Rhododendron is a plant of the genus of evergreen trees. Its name means a tree with roses; in appearance, the shrub is very similar to an azalea. This is a fairly common plant, numbering about three thousand varieties. There is a rhododendron from North America to East Asia, most often grows near water bodies. This plant in its natural habitat reaches up to thirty meters in length, and some species are covered with a carpet. Rhododendron is one of the favorite crops among gardeners in Russia and Ukraine, as it is distinguished by its beauty and endurance.
Description of culture
Garden rhododendron is a shrub that is quite popular all over the world due to the beauty of its foliage and magnificent flowering. Some species of this plant give off a bright floral scent. The foliage of the culture is annual or perennial, depending on the variety.
The shrub fruit is a small box with seeds. The bush has a rather superficial root system, which makes it easy to transplant the plant to another place.
Rhododendron is an excellent early honey plant. Very popular with beekeepers.
Planting conditions for rhododendron
In our area, only frost-resistant rhododendron can be planted, since the roots of this plant are located close to the surface of the earth, and in a harsh winter there is a high risk of crop death. Planting is best done in early spring or late autumn. In general, it can be transplanted into open ground anytime, except during the flowering period.
The landing procedure is simple enough:
- You need to dig a hole about 50 cm deep, fill it with a mixture of peat and clay. Tamp the contents of the groove, and then dig a small hole in it the size of the root system of a bush. Before planting a plant, you need to hold its roots in water.
- The planted bush must be covered with earth and trampled down well. The root collar cannot be buried; it must be at the same level with the ground.
- After planting, water the bush abundantly.
It will grow best in the shade, in acidic soil rich in minerals. Perfectly adjacent to oak, pine and other deep-rooted and fruit trees... But alder, maple, chestnut and linden will destroy the rhododendron.
Bush care
This plant is unpretentious and easy to care for. Care includes the usual procedures: weeding, watering, spraying, fertilizing and pest control.
It is impossible to loosen the soil next to the shrub, since the root system of the plant is located high, and there is a risk of damage to it.
Watering should be abundant and regular, especially during the flowering period of the shrub... You can determine when to water a flower by the state of its foliage: if it ceases to be glossy, then the plant needs water.
V summer time at high air temperatures, you need to spray the plant. Watering should be adjusted so as not to overmoisten the roots.
Plant pruning
Usually this shrub does not need pruning, as it forms itself beautiful crown ... Sometimes it is necessary to trim some branches or cut off frozen or dry shoots.
To execute correct pruning, you need to spend it in early spring. Cut points to be processed charcoal or garden pitch. After about thirty days, buds form on the shoots, the renewal process starts.
This shrub has such a feature: abundant flowering is noted in one year, and much less inflorescences are formed in the next season. To get rid of this deficiency, it is necessary to prune half of the plant one by one after a year.
Shrub fertilization
This plant must be fertilized, even if recently planted. The first feeding is carried out in the spring. Before fertilizing, the plant must be watered. From organic fertilizers, manure diluted with water is suitable. Since the shrub grows in acidic soil, nitrogen agents and potassium phosphate can be used from mineral fertilizers.
It is best to fertilize the plant in spring with nitrogen-containing fertilizers, and at the beginning of summer with sulfuric fertilizers.
Diseases and pests
Most often, the following pests threaten rhododendron:
- mealy worm;
- spider mite;
- bedbugs;
- weevils;
- slugs and snails.
To combat these pests, the plant must be treated with special solutions of insecticides and diazinones. Many pests die from karbofos.
Fungal diseases arise due to waterlogging and poor ventilation of the roots. Most of these diseases can be eliminated with a solution. copper sulfate.
Affected shoots and leaves should be removed and trimmed.
Features of spring care
In the spring, it is necessary to remove the shelter from the plants after temperature regime will be established at positive marks. It is recommended to remove the shelter from the rhododendrons gradually, which will protect the shoots from negative impact direct sunlight. The old mulch circle should be removed from the trunk circles. The first watering should be water-charging. For this purpose, water heated in the sun and settled water is used.
In the presence of a large accumulation of melt water, it is necessary to take measures to drain it from the plantings of the rhododendron. V spring care behind the planting of rhododendron includes activities such as watering, nutritional dressing, weed removal, loosening, pruning and pest protection spraying.
Trim technology
V spring pruning of excessively tall bushes is carried out, as well as the removal of shoots frozen in winter or the rejuvenation of old plants. The event is held before the start of sap flow.All sections must be processed using garden var... About three weeks after pruning, buds awaken on the shoots, and part of the shoots are renewed. It is important to remember that very old or severely frozen in winter period bushes must be cut at a height of 35 cm from the ground level. To reduce the frequency of flowering, it is recommended that all wilted inflorescences be promptly broken out immediately after flowering in the spring.
