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Hanya rhododendron is a variety bred from an evergreen shrub. The plant is considered a rare crop for a temperate climate. The culture of the Khanya variety is recommended for cultivation in the central part of Our Country.
Description of the Chania rhododendron
This is a compact shrub up to 1 m high. The leaves of the plant are dark green all year round. From the end of May to June, it forms lush inflorescences of pale pink color. In the central part of the bud are dark brown anthers. Flowers have a pleasant smell. According to the reviews and descriptions of gardeners, the Khanya variety rhododendron, shown in the photo, acclimatized well in the cold winters of Our Country.
The peculiarity of this variety is short stature. Because of this, Hanya’s rhododendron is used in curb plantings. The shrub forms a compact but strong root system.
Winter hardiness of Khanya rhododendron
Rhododendron Hanya is considered a winter-hardy variety. It withstands temperatures in the cold period down to -28 degrees.
Planting and caring for Hanya rhododendron
The Hanya rhododendron is planted in the spring. You can transplant in the summer, but not during flowering. After this period, you should also not touch the plant for 2 weeks.
Selection and preparation of the landing site
The Hanya rhododendron requires fertile soil. It must be acidified. The shrub is light-loving, but it can not be planted in a site where direct sunlight enters. It tolerates shade well, therefore, the north side of the buildings is determined for planting. Rhododendron Hanya can be planted near an artificial reservoir, under the crown of other trees.
Seedling preparation
A seedling of a shrub of the Hanya variety should be purchased at a specialized store. Gardeners prefer those that have a closed root system. Their survival rate is higher. Open-root seedlings are cheaper, but their survival rate is lower. Before planting, young plants are prepared for this procedure. The roots are placed in water, kept until the end of the release of air bubbles, after which they proceed to planting.
Rules of landing
Before planting Hanya’s rhododendron, a hole is made. Gardeners use sizes in the ratio of depth and diameter of 40 by 60 cm. Any drainage that is available is laid on the bottom. Then they prepare the soil, carry out the landing:
- Take a mixture of peat, loam and clay in a ratio of 2: 1: 0,5.
- The soil in the hole is compacted, a recess is prepared for the root system.
- Place the seedling in the recess.
- Fall asleep soil, rammed.
The place of inoculation during planting is left above ground level. The root neck is placed flush with the ground. An earthen roller is made around the circumference of the near-stem circle to retain moisture.
After planting, the rhododendron is watered. At a height of 5 cm, the near-trunk place is mulched. Use peat, oak bark, needles or moss. If there are buds during planting, some of them are removed so that the plant takes root better. Further care consists in weeding, watering, feeding, removing pests.
Watering and top dressing
Rhododendron Hanya is a moisture-loving shrub. Requires abundant moisture during bud formation and flowering. During the week watered 2-3 times. For each bush spend one bucket of liquid. Use warm soft water.
It is recommended to collect moisture during rain. Tap water can be made soft by adding a handful of peat a day before use.
Rhododendron needs acidic soil, so the water is acidified with citric acid. For this purpose, take 1 tbsp. l. funds for 10 liters of water. Apply table vinegar – 40 mg per 1 liter of liquid. Water abundantly until the soil gets wet by 30 cm. The need for moisture is determined by the leaves. Watering is needed if the leaves become dull and soft.
Rhododendron Hanya responds well to top dressing. From the beginning of spring until the end of July, regular nutrient additions are carried out. Practice top dressing in liquid form. Manure is mixed with water, maintaining a ratio of 1:15. Apply it as a top dressing. Before this, the shrub must be watered.
Mineral fertilizers are also recommended:
- ammonium sulfate;
- potassium phosphate;
- potassium sulfate;
- superphosphate.
Trimming
Hanya’s rhododendron needs minimal pruning. The plant itself forms a beautiful bush shape. Remove damaged, protruding branches. Pruning for rejuvenation. Perform it in the spring before sap flow. The shoots are cut, the sections are treated with garden pitch. To make Hanya’s rhododendron look lush, pinch the tops of the shoots. If the bush has suffered from frost, perform a gradual pruning. First, the shoots of a part of the bush up to 40 cm are removed. In another year, the second part is cut off. Rhododendron blooms long and profusely if wilted buds are removed. Under such conditions, it will form the buds of the next season.
Preparation for winter
Rhododendron Hanya requires preparation for winter. In dry autumn, moisturize it. Use 10-12 liters of water per bush. In rainy autumn weather, additional moisture is not needed.
Before the onset of cold weather, the root zone of the Han rhododendron is covered with a layer of peat. In areas with cold winters, bushes are covered with any material. Branches of coniferous trees are placed between the shoots, the bush is pulled together a little with a rope.
According to other recommendations, a frame is made of slats, covered with any material other than a film.
Reproduction
Having once planted a rhododendron shrub, gardeners can propagate it on their own. There are different ways to do this:
- When propagated by seeds, the shrub blooms after a long time, 6 or 8 years. Sow them in containers with moist soil, do not cover with earth. Cover with glass, leave in a warm place. Shoots appear within a month. As soon as a couple of leaves grow, they are transplanted into separate containers. The first year, young seedlings live in a greenhouse or room conditions. Planted only next year.
- For cuttings, lignified branches of rhododendron are used. Cuttings are cut 8 cm high. The leaves at the bottom are removed. Up to a day they are kept in a root formation stimulator. Buried in a soil mixture of peat and sand. Close with a cut plastic bottle. Cuttings give roots within 4 months. After that, the rooted shoot is transplanted into a container with peat and oak bark, in a ratio of 2 to 1. It hibernates indoors at a temperature of +12 degrees.
- Reproduction of rhododendron by layering is a more affordable way. In spring, a green shoot is placed in a longitudinal recess. The middle part is covered with soil, for reliability they are pinned in any way. The top of the shoot is tied to a peg, directed vertically. In the future, the layering is carried out the same care as for the adult bush. Where the shoot is sprinkled with soil, it forms roots. The following spring, it can be separated and planted in the right place.
- When transplanting, a large bush of Khanya’s rhododendron is divided, planted in new holes. A year later, young bushes form flowering shoots.
Diseases and pests
Variety Hanya, like any rhododendron, can suffer from fungal infections.
The cause of rhododendron diseases is poor soil aeration, excess moisture. Copper sulfate will cope with leaf spot and rust. Cancer-affected shoots and leaves are removed. To prevent chlorosis, iron chelate is added when watering. For the prevention of diseases, the shrub is treated with Bordeaux liquid.
Of the pests most often noticed:
- mealybugs;
- scale insects;
- long-legged;
- spider mites;
- rhododendron flies;
- slugs and snails.
Slugs and snails are collected, plantings are treated with Tiram fungicide. Spraying “Diazinon” kills ticks, flies and weevils. Other pests will be destroyed by Karbofos.
Even after flowering, the healthy Hanya rhododendron bush shown in the photo looks attractive.
Conclusion
Rhododendron Hanya is an unpretentious and winter-hardy plant. Practically does not get sick. With minimal care, it will decorate any garden.