Types of rhododendrons - vanilla garden sky
Snow-white clouds floating across the sky fascinate with their lightness and grandeur. But when the lush blooming species of rhododendrons bloom in the garden, everything around freezes. You want to look at these curly shrubs forever. Approaching them closer, everyone can enjoy their gentle touches and hugs.
There are more than 1300-8000 varieties / hybrids in nature. They amaze with their color and unusual shapes. In this regard, it is necessary to correctly select worthy exhibits. Then it will be not only beautiful, but also stylish.
Magnificent species of rhododendrons
The natural habitat of the refined culture is the Northern Hemisphere. Walking along the rivers and mountain hills of China (Himalayas) or Japan, you can come across whole families of such shrubs.
Rhododendron Yakushimansky - the great ancestor
It all started from the Yakushimansky rhododendron variety. It was he who was used by breeders to get hundreds of other hybrids. The frost-resistant plant can withstand temperatures as low as -22˚С. Every year the height of the bush increases by 10 cm until it reaches 1 meter. The crown diameter expands to 1.5 m. Other features of the variety include:
- Flowering period. The buds appear at the end of May and decorate the estate for a whole month.
- Inflorescences. One socket contains 5-10 elongated bells. At first, they are painted in a delicate shade of pink, and later they acquire a dazzling white tone.
- Leaves. They are characterized by a tough and leathery structure. Their dark emerald surface has a glossy sheen. The back of the thick and narrow leaves is covered with light pubescence.
It should be borne in mind that the root system of rhododendrons is on the surface. Therefore, digging and loosening are contraindicated for him. Moreover, it is important to ensure that water does not stagnate in the root circle, otherwise the roots will fester.
The most popular is the Yakushimansky Bluretta rhododendron with pink-white flowers. Crimped petals are exquisitely combined with curled stamens.
Amazing bouquets densely stick around the dome-shaped crown, which stretches up to 90 cm.Rejuvenating or sanitary pruning is carried out in April, and mulching - at the end of September.
An unforgettable impression in the soul of the owners is left by the Yakushimansky Fantastic rhododendron, the height of which can be up to 120 cm. White flowers with a bright red-pink border look incomparable on a lush bush. Such a lovely phenomenon can be observed only if the seedling is in partial shade.
When planting, you need to make good drainage. Then the soil will be wet for a long time, but not swampy. It is not necessary to cover the plant for the winter, since it feels great at -25˚С.
Japanese rhododendron - a guest from the Far East
The real pride of the East is the Japanese rhododendron "Rhododendron Japonicum", which exudes a delicate subtle aroma. Many varieties of the genus Heather cannot boast of such a feature. The spreading bush grows up to almost 2 meters.Interestingly, the tips of the leaves turn inward, while the petals, on the contrary, turn outward. The variety has several hybrids. The difference between each is the color:
- Creamy. In the rays of the sun, the inflorescences shimmer in different shades: from beige to yellow.
- Carmine. The colors are so intense that it is impossible to pass by and not take a picture.
- Salmon. The buds are reminiscent of an elegant rose ash shade.
- White. Yellow stamens give contrast to the flower.
- Orange. Creates the illusion of a burning bush.
In the fall, culture "flashes" with a dazzling crimson. In combination with other cultures, the garden takes on a divine appearance. Over time, the foliage falls off, and the shrub transitions to the dormant stage.
The variety belongs to particularly frost-resistant plants (-30˚С). Moreover, it can be propagated both by seeds and cuttings.
Rhododendron Caucasian or variety hardened by the elements
The evergreen "Rhododendron Caucasicum" is a creeping plant. Shoots reach 60 cm in length, thus forming dense thickets. You can find huge plantings of snow-white flowers in Abkhazia, where they grow high in the mountains. The peculiarity of the Caucasian variety is that it blooms 2 times per season: in June and October. However, for this it is important to properly care for him, observing simple rules:
- protect against late spring frosts;
- make fertilizing during the budding period;
- water if the soil dries up;
- cut off dried inflorescences so that the plant does not weaken.
Thanks to such simple procedures, "Caucasicum Rhododendron" will delight flower growers with luxurious bouquets. If the Caucasian variety does not start buds, then it is better to transplant it to another place or organize the correct irrigation system.
Rhododendron Vasey - early tenderness
The extraordinary Vasey rhododendron serves as a delightful decor for a summer cottage during the awakening of nature. On bare branches, light pink buds with leopard-like centers gradually bloom. The drooping stamens rise majestically above the 5 petals. Later, contrasting leaves appear on the shoots, which are dark above, but light below.
The culture should be planted separately from other inhabitants of the flower bed, since it has the most spreading crown. In October, the shrub becomes crimson.
Fiery colors of Rhododendron Lethium
The spectacular Rhododendron luteum, known as Pontic Azalea, will fit into any garden. In the wild, the culture is found at an altitude of 2 thousand km above sea level. Despite this, its shoots grow up to 2, and in some cases even 4 m. The bush has a spreading shape, reaching two meters in diameter. Yellow flowers:
- collected in inflorescences of 7-12 pcs .;
- are 6 cm wide;
- decorated with chiseled stamens with miniature beads on the edge;
- bloom before or during foliage formation.
It is important to know that this type of rhododendron grows relatively quickly. However, it does not tolerate a dry climate and drafts. With the onset of autumn, the leaves turn yellow, orange, and then red. In addition, they are covered with fine hairs, which makes them pleasant to the touch.