Watering and fertilizing
Rhododendrons belong to the category moisture-loving plants therefore, irrigation plays an important role. It is recommended to supplement irrigation measures with fertilization. Rhododendrons grow rather slowly but for full development they need periodic feeding. The main dressing is applied in the spring, after flowering, as well as at the stage of active growth of young shoots.
In early spring, you can apply a mixture of fertilizers based on ammonium sulfate under the plants, potassium sulfate and superphosphate in a ratio of 2: 1: 1. The use of such a fertilizer assumes the consumption of 80 g of the mixture for each square meter... For adult and old plants, additional organic matter can be introduced in the form of rotted manure or compost at the rate of 1 bucket for each bush.
Plants respond very well to feeding with granular fertilizers by “Kemira-universal”, which should be evenly distributed over the surface of the soil (1 tablespoon of granules for each square meter of area). For older and abundantly flowering plants, it is advisable to double the application rate of this fertilizer.
For further feeding, you can use a solution of potassium sulfate... It should be remembered that in the last decade of summer, feeding of rhododendrons is not needed, as they often cause late secondary growth and freezing of immature shoots in winter. For the same reason experienced florists mullein is not recommended for feeding.
Pest control
Typically, rhododendrons are affected mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, bedbugs, weevils, rhododendron flies, as well as snails and slugs. For the destruction of gastropods, manual collection and prophylactic treatment of plants with an 8% fungicidal agent "TMTD" or "Tirama" is used. In order to protect landings from spider mites, rhododendron bugs and weevils, rhododendron and soil around the plants are sprayed with Diazinon. Treatment of flower beds in the spring with a standard solution of karbofos has good effectiveness.
Reproduction
Rhododendron reproduces at home in several ways.:
Rhododendron varieties
There are species and varieties of this beautiful shrub great amount. Below are the most popular ones..
In our latitudes, this beautiful shrub normally tolerates small frosts, but it is still better to cover it for the winter. It does not require special care and reproduces successfully. Such a plant will become a real decoration of any garden or suburban area.
Features of landing in the Moscow region, Siberia and the Urals
This plant is thermophilic, therefore, for the Moscow region, you need to choose varieties that can survive the winter frosts. Due to the superficial location of the root system, the likelihood of freezing of the shrub remains even under cover.
Rhododendron in Siberia... Planting and caring for such a shrub should include mandatory mulching and shelter for the winter. You need to choose deciduous varieties of rhododendron: Japanese, Kamchatka, yellow and others.
Rhododendrons in the Urals... Care and planting of a plant in this region begins with the selection of a cold-resistant variety, for example, The Hague, Mikkeli, Rosie Lights. It is imperative to cover the rhododendron for the winter to avoid hypothermia.
The unique beauty of rhododendron inspires gardeners; for many, caring for an exquisite heat-loving shrub becomes a real pleasure and develops into a hobby. Growing rhododendron cannot be called easy, you need to choose the right place where to plant it, monitor soil moisture and protect it from pests. But if you make an effort and provide the plant with proper care, then this is a rare beautiful plant will be a real gem of any garden.
Rhododendron is a wonderful plant of the heather family, which, however, is not easy to grow in our northern latitudes. Their homeland is the Mediterranean, so they are very thermophilic and do not tolerate Russian winters well. "Sissies", in a word. In order for them to take root, you need proper care and proper agricultural practices.
But this flower is so charming that everyone more experienced and novice florists try their hand at growing it. It should be noted that there are many pitfalls and nuances in caring for rhododendron. Let's list some of them.
The choice of planting material
There are several winter-hardy species of this evergreen that have a chance to survive even with not very skillful care. These include the following species: Katevbinsky, deciduous Schlippenbach and Japanese.
v wildlife growing in North America in the highlands of North Carolina, where the Katevba River originates, which gave it its specific name. Grows well in the shade on acidic or slightly acidic soils. It tolerates our winters very well. The height of the bush is 2-4 meters, the leaves are leathery, dark green, 15 cm long. The flowers are large, very beautiful lilac-purple color, up to 15 cm in diameter. Recommended for group and single plantings in gardens and forest edges in the north-western zone of Russia ... 
