Rhododendrons, Heathers, important from the topic of the same name. Fertilization rules for azaleas and rhododendrons

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 with what to feed the rhododendron during the growing season.

Basic rules for fertilization

A 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 soil acidity. It cannot be fed with ash. Rhododendron in this case 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, you should adhere to a certain concentration of nutrients. For 1 part of 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 even less concentration.

Potassium sulfate and other means are used to feed rhododendrons.

For active growth and for lush bloom in the garden of rhododendrons they need whole line 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 immediately reflected on 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.

Potassium deficiency 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 rhododendron on clay soils causes yellowing of leaves. Since the plant receives a large number 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 runs out, 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, it is recommended to feed the rhododendron, alternating mineral and organic fertilizing. In this case, organic matter is recommended to be applied in the spring, and mineral mixtures during the period of budding and flowering.

Mineral mixtures

Experts advise to avoid mistakes in the organization of feeding rhododendron 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-AzaleaAZet. 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 is effective for 4 months.

The owners of rhododendrons speak well of the drug 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 rhododendron. It is recommended to add 20-30 grams of fertilizer to 10 liters of water.

For feeding rhododendrons, you can use the Kemira wagon.

Solutions of mineral salts 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 easier for the plant to absorb 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-rotten 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 the 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 passage in solution microbiological processes the slurry is left to ferment for 7-10 days. Before use, the slurry is diluted with water approximately 1: 4. The solution should 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 laid 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 spring, the rhododendron must be fed in early dateswhen active growth of shoots begins after a period of winter dormancy. IN 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, 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 potassium sulfate (20 gr.), Superphosphate (20 gr.) And ammonium sulfate (40 gr.). 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 luxurious, bright bloom.

In the video, a florist tells and shows how to feed rhododendrons in June.

Rhododendron is an artisanal plant with a spiral leaf arrangement and collected in an inflorescence pink flowers... For normal development, the formation of beautiful and lush flowers, protection from pests is recommended proper nutrition organic or mineral fertilizers, produced in early spring and mid-summer.

For a long time, there was a consensus that mineral fats are generally not suitable for this kind of plants. Sometimes, gardeners decided to introduce organic matter in the form of decomposed manure. Over time, experiments were carried out on the mineral nutrition of rhododendrons, during which it was concluded that to get high-quality planting material it is impossible without their application.

Signs of nutritional deficiencies

The first sign of a lack of nutrients in a plant is a change in the color of the leaves and shoots. Saturated green color becomes light or yellow-green, shine disappears. If the plant still does not receive vitamins, minerals and water, then such conditions affect the growth, the setting of flower buds, early and intensive fall of old leaves (August - September).

The only way out in the fight against this ailment is to feed the plants. It can be organic or mineral. At the discretion of the gardener, annual feeding is made with one of the types of fats, as a result of which there are changes in the development and growth of rhododendrons for the better.

Features of the root system. What tuki can't you use?

A feature of the root system is the presence of mycorrhiza, a fungus that helps the plant grow and develop on acidic soils, limited in the amount of mineral nutrients (it is in such a soil that the bush likes to grow). Germination of seeds is also impossible without mycorrhiza, but it is he who determines the basic conditions for fertilization and feeding. Fat solutions should not consist of chlorine-containing elements, since mushrooms will die from such fertilization.
When growing shrubs, you should check the acidity of the soil in the spring. If the pH value (pH) is in the range of 4.5–5.5 units, then the diet should be changed using more acidic fertilizers.

Important! Lime, dolomite flour - fertilizers capable of alkalizing the soil. Feeding with these nutrient solutions is not recommended due to a decrease in soil acidity. The result may be the appearance yellow spots on the leaves.

Another feature is the compact root system, so it is recommended to lay a good drainage layer with loose soil and nutrient-rich fertilizers during planting.

If, during the first year of life, the rhododendron actively grows and develops in connection with correct fit, then in subsequent years it needs mandatory recharge, since the reserves of nutrients are gradually depleted in the soil and the level of acidity decreases. Due to the lack of fertilization, the plant may not throw out flower buds or die.

