Contents
- Description of Rhododendron Cunninghams White
- Winter hardiness of rhododendron Cunninghams White in the Moscow region
- Growing conditions for hybrid rhododendron Cunninghams White
- Planting and caring for Cunninghams White rhododendron
- Reproduction
- Diseases and pests
- Conclusion
- Reviews of Rhododendron Cunninghams White
Rhododendron Cunninghams White is a variety obtained in 1850 by breeder D. Cunningham. Belongs to the Caucasian group of rhododendrons. One of the first he was brought to the northern latitudes because of the increased winter hardiness. Suitable for growing on private plots, as well as in urban environments, as it is resistant to air pollution.
Description of Rhododendron Cunninghams White
Rhododendron Cunninghams White is an evergreen ornamental shrub belonging to the Heather family. The bush grows spreading, strongly branched. The crown of an adult shrub at 10 years old reaches a height of 2 m, in diameter – 1,5 m.
A photo of the Cunninghams White rhododendron shows that its crown forms a dome shape. Stems woody. The leaves are dark green, large – about 10-12 cm, elliptical in shape, leathery.
The buds form a light pink color. The flowers are white, with pale purple or brown blotches on the upper petal. The inflorescence produces 7-8 flowers. Blooms profusely in April-May. May re-bloom in autumn, but this reduces the intensity of spring flowering. The aroma is absent.
Winter hardiness of rhododendron Cunninghams White in the Moscow region
Rhododendron Cunninghams White is suitable for growing in the Moscow region. The winter hardiness zone of the shrub is 5, which means the ability to withstand frosts down to -28 … – 30 ° C without shelter. But in severe winters, the shoots freeze.
Growing conditions for hybrid rhododendron Cunninghams White
Rhododendron Cunninghams White is less demanding on soil acidity than other varieties of culture. The shrub can be planted singly or in groups. The distance between individual plants is kept from 1 to 2 m, depending on the size of the crops. The soil under the rhododendron must be mulched.
The root system of the shrub is superficial, therefore it is not recommended to plant it next to larger trees with a similar root system, for example, birch, oak, willow. Dominant plants will take most of the nutrients from the soil. The Cunninghams White rhododendron most favorably coexists in areas with pines, spruces, and junipers.
Planting and caring for Cunninghams White rhododendron
Planting Cunninghams White rhododendron in a permanent place is possible in the spring, but before the plant awakens, as well as in the fall. Seedlings with a closed root system are transplanted throughout the summer. The shrub is well tolerated in transplantation at any age. Young plants can be dug up, placed in large containers and brought indoors for the winter.
Selection and preparation of the landing site
The root system of the Cunninghams White rhododendron is fibrous. For the development of the plant, it must be grown in loose, well-drained soil with an acidic reaction, so that the thin roots can freely absorb moisture and nutrients.
The landing site should be protected from the winds, located in partial shade. In full sun, the plant will burn out and dry out. The best place to land is the northeast side or wall of the building.
Seedling preparation
Before planting, the root system of the Cunninghams White rhododendron, together with the earthy clod, is removed from the container and inspected. The roots that have been in contact with the container for a long time die off and create a felt layer through which it is difficult for young roots inside the coma to break through. Therefore, dead roots must be removed or incised in several places before planting.
To soften the root system, an earthen ball is released into the water so that it is saturated with moisture. Leave for a while until air bubbles stop rising to the surface. The roots are straightened if possible before planting, but the earthen ball is not completely destroyed.
Rules of landing
A large pit is prepared for planting, 2-3 times larger than the earthen coma in which the seedling grew. The soil taken out of the pit is combined with an acidic substrate in a ratio of 1:1. Such a substrate may consist of pine forest litter, riding red peat.
A complex mineral fertilizer or specialized for rhododendrons is introduced into the soil to fill the pit. The seedling is released vertically, without deepening.
The root neck when planting a shrub should remain 2 cm above the general soil level. Otherwise, the plant may become unviable. The earth around the landing is slightly compacted and watered from above along the crown. After planting, the trunk circle must be mulched with pine bark. Mulch without touching the root neck, so as not to provoke fungal infections. In hot weather, after planting, the plant is shaded.
A layer of mulch is added several times a season. The soil under the shrub is not loosened or dug up, so as not to touch the root system close to the soil surface.
Watering and top dressing
When growing Cunninghams White rhododendron, regular watering is necessary; the soil should not dry out. The shrub is responsive to watering by sprinkling with a spray of small drops. Do not use tap water for irrigation.
Under rhododendrons, an acidic soil reaction is maintained. To do this, once a month it is watered with diluted citric acid or special solutions for rhododendrons.
Depending on the initial fertility of the soil, the Cunninghams White rhododendron is fed 3 times during the growing season:
- Before flowering. Use instant fertilizers for rhododendrons with the addition of nitrogen in an increased volume. Also use “Azofoska” or “Kemira station wagon”.
- After flowering. Superphosphate is used in the amount of 30 g and 15 g of potassium sulfate with a small amount of complex fertilizers.
- At the end of summer, the plant is prepared for winter and fertilizers are used that lack nitrogen.
When using dry fertilizers, they are applied to the soil along the diameter of the bush, liquid ones are poured into the center.
Trimming
The crown of the Cunninghams White rhododendron grows slowly, so the shrub does not require formative pruning. In the spring and during the growing season, sanitary inspections are carried out and broken or dead branches are removed.
To lay leaf buds, as well as flower buds for the next year, wilted inflorescences are carefully twisted and removed. It is impossible to cut and cut them off because of the close occurrence of the kidneys and the possibility of damage to them.
Preparation for winter
For a successful wintering, the soil under the rhododendron is abundantly watered in the period before the onset of frost. In the first years of planting, the Cunninghams White rhododendron is covered with spruce branches, and dry air shelters are built. To do this, burlap or other light-colored covering material is pulled onto the frame.
Adult, overgrown bushes are difficult to cover. Therefore, they protect only the root system, hilling it using high-moor peat. In winter, snow is thrown over the bushes, but the remaining shoots and leaves are shaken off so that they do not break under its weight.
Reproduction
The Cunninghams White rhododendron is propagated vegetatively using cuttings and seeds. Cuttings are taken from an adult bush after a flowering period. For propagation, cuttings 6-8 cm long are used, a few leaves are left at the top, the rest are removed.
The cuttings take root for a long time, so they are preliminarily kept for 15 hours in root formation stimulants. Then germinate in a planting container with moist sandy-peat soil. Rooting takes 3-4 months.
Diseases and pests
Rhododendron Cunninghams White has no specific diseases and pests. With proper planting and care, it is rarely exposed to infection.
Rhododendron may be susceptible to leaf chlorosis, fungal diseases. For prevention in early spring, the bush is sprayed with copper-containing preparations. The solutions are applied by spraying on the upper and lower parts of the leaves, as well as in the soil around the bush.
Various leaf-eating and other parasitic insects are eliminated by spraying with insecticides. Acaricides are used against spider mites.
Conclusion
Rhododendron Cunninghams White is one of the oldest and time-tested varieties. Resistant to cold winters. Subject to simple agricultural technology, it becomes a long-lived flowering shrub to decorate the garden.