grows in the forests of Korea, Japan, Northeast China and Western Primorye. The name is obliged to the Russian naval officer and traveler - Shlippenbach A.V. Hardy, shoots appear annually. Can multiply by rooting branches and seeds. The height of the cultivated plant reaches 1.6 m. The leaves are wide, falling, in autumn they are painted in bright yellow-red colors. The flowers are large (up to 10 cm in diameter), the color is pale pink, diluted with purple specks.
grows on the sun-drenched mountain slopes of the island of Honshu. Winter-hardy, photophilous. It propagates well by cuttings and seeds. Very handsome. During the flowering period, from a distance, it looks like the flame of a bright fire. Moreover, it remains so until late autumn, due to the coloring of the leaves in orange-red tones. Flowers with a tart aroma, large, orange shades. In beauty during the flowering period, it surpasses all other species that can grow in central Russia. The bush grows very dense due to its strong branching and reaches a height of up to 2 meters.
The successful cultivation of rhododendron largely depends on the place of purchase planting material. The best way- nurseries or experienced gardeners that can give useful tips on cultivation techniques and wintering rules specifically for your region. For beginners, I recommend starting by planting and growing the species rather than a specific variety of rhododendron. The species is less capricious and more winter-hardy than the variety obtained on its basis. And although the varieties are more attractive due to the huge variety of shades, the species are also distinguished by a riot of all kinds of colors.
Plants bought at markets or horticultural fairs, on the other hand, are much less likely. This is because sellers often simply do not know what species and varieties of rhododendrons they are selling. In summer, these plants will bloom and beautify your garden, but only for one season. They may not survive the winter.
For reproduction, two- or four-year-old bushes are best suited. In seedlings, you need to pay attention to the bushiness of the cuttings (the most tenacious ones begin to branch immediately at the root collar) and to the leaves (there should be no spots or swellings). Inspection of the roots is also mandatory - wet blotches and knots are unacceptable.
Soil and place for rhododendrons
Rhododendrons love acidic soils and are tolerant of waterlogging. it shade-loving plants, about which many growers simply do not know. Planting bushes on open areas their garden, they have been waiting for years to bloom, which may never come. However, it has been noticed that competent transplants are only beneficial to this plant. Therefore, you should not be afraid to experiment with choosing and changing the landing site. Truth, it comes well rooted perennial plants... Keep in mind that the root system of rhododendrons is shallow and very compact. It will not be difficult to dig it up.When planting a rhododendron, it is very important to pay attention to the neighboring plants that will surround the "rose tree". Trees with a shallow root system are undesirable, which will leave it without nutrients... Bad neighbors for rhododendron: oak, birch, willow, maple and some other trees. Good neighbors: spreading apple, pear, pine, spruce, larch. Some types of deciduous "rose trees" can be planted in open areas (Daurian, Kamchatka, Canadian), but even they grow better in diffused shade. It would be good to add a mixture of peat and rotted compost soil to the planting pit in a ratio of 3: 1. Planting rhododendrons in the soil is done up to the level of the root collar. From above, you can fall asleep with sawdust in a layer of 5-7 cm. Before planting, be sure to shake the roots with your hands so that they straighten out.
Rhododendron care
In summer, caring for rhododendrons is simple: removing wilted inflorescences, regular watering and frequent spraying of plants in hot weather with streams of water. Tap water with bleach and lime for watering these capricious plants is completely unsuitable. Best option: rain, melt or running water. Rhododendrons only tolerate soft water, which washes well and does not form scale on electrical appliances. Rhododendrons respond well to feeding before flowering, immediately after, and in late summer - early autumn.For feeding, there is a special instant fertilizer for rhododendrons (20-30 grams per 1 liter of water). You can add 5-10 grams of any nitrogen fertilization... Nitrogen should be excluded from the autumn feeding, and 30 g of superphosphate with the addition of 15 g of potassium sulfate should be added under each bush. Be sure to mulch the soil under them with sawdust. conifers twice a year - in early spring(as the snow melts) and at the end of summer. The benefit is twofold: the soil will not dry out, and coniferous sawdust will reduce its acidity. In addition, mulch protects well against weeds.
Preparing rhododendrons for winter and shelter for the winter season
A reservation must be made here. They need to be prepared for winter everywhere, but the timing of its beginning for different regions is different. In the conditions of the middle zone, the beginning should be considered the first days of August. In dry autumn, abundant watering is needed - at least 10-12 liters of water for each adult plant... After the onset of the first frost, rhododendrons need to be covered with burlap, lightly tying the branches with twine. It is necessary to remove the cover in early spring, after the snow melts. This is necessary to ventilate the bushes. It is better to do this on a cloudy day, since the spring sun can harm a bush that has not yet woken up. Rhododendrons are increasingly found in parks and on garden plots in many regions of our country. And if those who are engaged in the cultivation of flowers and shrubs in parks and squares know well how to care for all flowering plants, then summer residents can not always produce the correct autumn for their flowering perennials.
