Rhododendron Smirnov
Rhododendron Smirnov - an evergreen frost-resistant bush, characterized by a lush shape. It reaches a height of 1.5 meters, and the inflorescences are collected in beautiful buds of light pink color with yellow specks. Young branches of the plant are covered with whitish pubescence, while on older branches the bark of the standard color is gray.
The leaves of this frost-resistant rhododendron have an oblong-elliptical shape, with a blunt apex, a more narrowed base and a slightly curled edge. From above they are green and shiny, and from below they are clumpy-white-tomentose, sometimes brownish. The petiole reaches 1-1.5 cm in length.
The inflorescence contains 10-14 flowers, 12-15 cm in diameter. Corolla is funnel-shaped, naked (or almost naked), purple-pink color with yellowish spots. The fruit of the rhododendron is presented in the form of an oblong box up to 2 cm long.
The plant can withstand temperature drops down to –26… –29 ° С, but in too severe winters the ends of shoots and flower buds can freeze. The seeds ripen.
For the successful cultivation of this species on its territory, it is necessary to provide it with certain conditions. In particular, one of the main requirements is a moderately moist soil with an acid reaction (pH = 3.5-4) and a sufficient amount of light, on which the shape of the crown also depends (in the shade it is more vertical, while in sunny places the bush is compact).
The Smirnov's rhododendron is propagated by layering, seeds and grafting on the Pontic rhododendron.
Did you know? This species was introduced into cultivation in 1886 by the Botanical Garden of St. Petersburg and named after the Russian doctor and plant lover M. Smirnov.
Testimonials
Solovieva Lyudmila Arkhipovna, 48 years old, Saransk: “Several years ago she refused to grow vegetables on an industrial scale on her site. Having saved space, I decided to create a recreation area next to the house and the well. The husband installed several benches and a swing. Next to each bench and next to the well, Fantastica planted rhododendrons, next to them planted white roses and several hosts. It turned out a very interesting combination, when the azaleas fade, roses begin to shine, which look gorgeous against the background of dark green bushes. Now the whole family has a rest there, during the flowering rhododendrons smell great, I recommend. "
Rhododendron golden
If we talk about the rhododendron, considering in detail the existing frost-resistant species and varieties, then one cannot but pay attention to the golden shrub, reaching a height of 30-60 cm.It is easy to recognize it by the dark-brown branches pressed to the ground, among which young shoots and petioles are distinguished by short pubescence ...
The leaves are classified as evergreen, elliptical in shape and slightly curled at the edge.
In length they reach 2.5-8 cm, and in width - 1-2.5 cm. Below the foliage of the rhododendron is golden-pale, wedge-shaped-narrowed at the base, and the petioles are 4-5 times shorter than the leaf plates. When viewed from above, you will see dense, bare, dark green leaves.
The flowers of this rhododendron largely explain its name, as they have a golden yellow color. (their length reaches 2.5-3 cm, with a diameter of 4-5 cm). They are collected in umbellate inflorescences of 3-10 pieces. The corolla is almost half incised into rounded ovoid lobes.
Pedicels are characterized by a reddish color and long, which is almost one and a half times the length of the flowers themselves. They emerge from the elliptical sinuses or from the ovoid fluffy scales that cover the flowers in the bud.
The fruits of golden rhododendron are cylindrical capsules 1-1.5 cm long and 4-6 mm in diameter. You can see the flowers of the plant no earlier than May and no later than June, and most often it is found in mountainous areas: in the Sayan Mountains, Sakhalin, the Northern Kuriles, the Far East or Altai.
Did you know? In Siberia, golden rhododendron is called "kashkara", in Tofalaria - "yellow kashkara" or "ulug kaskara", and in Mongolia - "Altan Terelzh".
The best varieties for the regions
Varieties and varieties are selected for planting depending on the climatic zone. Not all varieties can withstand the harsh cold winters. And yet there are many species and varieties that are successfully grown in the Moscow region and Leningrad, in the Urals and in Siberia. They are often planted in groups or in combination with conifers.
Did you know? Rhododendron spiky in Japan, Korea, northern China and the Ussuri region is used to treat heart disease, stomach diseases and infections. No less useful is the Daurian and Caucasian rhododendron.
