Katevbinsky rhododendron is one of the most beautiful species; for its lush flowering, the bush is popularly called the "rosewood." In addition to external beauty, the flowers emit a light, delicate aroma.
Homeland of the plant
Katevbinsky rhododendron appeared in Europe in 1809, brought it from North America. This was one of the first imported species, which spread very quickly, due to its unpretentiousness and winter hardiness.
Full size shrub
For your information! At the moment, the species is actively used not only in landscape design, but also in breeding programs for new evergreen frost-resistant varieties.
In nature, rhododendron can be found in North America, in particular, in its eastern part, in the Allegany mountains. Shrubs form whole fields in open areas or grow in groups among forests. Emerald green specimens are also common in Japan.
The flower came to Latvia in the middle of the 19th century. In the climatic conditions of the Baltic states, rhododendron blooms and bears fruit abundantly. Due to the ability of the bush to endure frosts down to −30 ° С, it can be found in the Far East and Kamchatka.
Botanical description of rhododendron Grandiflorum
Rhododendron ketevbinsky (lat.Rhododéndron Catawbiense) - a type of evergreen shrub, whose life span reaches 100 years.
Under suitable growing conditions, it can reach a height of 2 to 4 m, the width of the plant is greater than the height. By 10 years of life, it reaches 1.5 m in height, adding 10 cm per year.
While the plant is young, its shoots have a felt surface, over time they become smooth. The leaves are oblong, at the ends they can be blunt and sharp, the maximum length is 15 cm, width 5 cm. The upper part of the leaf is dark green, has 16 pairs of veins, the lower one is pale bare.
The most popular varieties:
- Kataubiens Grandiflorum (Rhododendron Catawbiense Grandiflorum);
- Album Novum (Rhododendron Catawbiense Album Novum);
- Roseum elegans (Rhododendron Catawbiense Roseum Eleganсe);
- Purpureum (Rhododendron Purpureum Grandiflorum).
For your information! The flowering period lasts from late May to mid-June, sometimes lasts until July. The fruits ripen in October.
The description of the Catawbiense Grandiflorum rhododendron says that it is the oldest and most popular hybrid variety that was obtained from a wild plant in the early 19th century. Crohn reaches 3.5 m in diameter, lilac flowers with yellow and orange dots.
Flowering Katevba rhododendron
Florists are not just in love with the large-flowered rhododendron Catawbiense Grandiflorum. It has high decorativeness all year round. Until the bush has blossomed flowers, it attracts the eye due to the bright, large, smooth leaves.
Flowering lasts only a month. Each inflorescence consists of 15-20 flowers. Inflorescences are bell-shaped and wide-crowned, reach a diameter of 15 cm. Each flower is a bell and can be white, yellow, purple, red, purple or lilac.
To flowering was spectacular and bright, the bush should be abundantly watered and fed before and after this period. Thus, the plant will be saturated with nutrients and will not be depleted.
Note! If the rhododendron does not bloom, most likely the growing place does not suit him and there is not enough moisture.
Rhododendron Leaves Near
Propagation Features
At home, rhododendron propagates by layering and cuttings.
Cuttings are cut in early summer. Each branch up to 15 cm long is cut at an angle of 45 °, the lower leaves are removed, and the cuttings themselves are placed for a day in a root formation stimulator. After this, each shoot is planted in a fertile acidic substrate for rhododendrons and a greenhouse is made. Rooting will occur in about a month.
Propagation scheme by cuttings
An easier way is to propagate by layering. To do this, lower branches bend to the ground and sprinkle. The edge of the shoot is tied to a peg. After a few months, the layers will give roots, it can be separated from the mother plant in the spring.
Important! In order for the rooting process to pass successfully, the soil with layering must be well moistened.
Landing rules
Despite the unpretentiousness of Grandiflorum rhododendron and the simplicity of care for it, some conditions must be met. An improperly selected soil composition can lead to the absence of flowering or death of the entire shrub. If you choose the right landing site, then in addition to watering, nothing more is required.
Landing time
You need to plant a plant in a permanent place until flowering - in early spring after frost or in early autumn. Rhododendrons have a shallow root system, so the topsoil should already be warmed up, and precipitation could not harm the bush.