To help them, this article has been written - it will tell you what care rhododendrons need in the fall and how to prepare them for winter.
Features of care for rhododendron in the fall and preparation for winter
Many gardeners believe that flowering shrubs need care only during the summer, while they continue to bloom. And when the flowers have fallen, then you can no longer do anything - the bushes in further care dont need. But it is not, and this flower is no exception. The growth and abundant flowering of this perennial in the next season depends on how the rhododendron is prepared for winter.
And especially carefully you need to take care of the fall about young plants that were planted in the current season. Moreover, you need to know what varieties of rhododendrons were planted.
Although most of these perennials are rather pampered plants but in recent times breeders have bred varieties with high frost resistance, which are able to withstand cold temperatures down to -35 C and below.
These bushes belong to evergreen perennials, so their foliage evaporates moisture during the winter. Therefore, they do not stop watering the rhododendron not only in autumn, but also in winter.
Pruning rhododendron in autumn
Shrub pruning is one of the mandatory procedures to which all perennial bushes are exposed. And the rhododendron is no exception. Like other plants, it is provided with three types of pruning:
- sanitary;
- formative;
- anti-aging.
When is the best time to carry out each of these procedures - you should figure it out separately. But usually this event is held either in the spring or in the fall. But during flowering, it is better not to take the secateurs. The only thing that can be done in the summer is to remove dried inflorescences and broken off branches. And, of course, you have to remove diseased aerial parts if pests or diseases attack the bushes.
Why prune a rhododendron
It would seem that a lush blooming perennial does not need this procedure at all - it grows, blooms and well. And even if broken or frozen shoots are visible here and there, they don't really spoil general form of this plant. However, this is not the way to think.
The purpose of any of the scraps is to save beautiful shape this perennial, remove all damaged or frozen shoots through which they can get pathogenic microorganisms or pests and cause irreparable damage to the plant.
A anti-aging pruning allows you to return youth to a shrub that has already begun to grow poorly, practically does not bloom during the summer. Therefore, pruning this pink perennial is necessary procedure... You just need to know which type of rhododendron pruning is best done in the spring, and which - in the fall.
When is the best time to prune a rhododendron - in spring or autumn
It cannot be said unequivocally that these flowering shrubs should be cut off only in spring, or only in autumn. You need to figure out when what kind of these procedures to carry out correctly.
Sanitary pruning usually done early in the spring, when it is already noticeable how the bush survived the winter. All broken and frozen shoots should be removed. If the stem is broken off less than half, then such a branch can be saved. Usually, an elastic bandage is applied to the fractured place, and a support is placed under the shoot. The support should be left for several seasons.
Frozen branches should be cut back to healthy wood. The deciduous varieties of these shrubs in very coldy the bark of the shoots may crack. In this case, it is necessary to cut out all damaged areas down to living tissue.
Also in the spring, after planting seedlings in open ground, they carry out starting trim perennial. In evergreen bushes, the crown is usually already formed, but deciduous shrubs sometimes have to be trimmed in order to give the plant a more decorative look.
Formative pruning the plants are carried out in March, when sap flow has not yet begun in the shoots. In this case, the branches are cut to the dormant buds.
But in this article we are talking about pruning rhododendrons, which should be carried out in autumn period... In the fall, you can spend anti-aging pruning shrubs, all other types of this procedure for rhododendrons are performed in the spring.
Timing of pruning rhododendron in the fall
Rejuvenating pruning of rhododendrons in the fall should be done in a couple of weeks before the onset of frost and 10-14 days after fertilizing the soil... Usually, depending on the climatic conditions in the region, the timing of this event can range from late September to mid-October. Places of cuts should be covered with a special varnish-balsam.
How to properly cut a rhododendron in the fall - instructions and diagram
Rejuvenating pruning in the fall should be done gradually so as not to weaken the rhododendron. Therefore, at the end of the first season, one half of the plant is cut off, and the other half the next fall.
In evergreen shrubs, shortening old shoots usually awakens dormant buds from which new shoots grow.
Deciduous rhododendrons should not be cut drastically - flush with the ground. For rejuvenation, it is enough to shorten the old shoots of this variety of evergreen perennials by 0.3-0.4 m.
Pruning should be done with well-sharpened pruning shears, taking care not to squeeze the wood of the shoots.