How to improve yields?

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Basic feeding rules

Fertilizers

Gardeners are widely used in the practice of feeding rhododendron organic fertilizers... They are also called manure. But you should also be careful here, because fresh manure will not be beneficial, in best case - will burn the plant, at worst - kill it. Only matured manure should be used, at least one year. Only after that, organics will improve mechanical properties and will contribute to an increase in soil nutrition.

Manure should be pre-prepared before being introduced into the ground - diluted in water in a ratio of 1:15 and let it brew for several days.

Mineral fertilizers are another type of feeding that promotes beautiful flowering and rapid growth of rhododendron. In particular, they apply:

• Phosphorus oils, which also need to form a solution according to the proportions indicated on the package.
• Ammonium sulfate, magnesium, potassium. This type top dressing is great for rhododendrons, as it changes the pH downwards.
• Nitrogenous fertilizers. The most suitable period for their introduction is spring.
• Iron chelate. Applied on clay soils to avoid yellowing of the leaves.

All about mineral fertilizers for rhododendron

Usually, mineral fertilizers are concentrated suspensions, the advantage of which is the minimum introduction into the soil and the maximum saturation of nutrients. Since the favorite habitat of rhododendron is acidic soil, then, accordingly, physiological fats should also be acidic, so as not to disrupt the reaction of the habitat.

Fertilizers commonly used by gardeners include:

• Ammonium sulfate, magnesium, potassium, calcium.
• Potassium phosphate.
• Potassium nitrate.
• Superphosphate.
• Potassium-phosphorus buffer solution. This is the most effective top dressing, since the composition contains the main macronutrients and substances that maintain the optimal pH level for rhododendrons (from 2 to 7 pH). Preparation: 10 l of water + 8 g each of nitric acid and mono-potassium phosphate.
• Mineral salt solutions. Their input is possible with single cultivation of bushes. But in case of mass, it is recommended to replace the salt solution with dry mineral fat. Their preparation consists in mixing superphosphate and potassium sulfate, 20 g each, as well as ammonium sulfate in a mass of 40 g. 80 g of mineral fertilizers will fall on 1 plant 1 meter high. The resulting dry mixture is scattered over the ground in early spring, immediately after the snow melts. Fat enters the soil layer during rains, where it completely dissolves and feeds the rhododendron. Re-treatment is recommended after the flowering phase, only the dose should be halved.

During the preparation of the solution, the ratio determined for feeding should be adhered to: mineral fertilizers 1 part and water 2 parts. In the case of using a solution of potash fertilizers, the concentration should be less - 1 part of top dressing and 1 thousand parts of water.

Taking into account the peculiarities of our climate, where summer and autumn are rather humid and warm seasons, the rhododendron is capable of throwing out young shoots that do not have time to finish growing and freeze even with the slightest freeze. To resist this process, experts recommend spraying the plant with sulfate or monosubstituted potassium phosphate. This should be a 1% solution. Processing is carried out after the end of the flowering phase.

All about organic fertilizers for rhododendron

Organic fertilizers are the most affordable and cheapest way to nourish shrubs, but provided that the gardener's residence is not in a large metropolis, where they are more difficult to get.

Horse, pig, cow, poultry manure, horn shavings and blood meal are natural supplements that improve the nutritional value of the soil for shrubs and improve its physical properties.

The most valuable, in relation to organic fertilizers, are horny waste (flour, shavings). They contain great amount nitrogen and phosphorus, and the period of their decomposition is longer, which affects the lower frequency of organic matter.

As already noted, natural fertilizers should be administered in liquid form. Depending on the type of organic fat, the following solutions are prepared:

• Manure. Diluted in the ratio: 1 part of water + 15 parts of manure. After thorough mixing, leave for several days to start microbiological processes (active "bulbs" will appear on the surface).
• Slurry. There is no exact ratio, therefore, during the preparation of the solution, one should be guided by the color of the organic matter, diluting it with water. The suspension should take on a light brown color.
• Slurry + superphosphate. This tandem of mineral and organic fertilizers will increase the phosphorus content in the soil, which is necessary for active plant growth and healthy development. The approximate ratio is 100 liters of slurry + 3-4 kg of superphosphate.
• Semi-ripe manure. Such fertilizer should not be diluted in liquid, but simply spread in spring or autumn over the soil surface under the bush. The thickness of the humus should be at least 5 cm.

