Helsinki University Rhododendron: a detailed description of the hybrid variety, history and other information about the plant Rhododendron Helsinki Universitat

This exceptional frost-resistant tropical flower from the Finnish collection attracts the attention of many amateur gardeners. It features unique lush flowering even in the northern regions.

This flower and its sub-grades have bright colors, which, of course, will become a real decoration of your garden.

So, from the article you will learn how this rhododendron looks and its types, get acquainted with the rules for caring for it, the method of reproduction.

Detailed description

Helsinki University Rhododendron is a hybrid variety of evergreen rhododendrons from the Finnish selection of a large heather family. The homeland is considered the south of Finland.

The height of the Rhododendron Helsinki Universitat reaches 1.5 - 1.7 m. The diameter of the spherical crown is 1 - 1.5 m. The bush is dense, compact, branched. The leaves are large, shiny, oblong, grow up to 10 - 15 cm in length and 5.5 - 6 cm in width. It blooms from mid-June, flowering lasts 2 to 3 weeks.

Flowers in diameter up to 7 - 8 cm, pale pink, flower core orange, sprinkled with dark bard small spots, each flower consists of 6 petals.

The petals are wavy at the edges. The stamens are light pink, curly. Inflorescences are formed from 12 to 15 flowers, are located on top of the stems - shoots.

History of occurrence

The most famous evergreen rhododendron from Finnish selection.

The variety is named after the 350th anniversary of the University of Helsinki, bred in the 70s of the 20th century. Short-fruited rhododendrons are considered the maternal varieties of the Helsinki University..

9 main varieties of this breeding program are registered.

What is the difference from the rest of the species?

The flower is distinguished by the highest winter hardiness of the entire genus of rhododendrons. It tolerates not only great frost, but also temperature changes, it is resistant to high humidity.

Variety feature - generous flowering even after a frosty winter.

Subcort

"Hague"

Evergreen shrub, branched, spherical crown. The bush is dense, compact in shape. It blooms from mid-June, flowering is short - 2 to 3 weeks.

The leaves are dense, glossy, dark green, 13 - 15 cm in length. The kidneys are red. Deep pink flowers wavy around the edges, up to 5 - 6 cm in length, petals with red - orange dots.

Inflorescences are dense, up to 15 - 18 flowers in each. The variety is very hardy. Find out more about the Hague variety here.

Pink

Evergreen shrub, grows up for a long time. It grows to 2 - 2.5 m in height. It blooms profusely, the duration of flowering is up to 1, 5 months.

It features a pink subtlety with an exquisite aroma, the shape of flowers and bright pink color. The leaves are small, grow up to 2.5 - 3 cm. In their structure, they are smooth, glossy, dense, oblong, lanceolate. They have a dark green color.

Red

Short-fruited hybrid variety of the Finnish series is very frost-resistant. The bush is erect, low, up to 1 m in height. Branched. The flowers are bright red, bell-shaped. Buds and buds also have a red tint. The leaves are medium in size, up to 6 cm long, dense, glossy, dark green.

Flowering features

When and how?

Rhododendron Helsinki University blooms in early or mid-June, duration -2 - 3 weeks. It blooms profusely, forming a rounded or pyramidal-shaped crown. Blooms simultaneously with the development of young stems.

What should be observed?

During budding and bud formation, the air temperature for the Helsinki University hybrid rhododendron should be no higher than 12 - 15 ° C. After flowering, faded flowers must be removed.. During flowering, the temperature may rise.

Important: During flowering, plentiful watering and good lighting are necessary.

What to do if it does not blossom?

It is necessary to check whether the flower is sick, lesions by various garden parasites and fungi are possible.

In summer, daily spraying of leaves or a cold shower is required. Inhibition of flowering is a lack of minerals in the substrate, additional nutrition is necessary.

Use in garden design

Helsinki University Rhododendron combines well with juniper bushes, thuja. It grows well in the shade of coniferous or deciduous trees in the garden. The dark green foliage of the Helsinki University Rhododendron harmonizes with other decorative flowers all year round.

Step-by-step care instructions

Seat selection

Rhododendron Helsinki University prefers semi-shady places, can grow in the shade of buildings on the north side. But when landing in open sunny places, protective shaded shelters are required.

What should be the soil?

The soil for the Helsinki University rhododendron should be loose, acidic, and average in humidity.