Video: preparing rhododendrons for winter - pruning in the fall and shelter
Important! To get a beautiful and voluminous bush, it is necessary to pinch all the tops of the shoots in the first ten days of June for the first few years after planting the seedlings. And in the fall, remove weak young shoots growing inside the crown.
Leaving after pruning, feeding
As mentioned earlier, the evergreen varieties of this flowering perennial require regular watering not only in the fall, but also during the winter (despite the fact that the soil can freeze through). However, if the autumn is rainy, then you can do without watering the rhododendron.
On a note! Watering is carried out with soft, slightly acidified water with a pH of about 4.5. To do this, dilute a teaspoon of citric acid in a bucket of water.
To feeding rhododendrons in the fall should be taken very seriously. Indeed, it depends on the correct and timely application of fertilizers how strong and powerful the "rose tree" grows, as well as the active and abundant flowering of its shoots. Fertilizers should be applied under them in small portions, top dressing should be applied in liquid form, and not dry - then they will be absorbed faster by the root system.
The main signs that the plant lacks nutrients, - this is a change in the color of foliage, inactive flowering, a small increase in new shoots, a massive loss of old leaves in mid-August.
Usually, at the end of flowering (at the end of summer), they introduce fertilizing from mineral fertilizers containing superphosphate and potassium sulfate - 8 g of the first fertilizer and 6 g of the second are enough for a bucket of water.
In autumn, as a top dressing of rhododendron in trunk circle can be made not completely rotted manure... It will simultaneously serve as mulch and fertilizer, which will decompose to the end by the spring.
In the last decade of September or in the first decade of October (a couple of weeks before frost), the “rosewood” should be treated with a Bordeaux mixture or any other fungicide that contains copper. This preventive measure will prevent the development of fungal diseases.
Shelter of rhododendron for the winter
It is necessary to cover the rhododendron for the winter in accordance with all the rules in order to prevent the freezing of the bushes. And even if the variety of this shrub is frost-resistant, it is necessary to add a layer of mulch to the trunk circle. This precaution helps to protect the root system from freezing.
Do I need to cover the rhododendron for the winter
The “rose tree” must be covered for the winter in order to keep the growth and flower buds from freezing and burns in the cold season. These buds appear in the plant already in the third decade of September. And if they are not timely protected from frost, then next season the bush may bloom poorly, and the number of new shoots will be small.
Therefore, the timely shelter of rhododendrons for the winter is a precautionary measure that protects the plant from cold weather and promotes active growth and abundant flowering of the "rose tree" in subsequent seasons.
Another purpose of the shelter is to protect this flowering shrub from cold strong wind and too much snow, as they more often destroy the shoots of rhododendron than low temperature air.
How to properly cover a rhododendron for the winter
Evergreen rosewood species overwinter worse in colder regions than deciduous ones.
How to properly cover rhododendrons that shed their foliage for the winter? To do this, it is enough to sprinkle bushes with a height of more than 0.8 m with a layer of peat up to 15 cm thick, and if a shrub with a height of more than 1.5 m, then the protective layer should be at least 25 cm.
Important! Should not huddle or fill up protective layer the base of the bush. Better to overlay it large river sand so that the bark on the trunk does not melt.
In the last decade of October - the first decade of November, when the air temperature is stably low, all the shoots are neatly tied. Bushes over 1.5 m in height must be tied to a wooden stake. It is better to tilt varieties with flexible shoots to the ground so that they winter under the snow cover.
Near the bush, it is necessary to drive in a support and put any covering light material on the bush to protect the shoots from the bright spring sunlight.
Video: how to cover rhododendrons for the winter
What are the features of preparing for winter in different regions
The main nuances of protecting these plants in winter and early spring are the protection of shoots and evergreen varieties from the sun's rays, which can cause burns on wood and foliage. To prevent this from happening, in the middle lane (in the Moscow region), in the Volga region, in the Urals and in Siberia in the third decade of February - the first decade of March, it is necessary to shade shrubs from the south and west.
In these regions, the following varieties are less susceptible to burning in early spring:
- dwarf;
- Vaseya;
- Canadian;
- Ledebour;
- Pink;
- Adhesive.
And large-leaved evergreen rhododendrons do not tolerate bright spring sunlight worse.
Typical mistakes in caring for rhododendron in autumn and in preparation for winter
Often beginners make the following mistakes when caring for rhododendrons in the fall and when preparing for the winter season:
- do not make top dressing in the fall for the bushes;
- forget about the need for autumn watering;
- bushes are not cut in autumn;
- plants are not properly covered for the winter.