Another method of proper feeding

The first step, in early spring, make nitrogenous fats in the ratio of 50 g of ammonium sulfate + 50 g of magnesium sulfate per 1 m2 of land. The second - phosphorus and potassium, after flowering shrubs, in a ratio of 20 g of potassium sulfate + 20 g of superphosphate + 40 g of ammonium sulfate per 1 m2 of land.

This method is used to grow rhododendrons, as in open ground, and closed.

In conclusion, it can be noted that the choice of fertilizers and the methods of feeding rhododendrons used are at the discretion of the gardener. Depending on the availability of fertilizers, both organic and mineral fertilizers can be used. In any case, for careful and proper care, an artisanal plant will answer beautiful flowers with lush caps and transparent green leaves.

How to care for a rhododendron

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Very popular in the West decorative garden plant - rhododendron - began to win the hearts of Russian summer residents. This is in fact an unusually spectacular shrub (less often a small tree), the flowers of which are quite capable of competing in beauty even with roses. There are just a huge number of varieties of rhododendrons. Most of them are preferably planted in the garden in April. How this operation is performed, as well as what it is to care for rhododendrons in spring, read on.

Varieties of rhododendrons

This ornamental plant belongs to the genus Heather. It prefers a humid, temperate climate. There are three main varieties of rhododendrons: deciduous, semi-evergreen and evergreen. The methods of caring for them are practically the same. All these three types are quite suitable for the Russian climate. The only thing, when choosing seedlings, you should pay attention to the degree of their frost resistance. For orchards and vegetable gardens, it is worth purchasing only those varieties that can withstand a drop in temperature to -30 ... -34 o C.

Planting material

Before we start figuring out how to plant a rhododendron in the spring, let's figure out how to choose the right variety. Most often, Russian gardeners grow on their plots Northern Lights, Rustica and KnapHill-Exbury rhododendrons. It is also very suitable for our climate japanese look this bush. An excellent solution there will be a choice of almost any kind of Finnish selection. Dutch rhododendrons are practically not suitable for the Russian climate.

Quite often, in the gardens of domestic owners of suburban areas, you can see plants from the group of Katevbin hybrids. The flowers of these rhododendrons are not too large and not particularly bright. However, a lot of them bloom on the branches. At the same time, bushes can reach 1.4 m in diameter and 4 m in height. The main advantage of such rhododendrons is their unpretentiousness and resistance to low temperatures.

Landing site

The question of how to properly plant a rhododendron in spring comes down to the choice of the most suitable site for it. When deciding exactly where this one will grow, one must take into account the fact that these plants:

• They do not tolerate direct sunlight. This is especially true for evergreen varieties.
• They love acidic soils. On neutral rhododendrons will hurt and will not give abundant flowering... These plants do not tolerate alkaline soils categorically. No, even the most thorough care of rhododendrons in spring, summer and autumn will give results in this case.
• They grow well in moist soils, but they do not tolerate stagnant water.
• They can freeze out if in winter the surface of the earth above the roots is not covered with a thick layer of snow.

Thus, in order for the plant on the site to feel comfortable, the planting of the rhododendron in the spring or at any other time of the year should be carried out under the spreading crowns of tall trees, in a non-flooded place with high snow cover in winter period time. Very often, these decorative bushes are also placed next to the fence. You should not choose for planting rhododendron open space or the corner of a house. This strong wind ornamental shrub also does not tolerate.

By choosing the right site, you can grow lush beautiful shrubs with vibrant, spectacular colors that deliver no extra hassle... If the location was initially unsuccessful, you should not be upset. A procedure such as a rhododendron transplant can always be performed. This is best done in spring. But you can move the bush in autumn and even summer. Rhododendrons withstand transplantation very well.

