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Deciduous rhododendron: photo, planting and care
Deciduous rhododendron among its other species is the most adapted to the climatic conditions of Russia. The shrub blooms 2 times per season, retains its appearance until autumn frosts.
Varieties of rhododendron deciduous
The rhododendron has many varieties. Their peculiarity is that, unlike evergreen varieties, deciduous ones are completely covered with flowers during flowering. During this period, not even the leaves are visible. In the fall, the shrub adorns the garden with its foliage. The leaves take on yellow and red hues.
The Japanese rhododendron is a gorgeous deciduous cultivar with flamingo-colored buds
On average, these plants reach 0,5-1 m in height, there are varieties up to 10 m. Flowers resemble bells in appearance, collected in large inflorescences of 20-25 pieces. There are pinks, purples, reds, purples, and yellows. Deciduous shrubs are resistant to diseases and pests, tolerate severe frosts well without shelter.
Among the varieties of rhododendron can be distinguished Canadian. The bush is 1 m in diameter.The flowers are white or purple-purple, up to 3 cm in diameter
Pictured is a deciduous Japanese rhododendron. The bush grows up to 2 m in height. Flowers of a coral or cream shade appear in May. They are large, up to 8 mm in diameter. There are up to 12 of them in the inflorescence.
Rhododendron yellow is a spreading bush up to 2 m in height. Flowers from yellow to golden orange hue.
Planting and caring for deciduous rhododendron
In the first years after planting, the plants grow slowly, the growth is 10-20 cm. But with proper care, they quickly gain strength.
To plant a seedling, choose a shaded area with acidic but nutritious soil. Rhododendron loves peatlands. Dig a hole 70 cm wide and 50 cm deep under the seedling. Fill it ½ volume with peat, ¼ with humus, add 70 g of mineral fertilizer, fill it with soil to the top. Water the seedling liberally after planting. Mulch the soil with peat or leaf humus in a layer of 6-10 cm.
Rhododendron care:
- Loosen the soil and remove weeds.
- In summer, if it’s hot, water the bushes.
- Feed the plant 3 times before flowering. Use mineral feed for rhododendrons.
- In early summer and before the onset of frost, mulch the soil with leaf or coniferous litter.
- Remove withered inflorescences.
Rhododendron can be propagated by seeds, cuttings or layering. The most suitable last way.
Rhododendrons are especially good for decorating the site. You don’t need to spend a lot of time caring for them, the main thing is to feed and water them on time.