When and how to properly plant rhododendrons in the fall?

Rhododendrons are evergreen shrubs or small trees. These are unusually beautiful and abundantly flowering plants. Wild species are propagated using seeds. They are sown usually in the spring season, mixing with sand.

It is not easy to grow these plants, as they are capricious, thermophilic and do not tolerate cold. How does rhododendron planting occur in the fall?

Features of the life cycle of azaleas in the autumn

In the autumn, the plant is preparing for winter (pruning and shelter). The flowering and condition of the rhododendron in the next season depends on the quality of these actions. It is important for the gardener to know the slightest nuances and rules for the autumn preparation of flowers for hibernation (for more details on the preparation of rhododendron in the fall for winter, see this material).

Reference. The word "rhododendron" in the literal translation from Greek means "rosewood" or "tree with roses", but it has nothing to do with the rose. Their connection is only in the beauty of flowering, a wide variety of types and varieties.

In the fall, pruning of artisanal plants is one of the obligatory and very important processes. All perennial plant species are exposed to it, rhododendron is no exception.

Types of possible trimming:

• sanitary;
• anti-aging;
• formative.

More details about whether or not rhododendron is cut for the winter can be found here.
In late autumn, as soon as the first frosts come, the rhododendron bushes are tied with a rope and covered with a plastic wrap or bag. Remove this makeshift hut immediately after the snow melts.

Deciduous species tolerates winter well in temperate climates. It can survive frosts up to 10 degrees without shelter. If the temperature drops below, you will have to use burlap.

Evergreen varieties of rhododendrons tolerate lower temperatures worse. Bushes need additional shelter, as they often break branches under the weight of snow cover or strong wind. It is best to build a small insulating structure over the bush to protect the plant.

Is it possible to plant at this time of year and when right?

The best time for planting in the fall is from September to the end of October. In fact, the procedure can be carried out at any time, but only during the growing season of the plant.

It is forbidden to plant during the flowering period and for 2 weeks after it. In the autumn period, it is important to plant a few weeks before persistent frosts - you need to give the plant time to adapt.

Which way to choose to plant a plant?

The choice of method depends on the features of the selected type.

On a note. Wild rhododendrons are propagated vegetatively or obtained from seeds. Varietal are complex hybrids for which only vegetative options are appropriate.

The main methods of reproduction and planting:

• Sowing seeds, growing seedlings and further growing in containers.
• Planting cuttings.
• Landing layering.
• Separation of the bush (suitable for old and growing bushes).

Step-by-step instructions on how to cuttings

The presented action algorithm is suitable for deciduous species. Reproduction occurs by cuttings.

Required Inventory

For landing boxes or boxes will be required. If it is necessary to accelerate growth, then you can plant cuttings in greenhouses or greenhouses. They also plant in open ground, but regular watering, growth control and compliance with suitable conditions will be more difficult to carry out.

A place

Rhododendrons are quite capricious plants. They are not suitable for planting in dry and cold climates. They love shady places, coolness and water, but they can calmly bloom with constant exposure to sunlight. The best place to land is the northern, shadow zone of the site. The soil should be loose, filled with humus.

Plants ideally take root near ponds with moist air. If there is no water nearby, the bushes need to be sprayed once a week before flowering. It is recommended to choose the right neighbors for the plant.

Do not plant bushes near trees such as:

• Linden;
• chestnut;
• maple.

The root systems of these trees are at approximately the same depth and can take all the nutrition from the new plant.

Note! The best option for the neighborhood is apple trees, pears, conifers.

Preparing the ground

For cuttings use special ready-made acidic earthen mixtures or self-prepared soil mixtures. A mixture of peat, coniferous soil and sand in equal proportions is suitable for the plant.

Process

Rhododendrons have a fibrous root system. Plants easily tolerate planting, but die when flooded. When planting cuttings, a shallow pit should be made so that they grow at the level of the soil, do not deepen after subsidence of the soil. If underwater water (level less than 1 m) is close to the site, good drainage should be made in the landing pit.

Harvesting seedlings for planting is best done in the second half of July. To do this, cut the leaves from the shoots along with a axillary bud and wood in the form of a shield with parallel edges of small length. For deciduous species (azaleas), it is better to choose apical cuttings. If there are a lot of flowers on the bush, then they need to be cut so that all the forces of the plant are aimed at rooting the growth, and not at its flowering.

From cuttings that are cut, it is necessary to remove the lower leaves, leaving a couple of top sheets. It is not necessary to shorten the remaining leaves on the cuttings. The slice is performed at an angle of 45 degrees.

There is also a preliminary processing of cuttings:

1. Soaked in growth stimulants. It is necessary to lower the lower sections into the root solution for about a day.
2. Containers fill the soil and level it.
3. Root cuttings root for 5 months.

First watering

The first time to water the plant after planting is necessary for 3-5 days. Wherein it is important not to flood the roots, moisture should not stagnate. Further watering schedule: 1 time per week.

Outdoor Care

Important! The main components of proper care are regular and proper watering, spraying, fertilizing, creating a bush form, prevention and control of diseases, parasites.

What is important to consider the gardener:

• It is forbidden to loosen the soil near the rhododendron bush. This is due to the fact that the roots of the plant are quite close to the surface. Picking weeds better by hand without the use of garden tools.
• In dry autumn, the flower requires abundant watering (an average of 10 liters of water). In rainy autumn you can forget about watering.
• Water the bushes with soft water (rain or sediment). The frequency of watering can be determined by the leaves. If they become dull and begin to lose elasticity, then it's time to start watering. Humidification of the soil should go to a depth of 30 cm.
• Do not fill the roots of rhododendrons with water. This plant is very sensitive to oversaturation with water in the roots, therefore it reacts exactly as it does to drought (wither).
• In November, each bush begins to warm, laying a layer of peat next to it.

Difficulties and problems

Of the common problems are drying out of the kidneys and stunting. The situation can be corrected by daily irrigation with warm water with growth stimulants. The presence on the site of grass, hay, straw or other mulch, which was used earlier, can adversely affect the condition of the bush. Also, these materials can become a source of pest infection.

If the landing occurs in late autumn, the soil can be pre-shed with hot water - this will kill possible parasiteswill facilitate the adaptation of the bush.

Breeders have bred many varieties and types of rhododendrons. They live long, bloom up to several months of the year. They are often used to design flower beds in the field of landscape design. Flowering bush pleases the owners and brings aesthetic pleasure. Proper care, timely fight against diseases and pests - a guarantee of health and beauty of the bush.

Watch the video: How to plant a Rhododendron (December 2024).