Preparatory work

Under the purchased seedlings in the selected area, they dig a hole 40 cm deep and 70 cm wide. Drainage is laid at its bottom. In very dry areas, sometimes a pit for a rhododendron, on the contrary, is forged thin layer clay, which allows you to retain moisture at the roots.

Regular garden soil it is completely unsuitable for these plants. The soil taken out of the pit is removed. Instead, a mixture of completely decomposed cow dung (3: 1) is used. In this case, the question of how and what to fertilize rhododendrons in the spring will not stand in front of the owners of the site in the first 2-3 years. No top dressing is required.

You can also use a mixture of blueberry, half-rotted pine litter for filling the roots, coarse sand and leafy ground (1: 3: 1: 1). To increase the nutritional value of the soil in the latter case, when planting, it is advisable to add a bucket of decomposed compost to the pit.

How to plant rhododendron in spring

If the seedling was purchased in a container, it is immersed in warm water for a day. This is to keep the root ball wet. Some vendors plant rhododendrons in cramped containers. In this case, a dense crust of dead roots forms on the surface of the coma on all sides. It must be removed, or at least cut in several places. Otherwise, young roots will not break through it, and the plant will receive few nutrients.

The actual planting of rhododendron in the spring is as follows:

• The plant is lowered into a prepared hole.
• The filling is done in such a way that its root collar is slightly above the soil surface.
• The rhododendron planted in this way is mulched with peat or needles and watered abundantly.

Second landing method

So, we have figured out how to properly plant a rhododendron in the spring. The technique described above is used by Russian gardeners quite often. However, it has one significant drawback. The soil under the rhododendrons in contact with the adjacent soil as a result different kinds natural processes begin to leach over time. And this is very harmful for plants. You either have to take any measures to acidify the soil, or even perform such an operation as a rhododendron transplant (in spring or autumn). Therefore, the owners of summer cottages often arrange special high beds for rhododendrons. In the selected area, soil is removed to a depth of 30 cm. Further, wooden sidewalls are installed along the perimeter of the hole. Small pebbles are poured on the bottom of the resulting "box" for drainage. The most high bed fill with prepared acidic soil mixture. The actual landing is done in the usual way.

When to fertilize

Now let's figure out how to feed rhododendrons in spring. Fertilize this ornamental shrub very carefully. For the first time, feeding is done for 2-3 years of plant life. Early spring in trunk circle make - a mixture of ammonium and potassium sulfate with superphosphate at the rate of 2: 1: 1. On square meter it should take about 80 g of this top dressing. Old plantings can be additionally fertilized with organic matter. It is best to use rotted manure or compost in the amount of one bucket per bush. Mullein majority experienced gardeners fertilizing rhododendrons is not advised.

Additional feeding

In late May - early June, the second feeding of rhododendrons is performed. In the spring, the bushes are thus fertilized twice. The second time, the same mineral mixture is used, but in smaller quantities (about half).

IN next time fertilizers are applied to the soil in summer - in July. In this case, phosphorus-potassium dressing is also used in summer and in autumn, they are not used. Such fertilizers cause increased shoot growth due to the development of flower buds.

Spring rhododendron care

They remove the shelter from the rhododendrons after overwintering immediately after the above zero temperature is established on the street. This operation should be performed on a cloudy day. Immediately substitute the shoots of this ornamental plant under the sun's rays is impossible. It is even advisable to leave the shelter on the south side for a while.

So that the earth thaws, and the roots begin to intensively absorb nutrients, mulch from the trunk circle must be removed. It is impossible to allow melt water to linger at the trunk for a long time. It also must be scooped out. Further, according to the method described above, the rhododendrons are fed. In the spring, after melt water come down, the plants begin to water periodically. In this case, you should use only warm water heated in the sun.

Pruning of rhododendrons in spring is usually not done, since they do not tolerate this operation very well. If you want to give the bush a round or oval shape, the branches in the right places are shortened in two seasons - in the first year on the one hand, in the second on the other.

