Rhododendron is a neat evergreen with delicate pink buds and fleshy, leathery, dark green leaves. Feels good in shade and partial shade. Used for both group and single landings.
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Optimal time for planting rhododendron
Spring is considered the best time to plant this plant. In the period as soon as the snow melted and the threat of return frosts passed, and before the beginning of flowering.
Choose wet and cool weather - rhododendron has a shallow root system and is extremely sensitive to drought.
In autumn, they choose the end of September - the beginning of October. At this time, the plant will have time to adapt to a new place before the onset of frost.
Seat selection
The shrub prefers partial shade. The site is chosen in a place protected from drafts and strong gusts of wind. No moisture stagnation. With the occurrence of groundwater at a depth of at least 1.5 m.
Avoid direct sunlight - rhododendron can get burned.
Experienced gardeners recommend placing perennials on the north side of the building or near water bodies.
A shrub is not planted next to plants with a highly developed root system.
For example:
- Birch tree;
- alder;
- maple;
- willow;
- Linden.
The best neighbors were eating. Their roots go deep. Tall trees create optimal partial shade.
The soil
Rhododendron actively grows and develops well on loose soil with neutral acidity. The site is pre-drained with crushed stone to avoid moisture stagnation.
Some gardeners prepare the soil mixture themselves.
Components:
- sour peat - 3 parts;
- garden land - 5 parts;
- pine bark - 1 part;
- perlite - 1 part.
Another option consists of:
- sour peat - 3 parts;
- coniferous land - 1 part;
- leafy land - 2 parts;
- river sand - 1 part.
A plant planted in the ground with the following components feels good:
- composted pine bark - 2 parts;
- high-moor peat - 2 parts;
- sod land - 1 part.
Landing scheme
Rhododendron is planted in pre-prepared planting pits:
- They are dug to a depth of 0.5 m and a width of 1 m.
- Drain with crushed stone, expanded clay or broken brick.
- Fill the hole 1/2 with prepared soil.
- The roots are spread over the surface.
- Spill with a bucket of warm settled water.
- They bring in the rest of the earth.
- Seal slightly to avoid voids.
- Mulch with pine bark.
If several bushes are planted, then a distance of 1 m is observed between them. Medium-sized varieties are 1.5 m from each other. Tall - 2 m.
Care
The main measures for caring for a rhododendron are as follows:
- watering;
- mulching;
- top dressing.
Watering
In the spring, the plant is watered 2 times every 7 days. For one young bush, at least 5 liters of soft, settled water are used. For an adult, the dosage is doubled.
In hot and dry weather, the bush must be shaded. Spray early in the morning or late in the evening with the addition of a small amount of citric acid: 25 g per 10 liters of water.
Mulching
Since the plant has a shallow root system, the ground under the bush is not loosened. To keep it moist, the trunk circle is mulched with straw or peat.
In the first year after planting, the procedure must be carried out in the fall, before the onset of frost. Spunbond is additionally laid on top of the mulch.
Top dressing
During the period of active growth of shoots, infusion is introduced:
- mullein - 1 part;
- water - 20 parts.
The components are thoroughly mixed and insisted for at least 3 days. If desired, the mullein is exchanged for chicken droppings.
Before watering, add under the bushes:
- ammonium sulfate - 51 g;
- magnesium sulfate - 51 g.
Then watered abundantly. In liquid form, fertilizers are absorbed faster by the root system and are more actively absorbed by the plant.
During the budding period, use:
- nitrogen - 11 parts;
- potassium - 22 parts;
- phosphorus - 22 parts.
During flowering, they are sprayed with growth biostimulants.
Subject to all the rules for planting and care, a flowering shrub will delight the eye for a long time.
Do you plant rhododendrons on the site?
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