Caucasian rhododendron: description, planting and care

It is hardly possible to imagine a flowering garden without spreading or, on the contrary, compact bushes strewn with multicolored inflorescences. Rhododendron garden liked many growers for their beauty. Large, sometimes scented inflorescences complement almost any garden composition. This plant is represented by several hundred species (over 900), including the Caucasian rhododendron. What is this amazing shrub? What are the characteristics of its cultivation? We learn about this right now.

Rhododendron of the Caucasus: a description of the plant

Caucasian rhododendron in nature grows on the territory of the Caucasus (where, in fact, the name of the plant came from). The main place where you can find this low evergreen shrub is the boundary of the snow fields. Unlike its tall relative, who is known as a rhododendron spreader, the Caucasian grows to a height of up to 60 cm. However, there are cases when this crop reached 1 meter in height.

The branches of the bush are mostly creeping, covered with leathery leaves of an oval-oblong form. Sheet leaves on the outer side of a dark green color, smooth. The lower part of the leaves is pubescent, with a slight touch of reddish color. The end of the leaf blade is pointed, the edges are bent downward. Keep the leaves are short, but thick enough petioles.

The inflorescence of the Caucasian rhododendron reaches 10-15 cm in diameter and consists of 8, maximum 12, funnel-shaped, bell-shaped fragrant flowers. The color of the petals is white, with a slight yellowish tinge. The inner surface of the flower is covered with greenish dots. Peduncles long, densely covered with hairs. A strong pubescence is also present on the cups and ovaries of the fruit-boxes.

The Caucasian rhododendron blooms in mid-June and continues to bloom almost until the end of July. In natural, that is, natural for themselves, the plant can bloom repeatedly.

Forms of the Caucasian rhododendron

The rhododendron of the Caucasus is represented by many decorative forms that differ from one another in the coloring of the inflorescences. So, at Rosea-alba the petals are painted white with a barely noticeable pink tinge. Those who want to start a pink rhododendron on the site, the shape of Splendens is more suitable. Fans of yellow color like the species Flavidum and Stramineum. The petals of flowers of the first form adorn the green spots, and the second - orange or yellowish-red.

In a word, everyone can choose the rhododendron he likes, a loose small bush that will decorate himself as a mixboarder or alpine hill, and a curb.

The best place for planting rhododendron

So, let's pass to one of the main questions concerning the cultivation of the Caucasian rhododendron - the choice of a landing site. In order for the shrub successfully to take root in the garden, it is important to remember what conditions are typical for him. First, do not plant the plant near large trees, since they will take almost all the "food" from him. Secondly, all the rhododendrons do not tolerate the bright midday sun, so the place for its planting should be on the northern side of the buildings. This also contributes to the fact that the bush will be protected from the wind, which can dry the buds of the plant.

Since the Caucasian rhododendron belongs to evergreen shrubs, it is worth preserving it from the first spring sun rays. The fact is that this can affect not the best way for the future flowering, but also promote the drying of leaf blades.

In addition to all of the above, it is important to pay attention to soil moisture throughout the year. Rhododendron is best not planted on sites where the groundwater table rises too high. In addition, the bush should not get melt water from the roofs or other elevations. Especially inadmissible flooding in the period of the descent of snow.

Planting of rhododendron Caucasian

Preparing a planting pit for the Caucasian rhododendron is better to do in advance. Its depth should not exceed half a meter. Soil mixture is best prepared from the top layer of soil from under the conifers, sour peat and loam. In no case do not add to the planting hole sheet or manure humus and grass peat. In this case, the substrate will be unsuitable for the plant. If there is a problem on the site, such as a close groundwater table, you will need to build a good drainage layer.

Seedling of the Caucasian rhododendron is placed in the landing pit so that its root neck is at the same level as it was, while the plant was in a pot or container. After planting, the bushes are watered and mulched with pine bedding (half-baked pine needles). In order to provide stability to the bush, it is possible to place a peg near the seedling and tie the young plant to it.

Care of the plant in the first year after planting

In the first weeks after the planting of the Caucasian rhododendron, it is important to ensure that its root system is not affected by the drying out of the soil. Watering the plant should be abundant, but without fanaticism. It is especially important to monitor the moisture of the soil in an arid or hot period. With a lack of moisture, the Caucasian rhododendron, which refers to evergreen shrubs, can discard most of the leaves.

In the first year the rhododendron does not need any additional fertilizing, since its root system is still weak, and fertilizers can harm it (burns, for example). Care is reduced to the removal of weeds and mulching. Weeding should be done very carefully, so as not to damage the roots of the rhododendron lying close to the surface of the soil. For the same reason, do not get carried away loosening the soil around the bush. Before the onset of persistent cold weather, it is important not to forget about water-absorbing irrigation and shelter in the form of a shalashik from branches and fallen leaves. This will help the plant to survive the winter without large losses.

Irrigation and top dressing of adult rhododendrons

It is necessary to water adult plants of the Caucasian rhododendron regularly. Top dressing is done in spring and immediately after flowering. Particular attention should be given to the type of fertilizer. Ashes and other soil deoxidants for rhododendron are not suitable. When they are introduced into the soil, the bush can turn yellow and even discard leaves. The best fertilizer for spring dressings is a mixture of superphosphate, ammonium sulphate and potassium sulfate (in a ratio of 2: 1: 1.5). To apply fertilizer is best in dry form, scattering it on the surface of the soil immediately after watering or during it. If the Caucasian rhododendron was planted in the previous season, the top dressing for it should consist of a mixture of superphosphate and potassium sulfate in a 2: 1 ratio.

In the middle of summer, immediately after the flowering, the bush is fed with fermented grass or infusion of chicken litter. Make fertilizer in a liquid form, previously dissolving 0.5 liters of infusion in a bucket of water (10 liters). Before fertilizing the plant must be well watered.

How to propagate the Caucasian rhododendron

The plant can be propagated by layers, seeds or cuttings. Seeds rhododendron binds almost every year. It is important to collect them ripe and put it into the box with acidic soil with the onset of spring. Here the florist will need all his patience, because shoots need to wait 2-3 years. A faster and more reliable method of reproduction is the removal. A healthy shoot of rhododendron is pressed to the surface of the soil with a hairpin and covered with a suitable substrate for the plant. About a year later the entrenched shoot can be carefully separated from the bush and transplanted to a new location. Cuttings propagation as a method of propagation of rhododendron is also popular among florists. In order to get a new plant, you need to cut from a bush that has already faded, healthy shoots and put them in a box with a sandy wet substrate for the whole winter. Spring entrenched branches are planted in a permanent place.