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The largest rhododendron (Rhododendronmaximum) is a plant of the Heather family. Natural habitat: Asia, east North America, Caucasus, Altai, Europe.
Garden culture was brought to the continent about 200 years ago. At the beginning of the 15th century, there were about 2015 varieties of rhododendrons. However, the flowering shrubs were so captivating with their beauty that the process of mass breeding of new varieties began. In 3000, XNUMX varieties have already appeared, among which the largest rhododendron stands out brightly.
Description of the largest rhododendron
The largest rhododendron is an evergreen shrub. The height can reach 8-10 m. In Moscow it grows up to 1 m. The crown is planted low. The shape is spherical, the size is 1,1-1,2 m in diameter. The trunk is often curved, short. The annual growth is 10 cm.
The bark on the branches is brown-red, with evenly spaced small cracks. Young shoots are covered with orange-red hairs. Branches aged 1 year or less are green.
Leaves oblong or lanceolate. The length of the leaf plate varies from 10 cm to 30 cm, width 3-7 cm. The tips are pointed. Young leaves have a dense, reddish omission. Older foliage is dark green with a smooth surface. Petiole length 1,5-3 cm.
Flower colors: purple, light pink, sometimes white. The shape is bell-shaped with oval lobes. The size is 3-4 cm in diameter. Inflorescences consist of 16-24 flowers. The fruit of the largest rhododendron is an oval box 1 cm long.
Growing conditions for the largest rhododendron
For the successful cultivation of the largest rhododendron, it is important to know the main characteristics and life cycles of the plant.
- Optimal planting dates: early spring or early autumn.
- Transplantation is not allowed during the flowering period and with the advent of frost.
- Shrub blooms at the age of 8-12 years.
- The period of the main decoration falls on June-July.
- The fruits ripen by October.
- Type of plantations – group.
Planting and caring for the largest rhododendron
In the description of the largest rhododendron variety, it is indicated that the plant is durable. In nature, it can grow up to 100 years. With proper planting and timely care, a flowering shrub can grow for more than one year.
Selection and preparation of the landing site
The landing site should be chosen based on the characteristics of the species. The largest rhododendron prefers drained, moist and humus-rich lands. The level of soil acidity is 4,5-5,5. Peat should be added to neutral soils.
The largest shrub can be placed in an open meadow, but the favorable growing environment is partial shade. The neighbors of the largest rhododendron can be trees with a powerful root system that goes deep into the ground: larch, oak, pine. Among the garden trees are pear and apple. Such breeds are unfavorable: linden, maple, willow, poplar. Their roots are located at the same depth as the largest rhododendron. This means that there will be competition for the extraction of nutrients.
A hole 60×40 cm in size is preliminarily prepared. 8 buckets of peat and 3 buckets of loam or clay are poured onto the bottom of the landing pit. The mixture is rammed and left for two days to shrink.
Seedling preparation
Before planting in the ground, seedlings of the largest rhododendron are inspected. Dry leaves and shoots are pruned. The root system is carefully checked for rot. Shorten the length of the rhizome by 1-2 cm. Some flower growers advise holding the seedling of the largest rhododendron in a solution of a root formation stimulator. After that, the flowering shrub acclimatizes more easily in a new place and will grow faster.
Rules of landing
A recess is made in a pre-prepared hole so that the roots of the plant are completely placed. The root neck of the largest rhododendron should be above the ground. Sprinkle soil on top and lightly tamp so that no voids remain. After the largest bush must be abundantly moistened. When the water is absorbed, the near-stem circle is mulched with oak leaves, peat or pine needles. The thickness of the layer of natural material is 5-6 cm.
An example of planting the largest rhododendron is shown in the photo.
Watering and feeding
The largest rhododendron is considered a moisture-loving plant and requires regular watering. However, excess moisture and poor-quality water can lead to rotting of the root system, and a deterioration in the appearance of the shrub.
When the leaves of a horticultural crop of the largest variety lose turgor, this is a clear sign of a lack of moisture. The volume of liquid should be enough to wet the soil by 20-30 cm. It is preferable to take purified or rain water. To soften the water, gardeners add a little peat to the container. Moisturize the largest rhododendron should be 2-3 times a week.
Flowering shrub is good for top dressing. You can apply nutrients even immediately after planting. It is recommended to choose liquid preparations containing horn meal and semi-rotted manure. On sale there are special fertilizers for rhododendrons and hydrangeas.
The required feeding regimen for the largest rhododendron:
- At the very beginning of spring, in March, organic and nitrogen-containing preparations are applied at the rate of 50 g;
- after flowering, in early June, mineral fertilizers are used: 20 g of potassium sulfate and superphosphate, 40 g of ammonium;
- in July, 20 g of potassium sulfate and superphosphate are enough.
The amount of nutrients is calculated per 1 sq. m.
Trimming
Sanitary pruning of the largest rhododendron is carried out in early spring, before bud break. Remove dry, broken, frostbitten shoots. In general, the procedure should be minor. It is allowed to cut no more than ¼ of the bush. A month later, the process of sap flow and the recovery process begin.
The largest rhododendron blooms throughout the season. Therefore, after withering, the buds should be cut off. This will provide an influx of new forces, and save food for new inflorescences.
Preparation for winter
The largest rhododendron belongs to winter-hardy varieties. Therefore, even when cultivated in Central Our Country, it does not need shelter for the winter. The bush will not suffer, and annual shoots may freeze.
In November, the plant is prepared for wintering. If in autumn there was no rain for a long time, then the largest rhododendron should be watered. 10-12 liters will be enough. If precipitation falls regularly, then the shrub should not be moistened.
Reproduction
The main methods of propagation of horticultural crops:
- seeds;
- layering;
- cuttings;
- vaccination;
- division of the bush.
The simplest and most natural method is propagation by layering. Throughout the season, the layers are watered, it is located next to the mother bush. In autumn or next spring, the layers are separated, transplanted to a permanent place.
Seed method: the first year the seedlings are in a cool greenhouse, the next they are planted on the beds for rooting, this is an intermediate stage. Plants grow slowly. Flowering occurs at 6-8 years.
The vegetative method is also not easy. Root cuttings from 1,5-4,5 months. After that they are grown in a greenhouse. In the spring they dig in on the garden plot, the seedlings are formed for another 1-2 years.
Diseases and pests
As a result of poor ventilation and lack of full air access to the root system, the largest rhododendron suffers from fungal diseases such as cancer, rust, leaf spot, and chlorosis.
When symptoms of cancer or spotting appear on the leaves, solutions of Bordeaux mixture and other copper-containing preparations are used. With chlorosis, “Iron Chelate” is used, which helps to restore iron deficiency in the largest shrub. When cancer occurs, all affected areas are removed to healthy tissue.
Garden crops can be attacked by harmful insects. Main Enemies:
- spider mites;
- Bugs;
- scale insects;
- snails, slugs;
- long-nosed.
The latter are destroyed by the drug “Diazinon”. They spray not only the bush, but also the ground under it. Slugs are removed manually. All other parasites die from Karbofos.
Conclusion
The largest rhododendron is an ornamental shrub that many gardeners like. But in order for the bush to please the eye and smell fragrant, it is necessary to follow simple rules for care.