For the Moscow region and the middle lane
Many species of rhododendrons are successfully grown in the open field of the State Botanical Garden in Moscow. Rhododendron spiky, Daurian, Canadian, short-fruited, Japanese, sea buckthorn, Smirnov, Ledebour and Schlippenbach have shown themselves well in the middle zone of the Russian Federation.
For the middle lane, including the Moscow region, with a temperate climate, it is better to choose deciduous or semi-deciduous varieties. Lights varieties like Mandarin Lights, Lemon Lights, Golden Lights, and P.J.M. and Finnish hybrids, Nova Zembla and others.
Rhododendron katevbinsky
Among the most attractive species of rhododendron, one should highlight katevbin (in beauty it is included in the top ten). This is a fairly large shrub with a height of 2-4 or even 6 meters, which annually adds about 10 cm in growth.It is distinguished by a semicircular dense crown, the diameter of which in an adult shrub often reaches 2 m (with proper care). The bark is brown, the leaves are ellipsoidal, 6-15 cm long and 5 cm wide. In its upper part, the foliage is dark green, shiny, and below it is lighter with clear veins.
The flowers of the plant look like bells and can be white, lilac-purple, light purple or violet-red shades. They cannot be called small, since such flowers reach 6 cm in length. The inflorescence includes up to 20 pieces, which makes the bush look very elegant.
As in the previous versions, the fruits are presented in boxes, ripening by October.
This plant can be safely called a long-liver, since the age of the "old-timers" reaches 100 years.
In most cases, the Katevbinsky rhododendron is planted near benches, arbors or bends of paths, which helps to create colorful compositions. It also looks beautiful next to perennial and ornamental plants with a dense crown (for example, pine or thuja).
This species tolerates shade well, but it is better to plant it in well-lit, sunny places. Diffused light under a canopy of a tree or a shadow formed from the wall of the house are also suitable. But in the latter case, you need to be prepared for not very abundant flowering.
When planting Katevbinsky rhododendron, it is necessary to choose a place without drafts and drying winds. The soil should be sufficiently moist, loose, rich in organic trace elements, acidic or slightly acidic. You can use peat mixed with sand or pine sawdust.As for feeding, young plants need it after flowering and in early spring, and for adults it will be enough to apply fertilizer once a season.
Despite the fact that this species belongs to frost-resistant plants, in the northern regions it is still worth taking care of a frame shelter for the winter, especially for young shrubs.
Evergreen shrub care
After planting, if necessary, the tree is shaded. Caring for Nova Zembla consists of weed control, loosening, watering, pruning and fertilizing.
You need to loosen the soil around the bush constantly. Do this carefully because the roots of the plant are close to the surface.
If your site has deep groundwater, it is recommended to water it twice a week. With a close occurrence of soil water, irrigate less often and less significantly.
On a note! Rhododendron, with a lack of moisture, lowers the leaves, which become dull.
It is better to use rain or settled water for irrigation. For acidification a day before use, add 2-3 handfuls of high-moor peat to a container with water. In the summer heat, the bushes can be sprayed, only in the evening.
They are fed with preparations that do not contain lime and chlorine. Acidic mineral additives and rotted manure are suitable, they are used in turn. Fertilizers are applied from early spring to late July.
There are other ways to feed:
- in the spring they bring in 1 sq. m 50 g of ammonium sulfate and the same amount of magnesium sulfate;
- immediately after the end of flowering, in early June, they are used for 1 sq. m 20 g of superphosphate and potassium sulfate plus 40 g of ammonium sulfate;
- mineral fertilizers are applied for the third time in July, they are taken for 1 sq. m 20 g of superphosphate and potassium sulfate.
Rhododendrons do not need formative pruning. They grow on their own, while the bush looks very beautiful. For rejuvenation, old and weak shoots are cut out. The procedure is performed before the start of sap flow.
When pruning thick branches, the place of the cut is covered with garden pitch.
Older plants are rejuvenated as follows:
- in the first year, all shoots are cut off by 30 cm from one half of the bush;
- for another season, cut off the second part in the same way.
Rhododendron canadian
The Canadian rhododendron is a deciduous, undersized member of the genus, which does not exceed 1 m in height (1.2 m in width).