Marquis Marianne von Weizsacker
This is the original name of the hybrid variety, which was received in 1990 from the R. miraculous variety. On the shield of the rhododendron Marianne von Weizsacker, flowers (up to 20 pieces) are so densely planted that the crown resembles a large fluffy ball. The diameter of these inflorescences is 14 cm, and the height is 12 cm. In addition to the petals with wavy ruffles, the culture is surprising:
- a combination of purple-pink and wine-red;
- compact growth - from 90 cm;
- crown diameter - 130 cm (under the age of 10 years);
- special winter hardiness - withstands -22-30˚С;
- long flowering: about 2-3 weeks.
You can endlessly admire the beauty of the Marianne von Weizsacker rhododendron. An unusual highlight of the flower is a scattering of burgundy blotches on one of the petals.It is this feature that experts often use when creating landscape design.
To get such a stunning result as in the photo, the Marianne von Weizsacker rhododendron must be planted exclusively in fertile soils. Also in the first years of life, the seedling is covered for the winter.
Schlippenbach's rhododendron - in memory of a naval officer
The variety "Rhododendron Schlippenbachii" got its exclusive name thanks to a Russian soldier who collected a bouquet of these pale pink flowers. The length of each petal is 4 cm. They are connected by a dense bundle dotted with purple ripples.
The first buds can be seen on the seedling 6-8 years after planting. Fan leaves, consisting of 5 lobes, are harmoniously combined with them. Nevertheless, in order for the plant to have a healthy appearance, soil with acidic and loose soil is selected for it.
The maximum age of specimens is 40 years. Despite this, they reach only 2 meters in height. They are often planted along narrow paths or near high fences. Shrubs get along well with hosts, ferns and conifers.
Short-fruited rhododendron - little garden joy
The dense spherical crown of the short-fruited rhododendron, photo shown above, is formed thanks to leathery leaves. The plates are very large and dense. They stretch up to 15-20 cm in length. Nevertheless, the height of the bush does not exceed 2 meters.
The massive stem is crowned with white flowers with a pale pink "tan". Up to 20 small buds are tied on one shield. They are unsurpassed by stamens, which shimmer in the sun like pearls, as well as greenish blotches on some petals.
Their flowering period is quite late - the second half of June. The plant belongs to the light-loving varieties. Moreover, it prefers light, drained and sandy loam soil.
Rhododendron Pukhansky - oriental bonsai style
The Pukhan rhododendron shrub came to Europe from Korea. The purple cloud, consisting of miniature flowers (up to 5 cm in diameter), will bring a certain touch of oriental flavor to the urban landscape. Purple inflorescences of 2-3 buds bloom in mid-May. In the same period, narrow leaves appear on the branches, the length of which is 3-8 cm. In addition to these characteristics, a number of others can be noted:
- abundant, lush bloom;
- emits a pleasant, fragrant aroma;
- winter-hardy;
- compact size: from 60 to 100 cm;
- semi-evergreen, so in the fall it will surprise you with its bright color.
In most cases, this specimen is often used in rock gardens and rockeries. It is worth knowing that in the natural environment it grows near water bodies, as well as on rocky slopes.
Pine edges are a favorite cultural place. Therefore, it is recommended to mulch the root circle with coniferous litter.
Rhododendron Fori - the touch of the bride
This unique variety rests on the pages of the "Red Book" and is very rare in the coastal regions of Japan, Russia, Korea and the Kuril Islands. Photo of Rhododendron Fori clearly demonstrates all the beauty of a delicate flower. It is noteworthy, but its foliage with its shape and structure is similar to a ficus: the length is up to 20 cm, and the width is about 8 cm. And the snow-white buds with a golden scattering resemble apple blossoms.
The plant grows incomparably in the company of fir, ferns and spruce trees. Feels great on rocky slopes, therefore it is suitable for alpine slides. With good care, it reaches 3-5 meters.
Arboreal rhododendron - luxurious tree
Women are very fond of flowers, so men give them bouquets. However, a week passes and they end up in the trash can. But if you buy a tree-like rhododendron for your beloved, then every year the abundant inflorescences will remind her of the great, strong love of her chosen one. The height of the North American giant is from 3 to 4 meters. Different types of culture are both scarlet and pink.In autumn, the crown of the tree "flashes" with a charming crimson palette.
The dimensions of the planting pit should be 80 by 50 cm. It is filled with 1 part of humus and black soil, as well as 4 hours of peat substrate, which considerably acidifies the soil.
Miniature exhibits
Very often mini rhododendrons are used in landscape design. They try to decorate alleys or large plantings with spherical bushes. Among other things, these plants are used to separate one zone of the summer cottage from another. In such cases, the listed varieties are chosen:
- Baden-Baden (scarlet, 40-60 cm);
- Saint Merin (lilac with blue tint, 30-50 cm);
- Amethyst (purple, up to half a meter);
- Wren (lemon with light yellowness, 30 cm);
- Bengal (crimson, 60 cm);
- Dora Ametis (snow-white, about 70 cm);
- Robert Seliger (pink phlox, 40 cm).
By harmoniously distributing shades, you can get a delightful mosaic from living exhibits. It is important to place them so that tall bushes do not shade lower ones. Moreover, shaping pruning should be carried out in mid-April.
The presented types of rhododendrons amaze not only with their diversity, but also with surprisingly abundant flowering. Hybrid varieties are adapted to the harsh conditions of the northern hemisphere. For this reason, they are used for landscaping summer cottages and parks.