Rhododendron katevbinsky, its features and rules of cultivation
Rhododendron Katevbinsky is an evergreen flowering plant of the Heather family. It is one of the most beautiful of its kind, therefore it is widely used in floristry and landscape design. This is one of the first plant species of the genus rhododendrons, which were brought to the territory of Russia from South America. It is the best species for breeding and its genes are found even in the most famous Catawbiense Grandiflorum.
general characteristics
What is so interesting about ornamental shrubs for gardeners:
- A large shrub up to 4 meters high. In home growing conditions, rhododendron is an average of 1.5 meters.
- The main characteristic is a fluffy crown, the branches of which are widely decomposed on the sides.
- Leaves are oblong, up to 11-13 cm long and up to 8 cm wide, rich dark green color.
- Flowers are formed in umbellate tassels of 5-8 pieces in color from pale pink to dark lilac. Sometimes there can be up to 20 flowers in one bunch.
- The Katevbinsky genus differs from other rhododendrons in the color of the bark, in this plant it is brownish burgundy.
The shrub blooms from early May to early July. The exact dates of flowering vary by region and climate. The rhododendron is not whimsical to care for and is not picky about the landing site: it easily adapts to the shade, but still loves sunny places.
What care does rhododendron katevbinsky need?
Planting and caring for rhododendron Katevba grandiflorum requires minimal investment. He does not need special soil or adherence to a special watering schedule.
The main thing is to plant it correctly, water it with high quality and comply with the terms of planting in the ground, so that the rhododendron will please the eye for many years.
Planting and watering
One of the conditions for comfortable growth is a slightly acidic soil. When planting a plant, you need to choose a place with a slight shadow. Experts advise to plant thuja next to it or pine trees, through which sunlight will scatter and the rhododendron will not die from drought.
Catevbian rhododendron requires regular watering, like any plant. It is recommended to moisturize the soil three times a week or as it dries. If it rains, then there is no need to water, because excessive moisture is harmful in the same way as drought.
It is better to use melt or rainwater, as it is softer than tap water.
Fertilizing and feeding
Rhododendron Katevba grandiflorum loves moist and fed soil. To contribute mineral fertilizers you need 1 time in 2-3 weeks. They can be purchased at any Garden and Kitchen Garden store. The first groundbait is introduced in May, because early fertilization leads to the growth of shoots that can freeze in frost.
Reproduction
Rhododendron reproduces in two ways.
Layers. To do this, choose the strongest branch, make an incision at the bottom and sprinkle it with earth. You need to take care of the bush according to standard rules: watering, fertilizing. After a few months, roots appear in this incision.
It is necessary to separate new shoots from next spring, because in the winter they will disappear.
Cuttings that must be cut at the beginning of summer with a sharp knife so as not to damage the plant. A branch of about 15 cm is cut off. The lower leaves must be carefully cut off, and the cutting must be placed in water with a solution that stimulates the growth of the root system.After that, it is rearranged in water with a clean ode, and then landed in a greenhouse. A special substrate for heather is used as a soil.
Summing up, it should be noted that the Katevba rhododendron is unpretentious in care. It can be planted in home gardens, summer cottages, squares, parks, alleys. Subject to the acidity of the soil and timely watering, rhododendron will delight the eye for many years.