The distance between the bushes is maintained depending on the height of the variety. For stunted rhododendrons this figure is 50 cm, medium - 1.2 m, high - up to 2 m.

Plant the plants in such a way that their root neck is located on the surface. If it is buried, bloom from the bush in the future, the owners of the countryside will not wait.

The soil under the planted rhododendron should first be well shed. Then the stock circle is mulched with sawdust, moss or peat with a layer not less than 5 cm thick.

How to properly water and fertilize

Winter-resistant rhododendrons, species and varieties of which were considered above, will please their owners with beautiful flowering, of course, only on condition of proper care. To feed these plants dachniki recommend twice a year: after the snow and after flowering. As a fertilizer slurry is usually used (0.5 liters per 10 liters of water). Water rhododendrons often, not allowing the drying of the soil in the near-barrel circle.

Frost-resistant rhododendrons and wintering bushes in the Russian climate

In the autumn, plant branches should be bent to the ground. Subsequently, they are covered with snow. You can also make shalashiki from birch trees over the bushes. However, the procedures are not at all obligatory. All frost-resistant varieties carry Russian winters and without shelter.

Conclusion

Thus, we have in all details examined what kind of plant it is - rhododendrons (frost-resistant varieties, price, cultivation, you are now known). As you can see, these beautiful original ornamental shrubs require constant care. Those summer residents, who do not have time to regularly visit the suburban area, do not recommend reviews to plant rhododendrons. Without regular watering, these plants will simply dry quickly, and money for seedlings will be wasted.