Rhododendron: varieties. A few words about a unique plant
Rhododendron varieties come in different colors, sizes, etc. They are numerous and can be found quite often on allotments and in home gardens. It is also often called rhododendron. Rhododendrons are beautiful shrubs that, depending on the variety, can grow even to the size of a low tree. What is amazing is that this shrub comes in over 1,000 species. Their natural habitat is Asia, but now they are found on all continents. Rhododendron is a plant that is quite easy to cross and breed, thanks to which new varieties are created. Rhododendrons or rhododendrons are plants with evergreen, leathery leaves. Rhododendron varieties include:
- Catawbiense Grandiflorum,
- Rhododendron mucronulatum,
- Roseum Elegans,
- Rhododendron rex,
- Rhododendron racemosum.
Rhododendron – care
Everyone who has plants in their garden tries to take care of them. Rhododendron also requires such attention. Care includes not only watering, but also choosing the right substrate, cutting, and protection against frost and diseases.
Where to plant a rhododendron? Rhododendron likes acidic soil, and its position should be in a well-sunny or partially shaded place. This place should also be protected from the wind. It also feels good near trees such as oak or ginkgo biloba. It is also worth fertilizing such a plant once a year. These shrubs like high air humidity, so their development will be favored if there are ponds or streams nearby. Regardless, remember to do so, especially when it’s dry. You should also observe the plants whether the leaves are changing color or the roots are not starting to rot, because then it may turn out that the soil is too moist. The best time to plant rhododendrons is spring.
When the rhododendron stops blooming, it is worth removing the old inflorescences. They should be broken off by hand, but done carefully so as not to damage the branches and any new buds. Be careful when picking to prevent seeds from setting. Any cuts are possible after the flowering period.
Rhododendron: cultivation. How to care for it in winter?
Rhododendron is a beautiful and sensitive shrub. Therefore, you should take care of your rhododendron. Growing also requires proper protection against frost, because it affects the flowering and growth of the plant.
First of all, you should read about the variety you have, because sometimes individual species have slightly different requirements. As a general rule, however, there are a few things you should pay attention to. First of all, in winter they cannot take in water. Therefore, they should be watered more abundantly in autumn, before the frosts arrive. Sprinkle peat and bark around the rhododendron trunk, on the ground next to it, to a height of approximately 20 cm. You can also use twigs of coniferous trees, e.g. spruce, for such protection. Another important element is securing the bush, its leaves and branches, by wrapping it with agrotextile.
rhododendron (illustrative photo) Ralphs_Fotos/istock
Rhododendron: Pruning is a mandatory maintenance activity
In summer, everyone enjoys looking at the plants blooming in the garden. One of them is often rhododendron. Pruning is important for its condition because it affects what the plant will look like in the upcoming season.
- The first important rule is that pruning should take place already after the flowering period. First of all, cut out all dried, broken branches and flower remnants. They not only spoil the appearance of the plant, but also limit access to light for its living parts.
- However, if we want the bush to be as branched as possible, the top bud should be broken off. Thanks to this, other, new ones will begin to appear, which will result in the appearance of more branches. This type of pruning is good to do at the end of winter.
- Every now and then a cut is necessary to help rejuvenate the plant. Otherwise, some of the branches will start to get woody over time. Therefore, the bush is pruned very hard, to a height of 20-40 cm above the ground. If the plant is pruned back this much, it won’t flower until the following year or years thereafter, but it’s worth it. A plant cut so drastically is sensitive, so it should be carefully protected from frost in the winter.
Some people recommend doing this in stages and not cutting the entire plant at once. Additionally, it gives you one more option. After trimming a piece of the bush, if new shoots do not begin to appear after about a month, it is better to refrain from further pruning. There is a risk that the rhododendron will not regenerate.
Rhododendron diseases. Rhododendrons are particularly susceptible to fungal diseases
Unfortunately, like all plants, rhododendrons sometimes get sick. When it comes to rhododendron diseases, the main ones we can mention are:
- fungi, e.g. rhododendron phytophthora, gray mold;
- non-infectious diseases caused by improper care, e.g. poor soil pH, lack of appropriate microelements in the soil.
Each of them can be treated – some are easier to cure, others are more difficult. It all depends on the condition of the plant at the time of action.
See also:
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