How this perennial will grow and bloom next season depends on the correct autumn care for the "rose tree" and timely shelter for the winter. Therefore, all the necessary agrotechnical measures should be carried out in order to preserve the high decorative effect of these bushes for as long as possible.
Video: wintering rhododendrons
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Rhododendron is one of the most beautiful flowering ornamental shrubs... This plant is increasingly planted on their plots by gardeners to decorate them. Rhododendron is quite unpretentious, one of the most important conditions for caring for this shrub is timely feeding different kinds fertilizers. How and when to fertilize under the rhododendron in order to achieve lush bloom this shrub, and will be discussed in this article.
What you need to know about fertilizing a rhododendron
Specialized stores provide a wide range of fertilizers for this flowering shrub. How to choose from this variety those preparations that are necessary for the plant at different stages of its growth during the season? And what should you consider when purchasing these fertilizers?
- Young rhododendrons are fed only with liquid forms of fertilizers, since such types of fertilizing are better absorbed by the root system of these shrubs.
- For application under rhododendrons in our latitudes, it is not worth using imported fertilizers in granules. These drugs are intended for use in others climatic conditions where the hot time stands large quantity time than ours. Therefore, the use of such drugs in the middle latitudes of our country can lead to the growth of shoots in the last decade of August, when these branches do not have time to prepare for the frost period and simply freeze in winter.
- Under no circumstances are rhododendrons applied wood ash... it organic fertilizer reduces the level of acidity of the soil, which can cause a disease such as chlorosis in shrubs. The appearance of this disease is evidenced by the presence of yellowness between the veins of the leaves.
- Should not be brought in a large number of phosphate fertilizers for this shrub. This type of fertilizer, applied in large quantities, prevents the absorption of iron from the soil by the root system of rhododendrons. And iron deficiency can be the cause of the development of chlorosis, especially on young foliage.
- Fertilizers containing Cl and lime are not applied under this shrub so as not to change the level of soil acidity. The most optimal soil for growing rhododendrons is a soil with a pH of about 5.0.
This shrub should be fertilized three times per season, however, the composition of fertilizers varies depending on the specific season.
First feeding of rhododendron
In spring, granulated mineral fertilizer "Azofoska" is applied to the near-trunk circle of this shrub. It consists of: N, K and P, which are selected in the following ratio - 22:11:11. This preparation is universal, since it contains all the mineral elements necessary for this shrub, which are necessary in spring. Nitrogen accelerates the growth of the vegetative mass and the root system, potassium and phosphorus help the rhododendron accelerate the development of buds, strengthen the root system, and extend the flowering time of the shrub. This fertilizer is characterized by the following:
- it does not wash out of the soil quickly;
- enough long time is located in the zone of the root system of the flower, which contributes to a long time for feeding the bush with useful substances.
This mineral fertilizer can be applied to any type of soil. It is intended for introduction into the soil under this shrub in the spring, when buds are being formed in the rhododendron.
When applying any fertilizers under the rhododendron, one should strictly adhere to the dosage indicated in the instructions for use of complex fertilizers. An increased concentration of mineral and other types of fertilizers applied to the soil can lead to a burn of the root system of the rhododendron, very often plants die for this reason.
Another fertilizer that can be applied under these flowers in spring is "Rhodo and Azalea Azet". It contains special microorganisms that live in the soil, as well as fungi. The consumption of this granular preparation is 1/2 cup per adult bush. This dressing is applied under the flowers at the very beginning of the blooming of the buds. The amount of fertilizer applied is enough for the plant for several months.
Second fertilization under the rhododendron
The next flower feeding is carried out in the third decade of May - the first decade of June, after the plant fades. These fertilizers should help the shrub set up flower buds that will open in the next season.
- Mineral fertilizer applied to the near-trunk circle of the shrub can be made at home. It is necessary to prepare a mixture of the following preparations: 1 tablespoon of potassium salt and superphosphate and 2 tablespoons of ammonium sulfate. This amount is enough to apply to 1 m2 of the plot.
- You can use and ready-made preparations type "Kemira universal". It is used with great success by many gardeners for feeding flowering perennial shrubs... These fertilizers are diluted in water (the required dosage is indicated on the package) and applied under the bushes after watering.
- But they are brought under the rhododendron not only mineral fertilizers... This shrub also needs organic matter. It is best to make a liquid fertilizer based on sour high peat. But any manure should be used with extreme caution. It is usually bred in following proportion- for 1 kg of manure 20 liters of water, then insist 3 - 4 days so that the mixture is infused. Such fertilizer applied to the soil improves its composition, makes it looser, improves the supply of oxygen to the soil and saturates it with useful microelements. However, the manure solution lowers the acidity of the soil, so this fertilizer cannot be applied under rhododendrons often, and when applying it, you need to monitor the change in the acidity of the soil.