It has smooth branches, oblong oval or narrow-lanceolate leaves, up to 6 cm long (from above they are slightly hairy, and from below they are densely hairy). The edges of the leaves are slightly curled, dull bluish green above and gray below.
The shoots are thin, while they are young - they have a bright yellowish-red hue, but with age they become grayish-brown, often with a bloom. Flowers are collected in inflorescences of 3-7 pieces and bloom even before the leaves appear. The corolla is purple-violet or pinkish-purple, two-lipped, and due to the nature of the dissection, it seems that it consists of petals.
The shrub begins to bloom from the age of three and is observed in May-June.
The same box acts as a fruit, only in this case the seeds are small and numerous (fruiting begins at 4-5 years of age, and the seeds ripen in September-October).
In the wild, it grows in river valleys, in wetlands and open marshes, in coniferous and mixed forests, as well as in open rocky areas.
Important! This is one of the few deciduous species of rhododendron, whose range extends far to the north (canadian rhododendron calmly tolerates a drop in temperature to -32 ° C).
It is recommended to plant the plant on forest edges and in stony areas, in loose, moist and slightly acidic soil (pH 5.1-6.4). This species grows relatively quickly, adding 6-8 cm annually.
Rhododendron yellow
A very polymorphic species, which is why some authors distinguish certain varieties that differ from each other in the nature of pubescence and the shape of the leaves.
The yellow rhododendron is a deciduous fairly branched shrub, reaching 2-4 meters in height. If growth conditions are favorable, then it can grow up to 6 meters in the transverse direction. Young shoots are glandular-hairy, leaves are oblong, ovoid, oblong-lanceolate or oblong-elliptical. Their length is 4-12 cm, width is 1.5-8 cm, and the length of the petioles is 5-7 mm.
Flowers are collected in 7-12 umbellate scutes and are located on pedicels 1-2 cm long. The corolla of orange or yellow color is 3-5 cm long and about 5 cm in diameter. It has a funnel-shaped shape and a narrow-cylindrical tube widened in the upper part.
The fruit is an oblong cylindrical box 1.5-2.5 cm long.
The flowering of rhododendron yellow can be observed in April-June, either before the appearance of the leaves, or simultaneously with their appearance. Fruiting begins in August. As for the conditions for growing and caring for this plant, it should be noted that it is photophilous and quite demanding on moisture and soil composition.
During the flowering period and in autumn, when the leaves acquire rich, bright colors, this is a very beautiful ornamental plant. The standard shape is well suited for forest edges and groups, and numerous garden options can be planted in both singles and group foregrounds in gardens and parks.
Reproduction
For the propagation of their favorite varieties, experienced gardeners advise several methods - seeds, cuttings, layering.
Important! The drugs should be changed every 2-3 uses so that there is no addiction. And also when working with chemicals, you must use protective clothing (gown, mask, rubber gloves, boots) to avoid poisoning.
The procedure is carried out as follows:
- Seeds sown in a container filled with a mixture of peat and river sand (2: 1), spread over the surface of the soil, sprinkle with a layer of sand on top, moisten, cover with film or glass, put in a well-ventilated, well-lit place, but not under direct sunlight, with a stable air temperature about + 25 ° С. Sowing is regularly watered, ventilated, condensate is removed so that there is no waterlogged soil, which contributes to the development of mold. After a month, sprouts should appear, and when they have formed several pairs of leaves, they are seated in separate containers. Saplings are planted in a permanent place after they get stronger, for 3-4 years of life.
- For reproduction cuttings in the spring, select strong, healthy, semi-lignified annual shoots. Of them, you need to cut (it is better to tear off) cuttings up to 15 cm long with apical leaves. Cut off the lower leaves, leave 4 pieces, treat the cut with a root growth stimulator. Cuttings are planted in containers filled with soil mixture for azaleas, at a distance of 5 cm from each other, covered with foil or plastic caps, watered, sometimes opened, ventilated. They are placed in a shaded place with a constant air temperature of about + 15 ° C. After 3-4 months, a root system is formed, after rooting, the seedlings can be transplanted into separate containers, and it is recommended to plant them in open ground in the third year.