In evergreen varieties, after wintering, some leaves may turn brown. They need to be removed as they will never be restored. Frozen shoots are also cut off.

Rhododendrons are quite hardy plants, and even if it seems to you that the bush is completely frozen, you should not rush to remove it. The plant needs to be watered abundantly for some time. And then, quite possibly, new shoots will appear on it. Most unpretentious varieties after an unsuccessful wintering, they completely recover by autumn. You already know how to feed rhododendrons in spring. Apply some mineral fertilizers under the bush. This will help him gain strength and deal with damage.

Watering features

Thus, caring for rhododendrons in the spring is plentiful feeding and watering. Last operation should be done correctly. If the soil under the rhododendrons is constantly moistened plain water, after a few years it will begin to leach. To prevent this, use (half a glass per bucket) or citric acid (4 d). On hot spring days, plants need not only be watered, but also sprayed.

Transfer to a new location

Sometimes it happens that the plant, for some reason, withers and blooms poorly. In this case, you can try to transfer it to more appropriate place... The question of how to transplant a rhododendron in the spring is not at all difficult. This procedure is performed as follows:

• The plant is undermined from all sides, trying not to damage the roots.
• They take out the bush and transfer it to a previously prepared hole.
• Sprinkle the roots with acidic soil mixture so that the neck remains on the surface.
• The plant is mulched, watered and shaded from the south side.

If everything is done carefully, the transplant rhododendrons may not even notice.

So, we have figured out how a plant such as rhododendron is taken care of in spring. Top dressing, pruning and watering are mandatory procedures at this time of year. This plant is not particularly whimsical, but it is still necessary to follow certain rules when growing it. If you don't break the established technologies (to properly prepare the soil, apply fertilizers on time and irrigate with acidified water), the bushes will delight the eyes of the owners of the site with lush flowering for many years.

Having landed a rhododendron on sunny place you can wait for flowering for several years. And all because this shrub needs shading. On scorching sun rhododendron does not grow: leaves get burned and dry out quickly. Rhododendron in young age most often dies from heat.

Rhododendron plant ONLY in the shade... He is not afraid of transplants, so as soon as you notice that a rhododendron seedling suffers from the sun, immediately transplant it into a thick shade. Bushes grow rapidly and bloom magnificently exclusively on acidic soils from good air exchange... As a filling of the landing pit unsuitable manure, sawdust, black soil. By the way, the same.

Root system they are shallow and compact, so the weeds need to be pulled out, not weeded. The roots are too close to the surfaceso they can be easily damaged. There should always be a thick layer of mulch under the bush. Then the weeds will not grow, and the soil moisture remains.

When good care and correct placement on the site, rhododendron pleases with flowering every year. Withered inflorescences must be removedavoiding seed formation. In place of one removed inflorescence, 2-3 new flowers will form. The bush becomes more lush, and the flowering is more abundant and longer.


Rhododendrons are regularly watered during flowering, preventing the soil from drying out. And in the summer heat after sunset, it is recommended to spray the crown with soft water. With a lack of water, the leaves lose their brightness and turgor.

How to plant a rhododendron

• Place the seedling in a bucket of water so that the roots are well saturated with water before planting.
• The planting hole should be 2-3 times larger than the root system of the seedling.
• If the rhododendron is planted under a tree, then the planting hole must be fenced off from the roots of the neighboring tree with roofing material or a piece of slate.
• Fill the pit with a mixture of peat (3 parts) and compost soil (1 part).
• Water the soil mixture abundantly.
• Do not deepen the root collar; it should be at ground level.
• Water thoroughly and mulch with pine needles in a layer of 7-10 cm.
• Blooming flowers and half of the buds must be removed. So the plant will take root better.

Good neighbors for rhododendrons

Bad neighbors for rhododendrons

• Spruce
• Birch tree
• Chestnut
• Aspen

How to make rhododendron bloom

• Plant in the shade or on the north side.
• An acidic soil is needed.
• Pick off inflorescences after flowering.

