Proper preparation of rhododendron for winter: step by step instructions and photos of azalea. Rhododendron Care

Botanists abolished a separate genus of Azalea and combined them with the genus Rhododendron. These plants are part of the Heather family. It would seem that we do not need to know such subtleties, but it is important when buying plants and determining the conditions for their comfortable existence.

Some gardeners call azaleas the heat-loving representatives of this family living on the windowsills of our apartments, and when they say rhododendron, they mean garden plant. But confusion often occurs, and therefore both names can be found on planting material.

The path to a successful winter

Watering

Azalea is very demanding on soil moisture.. Waterlogging and lack of watering are equally detrimental to her. Take a handful of the substrate in your hand and squeeze it. If water drips, then the humidity is excessive, and if the soil crumbles, then urgently grab a watering can. In rainy summers, moderate watering of the shrub is recommended. In dry weather, it responds well to watering directly along the crown.

How to care for an azalea growing in the garden?

Spring

Evergreen azaleas require special attention during this period. The death of these plants is usually attributed to poor winter care and freezing. The real reason The loss of these shrubs is that the bright April sun hits the azalea and causes moisture to evaporate through the leaves.

The earth has not yet thawed, the roots are not able to compensate for the loss of fluid and the plant dries up. It is necessary to stimulate the melting of snow around the rhododendron, to accelerate the warming of the soil. As soon as the snow melted and the temperature reached +8-10 degrees, you can feed the plants. Azalea blooms very early.

If you choose varieties with different periods blooming buds, these shrubs will decorate the garden from May to mid-July. To make next year's flowering more abundant, carefully pluck the seed pods without damaging the young shoots.

Summer

The main task is to provide comfortable humidity to plants. After flowering, apply fertilizer under the rhododendrons.

Important! This must be done no later than mid-July, so that the wood is well ripened by winter.

autumn period

In late autumn, we cover evergreen azalea species with a double layer of spandbond. Metal arcs, branches or a lattice box can serve as a frame for shelter.

We don't use wrapping tape! The purpose of this is not protection from frost, but so that in the spring the rhododendron does not receive sunburn and did not die from the April drought. Deciduous varieties of these plants winter well without protection.

What to feed?

In the first season after planting, azaleas are not fed. In subsequent years, before and after flowering, any fertilizer intended for heather plants is applied, according to the instructions. It is difficult to prepare a fertilizer mixture on your own. Fixing bugs when improper care or the action of negative weather conditions you may encounter the following situations:

• After flowering, there is no growth of young shoots at the ends of branches. Adjust watering and apply fertilizer.
• When examining the plant, a bud affected by rot was found. Cut it along with a piece of wood, otherwise it may cause the entire branch to dry out.
• The evergreen rhododendron came out of winter with crumbling brown leaves . Do not cut or uproot the plant! You can learn more about pruning a plant. In order for new branches to go from the axils of the leaves, it is necessary:
  1. water the plant with the addition of any preparation for the growth of new roots;
  2. spray bare branches with zircon;
  3. only after the appearance of the leaves, feed with fertilizer.

Be sure to plant rhododendrons in your garden. Do not be afraid of failure, because they are much easier to care for than roses. They are not damaged by pests and do not get sick, subject to proper agricultural technology. This is a very noble and grateful plant, which will adorn your garden before all plants.

Useful video

How to choose the right place for planting and care for rhododendron, you can see in the video:

Rhododendron is considered one of the most popular plants in the world. The unpretentious care rhododendron has a spectacular appearance and fits perfectly country cottage area. Preparation of rhododendron for the winter should begin in advance. When purchasing rhododendron seedlings, you need to consider whether the variety is suitable for your climate or not.

In nature, rhododendrons can be frost-resistant or very “vulnerable” to cold. If a plant variety is unstable to sub-zero temperatures, then this variety must be covered on winter period. It is believed that red-flowered species are the most not resistant to frost.

Cover the rhododendron in the following cases:

• northern climate
• the variety is not resistant to frost
• a weak tree that is often subject to disease

How to prepare rhododendron for winter?

Proper preparation of rhododendron for the winter is usually done in November with the onset of the first frost. At temperatures of -10 and below, the plant should be covered earlier. The main thing is not to overdo it, and not to cover the tree too early, when the dormant phase has not yet begun, then you can not get abundant flowering in the spring.

Before covering the plant, mulch the roots. The best remedy suitable peat. Shelter of rhododendron for the winter should be light, but such that it can withstand gusts of wind and severe frosts.

Shelter structure

First you need to build a frame of wire or wooden sticks to cover the tree from above. The size of the structure should be larger than the plant itself, so as not to touch its branches.