- For reproduction layering it is necessary in the spring, before the onset of the vegetative period, to choose strong annual shoots, bend them to the bottom of pre-dug grooves 10-15 cm deep (place one branch in one groove), pin them with staples, wire or wooden pegs. Then sprinkle with fertile soil with peat, water generously. During the season, before and after the appearance of new seedlings, it is necessary to water, remove weeds. When young shoots take root, they need to be spud and fertilized.In the fall or next spring, you can separate the layers and plant them in open ground in a permanent place.
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Japanese rhododendron
Japanese look Is a frost-hardy rhododendron, which belongs to deciduous, strongly branched shrubs, native to Northern and Central Japan. The plant reaches a height of 1-2 meters (annual growth of 7-9 cm), and its width is limited to 1.2 m. The crown is spreading, and at a young age it is very dense.
The leaves are thin, oblong-lanceolate and reach 4-10 cm in length (with a width of 2-4 cm). They have a wedge-shaped base and a sharp end, and when deployed, you can sometimes see soft bristly hairs. From below, pubescence is observed only along the veins, and along the edge the leaves are ciliate, gradually tapering and turning into a petiole (the length of this part is 0.5-1 cm).
Young shoots can be naked, or they can be covered with silvery bristly drags.
Sufficiently large flowers are collected in inflorescences of 6-12 pieces and, as in the previous case, bloom either to the leaves or simultaneously with them. Corollas of the Japanese rhododendron are velvety on the outside and can be very varied in terms of color. You can find specimens orange-red, pinkish or brick-red with a yellow-orange spot, 6-8 cm in diameter. Yellow forms of this species with golden yellow flowers are also known. The flowering period of the shrub is more than a month.
A yellow form of this species with golden yellow flowers is known. Good sun tolerance. In autumn, the leaves turn yellow-purple.
The fruits are presented in the form of bolls and ripen in September-October. The plant reproduces equally well both by seeds and cuttings (when treated with special growth stimulants, 72% of cuttings take root).
This hardy rhododendron can withstand temperatures as low as -26 ° C and is recommended for single and group plantings. From a decorative point of view, it is most effective in combination with other types of rhododendrons, especially dark-leaved rocks.
Diseases and pests
If agricultural technology is violated, the Yakushiman rhododendron can be susceptible to diseases and pests. At high soil moisture, signs of fungal diseases appear on the plants: dark or gray spots. Bordeaux liquid, the drug Fundazol, copper oxychloride helps to fight lesions. The shrub is sprayed over the leaf.
Yakushiman rhododendron attracts scale insects, weevils, spider mites, slugs. Pests feed on the aboveground part of plants, slow down their development and worsen their decorative appearance. Insecticides are used against insects Iskra, Aktellik, Karbofos. A working solution is prepared for spraying. If necessary, re-processing is carried out after 1 - 2 weeks.
Caucasian rhododendron
Caucasian rhododendron - another frost-resistant representative of the family. The plant reaches a height of 1-1.5 m and is distinguished by a recumbent dark brown stem.
The leaves are oblong and oval in shape. From below they are covered with thick short red felt.
The flowers are collected in umbellate inflorescences, the corolla reaches 3 cm in length, yellowish-white in color with green or reddish dots in the fauces. Corolla coloration can vary greatly from pure white to pale cream or pale pink. Species with pink flowers are often found in the Elbrus region.
The capsule of the plant is oblong, rusty-tomentose.
Caucasian rhododendron is a honey plant, which plays the role of a soil fixer in the conditions of mountains and on open slopes. It is often used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and rheumatism.
Extensive plantations of this plant are located on the territory of the Republic of Abkhazia and in the mountains of the Main Caucasian ridge. As for home cultivation, then its hybrids are used to a greater extent.The most famous cultivar is Cunningham's White, the main feature of which is its absolutely white flowers. Other hybrids are pink, golden yellow, with and without specks.
All of them are quite capricious in terms of cultivation and have special requirements for the composition of the soil. They are not suitable for acidic (pH 4-5), knocked down soil, devoid of good air and water permeability. The most suitable soils are available only above central Russia, while the southern regions are generally unsuitable.
Distinctive features
The Yakushiman rhododendron can beautify any landscape. It differs from its counterparts in a number of features:
- Extended flowering period.
- Undemanding to soil, can grow among stones.