Top dressing

Top dressing in the spring. Rotten manure is suitable, which is used instead of mulch. Organic infusion of rhododendron is fertilized several times during the growing season. If not, then it is best to use special fertilizers for rhododendrons. In their composition, all the necessary substances are optimally selected in the right proportion.

Top dressing starts from the moment when the plant starts growing, no later than May. Be careful with doses. Rhododendrons it is better to mulch once more than to feed... If the bush feels good, blooms profusely, then the minimum doses of fertilizers once a month will be enough for it.

The bush responds well to introduction superphosphate in liquid form: 30 grams per 10 liters of water. It is also useful to feed rhododendron with ammonium sulfate, potassium sulfate in a very weak concentration (1%) on the leaf. Before feeding, the rhododendron must be watered.

As the last feeding of rhododendron in the middle of summer, it is most often used potassium sulfate: Dissolve a teaspoon in 10 liters of water. For adult bushes, the dosage is doubled. In August and autumn, rhododendrons are not fed.

Doesn't fit ash for feeding rhododendrons, since it reduces the acidity of the soil. And this. The main symptom of this disease is yellowing of the leaves. You can get rid of it by watering with acidified water and processing the leaves special means from chlorosis from a spray bottle.

Spring care

In early spring, rhododendrons are more affected not from recurrent frosts, but from the sun. Their leaves are simply burned. Evergreens are most sensitive to early spring solar activity large-leaved varieties.

To protect them from the sun, they are shaded with shields from the south and south-west sides at the end of winter after removing the shelter. Artificial shading can be removed when leaves bloom on adjacent trees.

In the spring, it is important not to let the kidneys become rotten. The burlap is removed on a cloudy day so that the leaves do not get burned.

Excellent prevention of fungal diseases - treatment foundation in May and mid-summer. Evergreen varieties, as well as Canadian rhododendron and Ledebour, are extremely difficult to tolerate.

Pruning rhododendrons

Crown formation is a guarantee of continuous and abundant flowering of rhododendron. Rhododendron pruning begins at the very tender age. Young plants need clip at a height of 30-50 cm, to form a beautiful lush bush. Pruning is done to mature strong plants in March. It is impossible to cut off strongly, you need to remove excess branches gradually. In the first spring, one half, and the second part of the bush in a year.

Refresh the bush can be cut by cutting the branches by 30-40 cm. After about a month, dormant branches awaken, and the rhododendron restores its decorative effect.

After this procedure, the plant especially needs more careful care: regular feeding, generous watering and protection from the scorching sun.

Rhododendron care in autumn

At the end of autumn, with the first frost, the evergreen rhododendron is tied with twine and cover with burlap or sabanboard... It is necessary to remove this shelter immediately after the snow melts.

But deciduous rhododenron winters well in temperate climates. Frosts up to -10, he can survive without shelter. If severe cold sets in, then in winter it can be protected with burlap.

Evergreen varieties rhododendrons tolerate frosts worse than deciduous ones. They need shelter. In addition, they often break under the weight of snow and from strong wind... It is best to build a frame of polyurethane foam over the bush and cover it with roofing material or a sheet of slate. And wrap the plant itself, as indicated above.

This is the introduction of organic and mineral fertilizers, which is necessary for better growth and development, prevention of diseases, maximum fruiting and recuperation after it.

Plant life cycle before winter

Rhododendron being perennial shrub, preparing for the rest period:

• the length of the day decreases, the air and soil temperature decreases, and this leads to a decrease in the amount of growth-stimulating hormones and an increase in growth inhibitors (inhibitors);
• the metabolism becomes slower, the development of branches and leaves stops, cells lose moisture;
• some varieties of rhododendrons shed their leaves.

Do you need nutritional support during this time?

Since the rhododendron is preparing to fall asleep for the winter, it does not need growth-stimulating feeding. However, after flowering, flower buds are laid for the next year. It is important that there are enough of them and that they endure the winter well. This is the purpose of feeding rhododendron in the fall.
Do I need to transplant the plant? You can learn more about how and when to transplant rhododendrons in the fall.