The constructed frame should be stuck into the ground, so that the rhododendron is in the middle. Branches need to be collected at the top and tied. After that, around the perimeter, you need to wrap it again with a thick cable or wire to make the design even more reliable.

Then the plant is covered first with a rag, and then with a film. On top of the material, you need to wrap the frame again with wire or rope. It is not recommended to cover only with foil, because the tree will be in the greenhouse all the time. The main thing is to make sure that the design is not heavy. lower part the tree should be left open to allow access to snow and air. When possible, you need to rake up the snow more. Snow traps heat near the roots and replenishes water supplies.

Wintering in the southern climate

If the rhododendron will winter in the southern climate, where winters are not severe and the tree variety is resistant to coolness, then only a screen can be built from the wind and the bright sun. The screen can be made from plywood or thick fabric. The plant should be closed only on the side where the rhododendron is most at risk. If the temperature jumps are quite high from minus to plus, then you can close the tree from all sides, leaving a gap for air to pass through. When the frost stabilizes, the gap needs to be sealed. This can be done with stones, bricks or covered with soil. More details can be seen in the photo or video.

If the plant is grown in a tub, then this simplifies the shelter of the rhododendron for the winter season. With the onset of the first cold weather, the tree can be moved to a more closed place.

In winter, undersized rhododendron is recommended to simply cover with dry leaves. It is best to use oak leaves. In winter, the bushes can be tilted to the ground so that the branches are under a layer of snow. Rhododendron after winter will be preserved and will delight with beautiful flowering.

Please note that during the thaw, there is no stagnation of water near the plant. If water constantly flows to the roots, then the rhododendron can rot. You can make a small drainage in the form of a ditch through which excess moisture will leave.

Before the start of wintering, you should feed the tree potash fertilizer. This measure will help activate the growth of late kidneys. Rhododendron perfectly tolerates colloidal sulfur, which can not only acidify the soil, but also disinfect it.

The point of all shelter methods is to protect the flower buds and leaves that are concentrated at the top of the plant. Save the kidneys you need to be successful, spring flowering. After wintering, as the snow begins to melt and the tree cannot get a leaf burn, the shelter can be removed. If, with the onset of spring, the leaves of evergreen varieties remain brown and twisted, then regular spraying from a spray bottle should be carried out. Spraying is carried out only with settled water. Over time, the plant will recover. Watering at this stage is not worth it, because after wintering there is still a lot of water in the soil.

Rhododendron (Rhododendron) is a genus of semi-deciduous, deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs of the Heather family. Rhododendron has more than 600 species, represented by evergreen, deciduous and semi-deciduous shrubs, differing not only in shape and size, but also in color, size and shape of flowers. In nature, rhododendrons are common in southern China, Japan, the Himalayas, North America and Southeast Asia.

The word "rhododendron" consists of two parts: "rhodon" - "rose", and "dendron" - tree, which ultimately means "rose tree", or "tree with roses".

Pictures of European parks are full of shrubs blooming from spring to autumn - these are handsome rhododendrons that give a unique palette of colors and aromas. To have such a miracle in the garden is the dream of many amateur flower growers. But it is not so easy to implement it. To enjoy the result, you will have to use all the reserves of perseverance and patience, a whole army of knowledge. A shrub that grows quite easily as an undergrowth in conditions Western Europe, at a party can simply die if he is not cherished and not indulged in whims.

Choosing the right kind is halfway to success. The future of your experiment depends on the awareness of choosing a subspecies of a plant. It is impossible to place plants of a heat-loving variety in cold climate. Tropical rhododendrons, for example, need high humidity air and higher degrees. Today, stores are actively offering the latest evergreen varieties, but for people who do not have experience with such exotics, it is better to refrain from buying.

Frost-resistant specimens should attract your attention. They will be able to acclimatize faster and get used to cold winters. Such a "trifle" in the future will save the flower from death, and the owner from disappointment.

It is important to know where the rhododendron bush was born and grew, where it is sold from. Ideal when planting material take it from friends and see the mother bush with your own eyes. So you get a clear idea of ​​​​what can happen in the end. A nursery in the nearby region is also suitable. The plant will already be accustomed to the conditions of the area, and the adaptation period will pass faster.

When it comes to purchasing expensive flowers, avoid spontaneous markets. It is not necessary to take risks by putting price and quality on the scales.

The best option is a two-four-year-old bush of seed or cutting planting. You can determine this by height. From the seeds, the branches will grow no more than 15 cm. From the cuttings - about 25 cm. Having decided to buy a small "aristocrat", inspect the roots and leaves. Nowhere should be visible signs of disease (overgrown bumps, spots, cracks, fungi).

Planting a rhododendron

The success of planting and further growth depends on how the requirements of agricultural technology of this type are met.