The root system is superficial; it needs to be loosened carefully. Weeding is better by hand.

Soil composition:

Coniferous litter - 1 h.
Sheet land - 3 hours
Peat - 2 hours
60 - 70 g of mineral fertilizer for the entire landing pit.
Drainage is required.

Tip: Stagnation of water should be avoided to prevent root decay.

Landing

Rhododendron Helsinki University is planted in spring or late fall. Helsinki University rhododendron planting is carried out in several stages:

Dig a hole with a depth of 45 - 50 cm and a width of at least 60 - 70 cm.
At the bottom of the hole, it is important to place a layer of drainage of sand and broken brick with a thickness of 15 - 20 cm.
Planting bushes are planted at a distance of 1.5 - 2 m.
Pour pre-prepared soil mixture into the hole, slightly tamping it.
Make a small depression, put a seedling there, without deepening the root.
Fall asleep with a substrate at the level of the root neck.
Around the bush form a near-trunk hole with sides.
Abundantly water the seedling.
Around the bushes sprinkle mulch from needles and peat 5-6 cm thick.

You can not plant bushes during flowering and 2 weeks after it.

Temperature

Rhododendron Helsinki University belongs to the cold-resistant varieties, can withstand frosts up to - 35 - 40 ° C. It is necessary to maintain a constant high humidity, especially in the summer. Optimum temperature - 12 - 15 ° C, tolerates shady cool places.

Watering

Rhododendron of Helsinki University requires abundant, regular watering 3 times a week for 10 - 11 liters per bush on hot and dry days. Spraying in the summer must be carried out daily.. In winter and autumn, watering is reduced, watering should only be on dry days.

Attention: water for irrigation should be soft - rain or snow, acidified, with a low salt content.

Top dressing

Helsinki University rhododendron top dressing begins immediately after planting.

Superphosphate, calcium, ammonium are added to water to acidify the substrate.

In early spring, fertilize the plant with mineral fertilizers: ammonium, superphosphate, potassium, in a ratio of 2: 1: 1 30 g per 1 square. m

After flowering, the flower is fertilized with phosphorus and potassium in a ratio of 2: 1. For young flowers, the concentration of fertilizers should be reduced by 2 times.

Pruning

In the first year after planting a young rhododendron bush in Helsinki University, flower growers recommend cutting out all the buds for better rooting. It is necessary to thin the bush - old and damaged branches are cut into a third.

Transfer

Helsinki University’s rhododendron transplant is advisable in the spring.

Transplant soil mixture: a mixture of peat, sawdust and sand in a ratio of 2: 1: 1. For better rooting, it is recommended to add 40 g of sulfur to the substrate.

How to prepare for winter?

For abundant flowering for next year, the Helsinki University Rhododendron must be well watered before the start of winter. This variety does not require shelter for the winter, it is enough to mulch the soil around the trunk.

How to propagate?

Usually wild-growing varieties of rhododendrons propagate by seeds; at home, hybrid varieties propagate by layering and cuttings.

Helsinki University Rhododendron Propagation Method by Cherenking:

Cut shoots with a length of 6 - 7cm.
They are placed in sand - peat soil for rooting.
Cover with a film or glass.
Rooting occurs within 3 to 4 months.

Diseases and Pests

This variety is resistant to pests and diseases.if preventive measures are taken - cut off damaged branches and leaves, treat with fungicides, then many diseases can be avoided.

Most often, snails and slugs can be seen on the leaves and branches of the Helsinki University rhododendron. They need to be assembled manually.
Spider mites, rhododendron bugs, scabs will help get rid of spraying with fungicides 8%, karbofos, etc.
To get rid of weevil, you need a solution of diazonin.

Prevention of various problems

Helsinki University Rhododendron Can Get Sick From Over Watering, improper composition of fertilizers, low acidity of the substrate. Rotten stems must be cut immediately.

Pale and drooping leaves are a sign of lack of moisture, sunburn and air drying. Additional moistening and spraying of bushes is required. You can feed the flower with iron chelate.

With improper care, a fungus may appear - rust, chlorosis, leaf pigmentation. It is necessary to adjust watering.

For the prevention of rhododendron diseases Helsinki University in late autumn, it is better to treat with a solution of Bordeaux fluid.

Helsinki University Rhododendron is the most popular variety because of the endurance and hardiness of a tropical resident. Even in cold regions, with proper care, you can see its amazing flowering.