- Frost and winter hardiness.
- Does not tolerate direct sunlight, partial shade and regular abundant watering are necessary.
Leaves do not fall for the winter, the shrub is an evergreen species.
Important! When planting, you cannot cover the root collar with soil, the process of decay of the root system may begin.
Rhododendron Hellicki
Rhododendron variety Helicki - These are compact plants with pink-red flowers, which are collected in clusters of 8-12 pieces. Flowering begins in mid-June, but for the most effective manifestation of the decorative properties of the plant, it needs to create comfortable conditions, part of which are loose and moist soils, as well as shaded planting sites, protected from the wind.
The underside of the leaves is supplemented with dense pubescence, more like felt, which, however, does not distinguish this species from other types of rhododendrons. The buds are lowered, and the flowers can be called funnel-shaped. They are distinguished by a rich violet-red color with red-orange blotches on the upper petal (5.5-7 cm) and slightly wavy edges.
Important! The Hellicki rhododendron is a hybrid of Smirnov's rhododendron.
For a full bookmark of flower buds for the next year, you need to remove all wilted inflorescences.
What do the experts advise?
For Nova Zembla to please the eye for a long time, experts advise:
- 1 Buy plants that are healthy, not yellowed, with good soil moisture in a container.
- 2Choose the right place and soil for the hybrid.
- 3 Maintain the required soil moisture.
- 4 Remove dead flowers to promote growth rather than seed production.
Rhododendron in the garden can be a solitary plant, a kind of accent against the background of a wall or lawn. Nova Zembla is a traditional component of the Japanese garden. The reflection of a bush planted above the water visually increases the number of flowers in the Japanese courtyard. The variety looks great in mass plantings, alleys, rockeries, curtains, creating large, lush and bright blooming spots against the background of pine needles, walls, and fence.
Daurian rhododendron
Daurian rhododendron is a deciduous or evergreen shrub that is mostly found in Asia. This species got its name from Dauria (Daurian land), named after the territory of Transbaikalia, where the Daurs lived.
In Russia, this shrub has another name - "Wild rosemary". It reaches 0.5-2 m in height and is decorated with a dense crown formed from upwardly sticking shoots. Young shoots are thin, collected at the ends of branches in several pieces and have a rusty-brown color, with short pubescence. The root system is superficial, flat. Leaves are oval, rounded at the end, painted in a glossy dark green. Below they are scaly and paler.
The length of the leaf is from 1.3 to 4 cm, and the width ranges from 0.5 to 1 cm. On the shoots, foliage appears at the end of the flowering of the shrub. At first it is bright green, and by autumn it becomes darker with sparse scales. In the lower part, young leaves are light green, and later become brownish, densely covered with "scales".
With the arrival of autumn, the leaves curl into a tube, after which most of them simply fall off.The petioles are 8-10 times shorter than the leaf blade.
Inflorescences are formed at the ends of the shoots or at the outer leaves, with the apical and axillary appearing simultaneously. One flower blooms from each flower bud (1-3 for each shoot). The peduncle is 3-5 mm long, the corolla is light pink with a lilac tint (rarely white). Its length is 1.4-2.2 cm, and its diameter reaches 2.2-4 cm. The plant has 10 stamens with hairy purple-pink filaments at the base. The fruit is the already mentioned capsule, oblong-ovoid, 0.8-1.2 cm long, located on a stem 0.3-0.7 cm long.
Daurian rhododendron belongs to frost-resistant and shade-tolerant species and is able to survive frosts down to -45 ° C.
In most cases, reproduction is vegetative (by means of root suckers). Seed propagation mainly takes place in clearings and burnt-out areas. In recent years, the number of this species on the territory of Russia has noticeably decreased, especially in the suburban area. This phenomenon is facilitated by the economic use of land and changes in the characteristics of the natural landscape, especially during the flowering season.
Prevention of various problems
Proper care will be the main prevention of any problems. But, of course, it is impossible to foresee everything, so it will be useful to treat the Rhododendron with "Hom" and Bordeaux liquid several times a season.
Those who are interested in rhododendrons can read about their other varieties, namely Helliki, Roseum Elegance, Golden, Fantastic, Francesca, Ledebura, Rasputin, Adams, Daursky, Caucasian.