Shade tolerance or light-loving? Likes slightly salty or acidic soil? Need drainage, or maybe abundant moisture? What will become good neighbor? Many questions? Even more of them will appear when the rhododendron, not reacting to caresses, will sit still, will not grow up. This is a sure sign that he does not like Environment and transplants are inevitable. The Katevbinsky species needs acidic soil without standing water. Other relatives are waiting for hourly sprinkling, spraying branches, water supply. If you do everything as expected, then in a few years you will rejoice at a colorful bouquet.

If necessary, you can transplant a more mature bush. Not overgrown roots located in the surface ball of soil can be easily dug up.

Starting landscape design of the site, remember which trees can make good company foreign guest. Oak, willow, mountain ash, birch will not share useful substances very friendly, but pine, larch are suitable friends who develop life-giving microflora for rhododendron.

In forest areas, wild rhododendrons grow in sunny glades, but in home gardens, deciduous varieties can tolerate a light shade from tall tree. AT middle lane temperate climate in the absence of risks of wind freezing, the wall of the house can serve as protection. Otherwise, you need to hide in secluded corners. Not found a suitable oasis? Create custom.

You can do the same with the soil, digging the ground to the required depth that is actually achievable by adult roots and replacing it with an improved mixture, you can secure planting in the future. By the way, the diameter of the circle, nutrient soil should correspond to the diameter of the proposed crown. To rainwater did not wash out trace elements, surround the hole with protective hazardous materials. A lot of trouble, but the guarantees of safety are high. Clay and loamy soils are best diluted with sand. Check your acid balance.

Plant the tree at the level of the root neck and sprinkle mulch (sawdust) on top to retain moisture.

Outdoor rhododendron care

Watering

In the summer, the rhododendron should be watered frequently; drying of the topsoil should be avoided. Soft settled water (artificially modified or melted) is suitable for laying.

Top dressings and fertilizers

Professional gardeners recommend fertilizing 3 times a year. In the spring before flowering, after the flowers fall and at the end of August. In purchased complex fertilizers includes different components. In the first top dressing, nitrogen and phosphorus components are required. They are responsible for the formation of buds, their abundance and blooming. Deciduous mass is growing.

At the end of the growing season, the potassium content is increased so that the wood has time to mature and grow stronger, and the young growth does not grow.

Preparing for winter

Ordinary, specific rhododendrons do without shelter in winter. However, preparation for the cold period and frost is still needed. Rainy damp autumn will serve as your assistant, saturate the leaves and bark of evergreen representatives with protective moisture. But if the weather was dry, then you will have to work hard yourself, organize abundant watering. Successful hibernation depends on the local climate and species. If there is usually a lot of snow and frequent thaws, it is not necessary to cover. And when the thermometer column often drops sharply to the minimum mark - play it safe, at least with a slight cover with spruce branches.

Winds and frost in a duet with the sun become real enemies for planting. Build from branches of pine or other trees, something in the form of a frame like a tube and wrap it with a rope to secure it. Curtain can be hidden under a small hut. Remove the structure after the disappearance of the threat of the last spring frosts.

Reproduction of rhododendron

No matter how capricious the hybrid is, reproduction is quite possible and even very successful. There are three ways to propagate rhododendron: cuttings, layering and seeds.

Reproduction by cuttings

old reliable time-tested method, the process is carried out by analogy with reproduction. From young healthy branches sharp knife shoots 10-15 cm long are cut. The lower leaves are removed (only the top is left leafy). Sections are immediately treated with a powerful stimulator for the formation of root buds. Bundles of blanks are placed in a solution of "Heteroauxin" or another agent, strictly following the instructions for use. Prepared cuttings are planted in a mixture of soil. Take fine-grained sand, earth from a coniferous forest, peat in equal proportions, slightly moisten, mix. When squeezed in the palm of your hand, you should get a lump that easily crumbles if you press it. They collect in pots and place the cutting under a transparent film cap, having previously sprayed it from a spray bottle. Children in a greenhouse are periodically examined, watered. After 3 months, small leaves will hatch.

Reproduction by layering

simple and available method get a perfect clone from the mother rhododendron bush. side shoots, located at the bottom, easily bend down to the ground and fit into small grooves, are fixed with pins with studs and sprinkled on top. Constantly wet soil, heat will help the formation of roots. It remains only to separate the bushes from adults with pruners, carefully transplant.

Reproduction by seeds

This method of reproduction is rather complicated and troublesome, but the presence of a selection innovation is a pleasure. In a year, you can get hundreds of strong rhododendron seedlings with a well-known pedigree. December is the time for sowing.