The shoots of the flower are sensitive to drought, so the demi-season is best suited for transplanting.
Place and soil for planting rhododendron of Ketevbin Grandiflorum
Rhododendron Grandiflora tolerates the shadow well, but it will still feel better on the south side, but without direct sunlight. Places with diffused light, for example, under trees or a canopy, are also suitable.
Important! Choosing a place to land, you need to check in advance whether there are drafts. Constant winds can drain plant shoots.
Soil requirements:
- slightly acidic or acidic;
- wet
- loose;
- rich in organic.
Before planting, rhododendron can be placed in water so that it is saturated with moisture. The increased humidity of the soil and air is the key to good flowering. Therefore, it is recommended to put automatic watering on the garden plot or manually spray the shoots daily.
Note! It is better to plant a shrub next to those trees that have similar soil requirements. Thus, neighbors will not take nutrients from each other. Fruit trees can lead to depletion of the shrub, as they draw all the water out of the soil.
If precipitation often occurs in the region, this is fraught with stagnation of moisture, which leads to rotting of the roots. To protect the ornamental shrub, it is better to immediately plant it on a hill. In a temperate climate, a drainage layer is made in the landing pit.
To acidify the soil, you can mix several types of land: garden, peat, quail coniferous, clay, add sand. Sand and clay should be no more than 20% to maintain breathability.
How rhododendron Grandiflorum blooms
Seedling preparation
It is best to use a seedling that is three years old, but the possibility of replanting younger or older specimens is not ruled out.
Before planting, the shrub is dipped in a container of water until air bubbles no longer stand out. Long roots can be trimmed, the rest just straightened.
Important! When planting, the root neck of the rhododendron of the Katevbinsky Grandiflorum should remain above the ground.
Fertilizer application
Rhododendron Katevbin Grandiflora absorbs many nutrients. On poor soils, its leaves will become pale and thin, and very few flowers will appear during flowering.
To avoid the above, from the beginning of spring to the end of flowering, plants are fed. This is necessary for both young and adult shrubs. The last top dressing is carried out when the bush completely fades and new shoots begin to form.
Rhododendron catavbians grandiflorum fit:
- organic fertilizers, in particular, semi-rotten cow manure, diluted in water in a proportion of 1:15;
- horn meal;
- calcium sulfate and magnesium;
- potassium nitrate.
At the beginning of spring, nitrogen preparations are introduced into the soil, in June compounds with potassium and phosphorus are excluded, and in July nitrogen is excluded.
Note! To preserve moisture and nutrients in the soil, the trunk circle of the bush is mulched with needles.
Rhododendron Care Requirements
In the intense heat of Grandiflorum, rhododendron needs abundant watering, 2-3 times a week the soil is moistened with acidified water.
In May, pinching can be done to form a more magnificent crown. Pruning negatively affects the growth and flowering of rhododendron.
Weeding is not done near the shrub, since the root system of the rhododendron is close to the surface of the earth. Once every six months, under the bush, you can add rotted needles to preserve the acidity and friability of the soil. Alternatively, a solution of vinegar, lemon juice or formic acid can be added to water for irrigation three times a month.
For your information! To preserve more nutrients, faded buds are removed in July.
Although the view is frost-resistant, it is better not to take risks and help him survive the first winter. Before frosts, the bush is watered abundantly, and the trunk is mulched. From above the plant is covered with burlap or a hut made of wooden stakes is organized.
Pests and diseases
Rhododendron rarely gets sick, and this happens in the case of improperly selected soil or stagnation of water. In poor growing conditions, spotting, rust, chlorosis may appear. In this case, the plant is transplanted, irrigation is regulated, and iron chelate is treated.
Pests such as:
- bedbugs;
- scale shield;
- spider mite;
- aphid.
You can get rid of insects with the help of fungicides; for rhododendron, thiram and diazine are well suited.
As a prevention in spring and summer, it is necessary to spray the shoots with Bordeaux liquid every month.
Katevba rhododendron is the pride of any gardener. For the bright sun, acidic soil and abundant watering, the bush will thank gorgeous flowering.