- The best fertilizer for rhododendrons during this period is horny flour. It contains a large amount of phosphorus, and the decomposition of such a substance in the soil lasts for several months.
The introduction of organic matter under rhododendrons is preferable to preparations containing mineral fertilizers. Both organic and mineral fertilizers are applied under these shrubs in the form of solutions. Before fertilizing, the flowers are watered abundantly.
When to carry out the last feeding of rhododendrons
- In the last decade of July, these shrubs are fed with fertilizers in last time for the season. Any nitrogen preparations are removed from the complex fertilizer so that the rhododendrons do not grow.
- 2 tablespoons of phosphate fertilizer and 1 tablespoon of any potassium salt are added to the soil. Such feeding strengthens the shoots that have grown over the summer, which helps to increase the plant's resistance to cold weather.
- After fertilization, the trunk circle around the shrubs is mulched with rotted pine needles.
To the presence of nutrients, therefore, improper feeding often leads to its death. In order not to face such a nuisance, novice growers need to know how and what to feed the rhododendron during the growing season.
Basic rules for fertilization
The wide selection of fertilizers on sale sometimes baffles novice growers. They have a wrong opinion. That any mixture of minerals and organics is suitable for plants at any time of the year. But this is not at all the case.
Liquid fertilizers are suitable for young rhododendrons.
Some nuances should be considered when feeding rhododendron bushes:
- Young plants should be fed only with liquid fertilizers, as their assimilation is faster.
- In Russia, it is not recommended to use foreign-made fertilizers in granules, since they are mainly designed for use in warm climates. When applying granular fertilizers of imported production, rhododendron can begin to form new shoots in the fall. In winter, these unformed shoots will freeze and harm the entire plant.
- Rhododendron does not tolerate compounds that reduce the acidity of the soil. It cannot be fed with ash. In this case, rhododendron begins to develop chlorosis.
- Do not use preparations with chlorine and lime to feed rhododendron, as this will kill the mycorrhiza on the plant roots.
- Excessive use of superphosphate leads to leaching of iron from the soil.
- When making liquid dressings, it is worth adhering to a certain concentration of nutrients. For 1 part of the minerals, 2 parts of water are taken. when using mixtures, the concentration is reduced to 1: 1000.
Microelements Necessary for a Plant and Signs of Their Deficiency
Rhododendrons grow well on acidic soils, therefore, mainly acidic mineral fertilizers are used for feeding it:
- ammonium sulfate;
- magnesium sulfate;
- calcium sulfate;
- potassium sulfate;
- potassium phosphate;
- potassium nitrate;
- superphosphate.
For top dressing, all these substances are diluted in a ratio of 1-2: 1000, and potash fertilizers are even less concentrated.
Potassium sulfate and other means are used to feed rhododendrons.
For active growth and lush flowering in the garden of rhododendrons, they need a number of minerals and nutrients. Moreover, a decrease in the number of one element and a simultaneous increase in another is not permissible. The plant must receive all substances in a timely manner and in a complex.
a lack of individual elements is immediately reflected in appearance and the condition of the rhododendron:
- yellowing of the leaves;
- lack of young shoots;
- frozen buds or their falling off;
- spots on the leaves.
Lack of potassium is manifested by loss of leaf gloss and appearance on the edges brown spots... The problem is solved by the introduction of potash fertilizers.
Planting a rhododendron on clay soils causes yellowing of leaves. Since the plant receives a large amount of aluminum ions. In this case, it is necessary to water the bush with an iron chelate solution.
If the rhododendron was originally planted in well-fertilized soil, and in the second year it is not actively fed, the supply of food dries up, and the plant begins to slowly die. Inexperienced growers attribute this to the climate, pest diseases, begin to treat the bush and spray it with insecticides. As a result, they only accelerate the death of the rhododendron. In order for the bush to develop normally and bloom magnificently, it is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations for applying all the necessary fertilizers under it.
If the leaves of the rhododendron began to turn yellow or dry, then the plant lacks some minerals.
Fertilizer composition for rhododendron
During the growing season, feeding of rhododendron is recommended to be carried out, alternating mineral and organic feeding. In this case, it is recommended to apply organic matter in the spring, and mineral mixtures during the period of budding and flowering.