How to feed azalea in autumn?

How can you fertilize azalea? For autumn feeding, phosphorus and potash mineral fertilizers are used, as well as organic:

• rotted manure;
• bone flour;
• needles;
• peat.

You can mix them. The root system of rhododendrons is very compact and located close to the soil, therefore fertilizers are best applied in liquid form.

Mineral fertilizers

Since rhododendrons love acidic soils, physiologically acidic mineral fertilizers are used for feeding:

• superphosphate - improves the setting of flower buds;
• magnesium sulfate - necessary on acidic soils, where magnesium is contained in insufficient quantities;
• potassium sulfate (20 g per 1 sq. m) - helps to ripen the wood of rhododendrons.

Attention! You cannot feed the rhododendron with fertilizers containing chlorine.

Organic

Usually used:

• semi-rotten manure - increases soil fertility, makes it moisture and air permeable;
• horn shavings (a mixture of ground horns and hooves, otherwise called "bone meal") - contains phosphorus and other macro- and microelements, slowly decomposes in the ground, providing the plant with food for a long time.

In addition to applying in a liquid form, both mineral and organic fertilizers can be poured into the trunk circle of the rhododendron (it is important to remember that the plant does not tolerate digging due to the nearby root system).

Mulch and coniferous turf

As a fertilizer for rhododendrons, mulch is used, consisting of:

• high-moor peat;
• pine or spruce needles;
• bark or sawdust from conifers.

Also called heather compost, which contains microscopic fungi that help the plant to extract and absorb nutrients from acidic soil.

How to understand that there is a need?

• A change in the color of the leaves (they become light, yellowish, lose their gloss) is always an alarm signal: azaleas do not have enough nutrition.
• A sign of a lack of micro- and macroelements after flowering is also a slight increase in young shoots (these are green, non-lignified shoots) and massive leaf litter, even on evergreen varieties.
• Flower buds are not laid at all or there are few of them - also evidence that the azalea needs mandatory feeding.

The difference in the procedure for a home and outdoor flower

Azalea - one of the varieties of rhododendrons - can grow in the garden and at home:

• for home azaleas, liquid fertilizers are used at the root and for spraying;
• for gardening, you can apply dry dressings, bringing them into the ground near the trunk.

What will suit a pet from the world of flora, which is at home?

What drugs will help a garden beauty?

Schedule

• 1st - in late July-early August, when the flowering ended and the laying of flower buds for the next year began - a complex fertilizer for rhododendrons.
• 2nd - in late autumn - the introduction of phosphorus and potassium (30 g of superphosphate and 15 g of potassium sulfate for each bush) and complex fertilizers with trace elements, but without nitrogen.
• 3rd - mulching before shelter for the winter and preparation of heather compost.

Step-by-step instruction

2-3 weeks after the flowering of the bush (end of July), organic fertilizing is introduced into the soil:

1. The manure is bred in warm water in a ratio of 1:10.
2. Insist several days before the end of fermentation.
3. Then dilute again until light brown.
4. Water the plants at the root.

You can add potassium sulfate (20 g) and superphosphate (20 g) to the solution - in a ten-liter bucket.

Mulching:

1. pour a layer of high-moor peat (20-30 cm) under the bush, gently mix with the soil;
2. collect fallen needles, sprinkle with a layer of 5 cm around the bush, mix with the ground, trying not to damage the roots;
3. chop the pine bark and sprinkle it around the bush with a layer of several centimeters;
4. 10 cm of soil from the areas of the pine forest where lingonberries, wild rosemary grow, - coniferous sod - carefully dig up, trying not to mix the layers, and lay around the bush.

Mineral dressing:

1. 30 g superphosphate, 15 g potassium sulfate and 10 g complex mineral fertilizer dilute in 10 liters of water. Pour at the root.

   Top dressing accelerates the lignification of the shoots.

2. Dilute 20 g of ammonium sulfate, 10 g of potassium sulfate and 10 g of superphosphate in 10 liters of water and pour over the root.

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