Mineral mixtures
To avoid mistakes in the organization of feeding rhododendron, experts advise using special fertilizers designed specifically for this plant. Such mixtures are rapidly soluble and are completely absorbed by plants.
The most demanded is the specialized fertilizer Rhodo-AzaliaAZet. This preparation in granular form contains a set of minerals necessary for rhododendron, as well as fungi and microorganisms. Fertilizer is applied at the rate of 100 grams per bush. The drug works for 4 months.
The owners of rhododendrons speak well of Kemira-universal. It is especially recommended to apply this fertilizer during the flowering of rhododendron. The instant fertilizer is recommended for the second and third feeding of the rhododendron. It is recommended to add 20-30 grams of fertilizer to 10 liters of water.
To feed rhododendrons, you can use the Kemira wagon.
Mineral salt solutions have a beneficial effect on rhododendron. It is recommended to introduce them for single cultivation of bushes. In group plantings, the salt solution is replaced with dry mineral fats. For their preparation, superphosphate and potassium sulfate (20 grams each) and ammonium sulfate (40 grams) are mixed.
80 grams of the resulting mixture is used to fertilize one bush 1 meter high. The mixture is scattered over the surface around the bush in early spring, even in the snow or during heavy rains. Re-feeding with such fertilizer is carried out after the flowering of the bush, but the dose of fertilizer per bush is reduced at this time to 40 grams per bush.
Organic fertilizers
Some experts believe that organic food is preferable for rhododendron, since they are more easily absorbed by the plant than mineral ones. Organic matter also improves the structure of the soil, increases its air and moisture permeability.
Organic matter is applied under the plant in the form of a solution or as mulch. The most accessible are semi-rotten cow dung, horn shavings, and blood meal.
Semi-ripe cow dung in addition to increasing the nutritional value of the soil. Improves its structure, increases water-holding capacity. It is recommended to sprinkle semi-rotten manure around the plant in the spring over snow or in the fall. Under the influence of moisture, nutrients penetrate into the soil and nourish the root system.
Horny flour (shavings) contains a lot of nitrogen and phosphorus, which long and gently nourish the root system of the rhododendron.
Manure can be applied as a liquid solution. For its preparation, half-rotted manure is poured with water in a ratio of 1:20. For the passage of microbiological processes in the solution, the slurry is left to ferment for 7-10 days. Before use, the liquid is diluted with water approximately 1: 4. The solution should turn out to be light brown, translucent. Superphosphate is added to this liquid at the rate of 3-4 kilograms per 100 liters.
Rhododendrons can be fed with diluted water and infused manure.
Attention. Horse and pig manure, as well as chicken droppings, are contraindicated for rhododendrons. Such organic matter increases the acidity and alkalinity of the soil and "inhibits" the plant. The use of these fertilizers will lead to the death of the rhododendron.
Rhododendron feeding scheme
Experts say that first-year rhododendrons do not need additional fertilizing. The plant has enough nutrients embedded in the soil when planting.
Further feeding is carried out in accordance with the seasonal characteristics of the development of the rhododendron:
- Spring feeding. In the spring, the rhododendron must be fed in early dates when active growth of shoots begins after a period of winter dormancy. V Middle lane shoot growth occurs in May. For the first feeding, use ammonium nitrate or an infusion of organic substances (chicken droppings, mullein).
- Top dressing during the budding period. The second feeding falls on the period of bud formation on the rhododendron bushes. Ideal for watering bushes during this period Azofoska, which contains nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Such fertilization strengthens the root system, prolongs the flowering period, and activates the formation of new shoots.
- Top dressing after flowering. At the end of flowering, approximately in the first decade of July, the rhododendron begins to lay flower buds for the next season. To restore the strength of the plant and help it with the laying of flower buds, the bush must be fed with a universal mixture of potassium sulfate (20 g), superphosphate (20 g) and ammonium sulfate (40 g). This amount of fertilizer is enough to process one square meter.
During the budding period, rhododendrons can be fed with Azofosk.
Important. Nitrogen is added to top dressing only in early spring. During flowering and in autumn, this substance must be completely excluded from rhododendron dressings.
At the end of July, the rhododendron begins to prepare for the period of winter dormancy, so all feeding is stopped. Fertilization during this period can provoke the growth of new shoots, and this is not desirable before the coming frosts.
The choice of fertilizers for rhododendron and the methods of their application are at the discretion of the grower. Organic and inorganic formulations can be used, depending on their availability. Rhododendron, in any case, will thank the gardener for his attentiveness and proper care with a luxurious, bright flowering.
In the video, a florist tells and shows how to feed rhododendrons in June.