Drainage particles (coarse sand, broken brick crumbs, expanded clay) are poured at the bottom of a wide bowl, a pillow of acidic nutritious loosened soil is poured onto this layer. It is spilled with a weak solution of potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate). Next on flat surface laid out, husked from boxes, seeds (8-10 pieces per meter). It is not necessary to sprinkle them, the container is covered with a piece of glass and placed in a warm, lit place with regular ventilation. It is very important to equip additional lighting, extend the light period.

Sprouts will appear in a week or a month, depending on the species. Only after friendly shoots, the greenhouse is removed and a thin upper ball is poured. The third full-fledged leaf will tell you about the need for a pick. It is done several times as it grows and develops. Each time, selecting strong men for procreation.

Adaptation, the transition to an adult path takes place slowly. For about 3-4 years, rhododendrons will have to be cherished, regardless of their resistance to cold. Having withstood the strength test, the grown stronger bushes will be able to winter on their own.

With a full supply of perseverance, love, diligence is enough, you will have a wonderful garden all in colorful flowers, fragrant with unsurpassed aromas.

Diseases and pests

The main pests of rhododendron are mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, bedbugs, weevils, rhododendron flies, snails and slugs. Of the diseases most often affect rhododendrons fungal diseases- leaf spot, cancer, chlorosis, rust. They arise, as a rule, as a result of poor aeration of the roots.

Rhododendron: choosing a place, planting, care (video)

The plants are doing great and blooming in our gardens. However, the opinion that deciduous rhododendrons do not need shelter is a myth. You need to cover all groups of these ornamental plants.

Deciduous, evergreen and semi-evergreen rhododendrons lay flower buds next year already in autumn. Throughout autumn season flower buds swell and continue growing to amaze with the luxury of flowering in spring. The main task of the gardener is to make every effort so that the plants come out of the winter in the same form in which they were in the fall.

Photo: flower buds of rhododendrons

Preparing rhododendrons for winter

In preparation for winter, rhododendrons need top dressing and watering. Fertilizers can only be applied with phosphorus-potassium, avoiding nitrogen-containing dressings. Fertilize rhododendrons in advance so that the plants have time to assimilate the nutrients before the ground freezes. All autumn (until about mid-November), rhododendrons need regular watering. warm water especially in the absence of precipitation.

Feeding rhododendrons in preparation for winter

First of all, for a good wintering of rhododendrons, they need to provide proper nutrition. Twice in autumn I feed the shrubs with a solution of double superphosphate: in mid-September and in mid-October. I pre-spill the plants with water so as not to burn the roots. For deciduous rhododendrons, this is where the preparation for winter ends.

Watering rhododendrons in preparation for winter

Evergreen and semi-evergreen shrubs need regular watering - the more moisture the plants receive, the better they will overwinter.

Evergreen rhododendrons hibernate with leaves that curl into a narrow tube during severe frost. To withstand the withering frost, the leaves must be properly saturated with moisture. In addition, the root system of rhododendrons is superficial, so water in autumn period needed as often as possible.

In the absence of rain in autumn, I water evergreen rhododendrons every 4 days, spending half a watering can per adult bush. I continue such watering until a stable sub-zero temperature during the day, in the Moscow region this is usually mid-November. During the October and November waterings, I warm up the water a little, but not much, so as not to cause vegetation.

Mulching rhododendrons in preparation for winter

In rhododendrons, flower buds and roots are subject to freezing. To save root system, it must be mulched with sphagnum or pine litter with a layer of at least 20 cm.

Photo: mulching with coniferous litter

Shelter of rhododendrons for the winter

Shelter of rhododendrons for the winter in the Moscow region begins in November with stable sub-zero temperatures. At the same time, the methods of sheltering deciduous, evergreen and semi-evergreen rhododendrons are different.

Terms of shelter of rhododendrons for the winter

I start sheltering in the Moscow region when, day and night, there is a stable temperature of 3-5 ° C below zero, so that the plants harden properly.

Shelter of deciduous rhododendrons for the winter

I cover deciduous rhododendrons like this. I stick pins or sticks around the bush, tie their tops to make a hut. It is convenient to put on a ready-made shelter in the form of a cone made of non-woven material on such a hut.

If the bush is sprawling, it is advisable to first pull it slightly with a wide rope so that the buds do not touch the shelter, otherwise they will freeze.

Ideally, the bush is wrapped with covering material, and then a ready-made triangular shelter in the form of a cone is put on top of the rod hut. It turns out a double shelter, between the layers of which there will be air layer, she will play the main role in protecting plants from severe frosts. The finished shelter must be tied with a rope so that it does not blow away during snowstorms.

Photo: rhododendron shelter with triangles

Shelter of evergreen and semi-evergreen rhododendrons

These garden sissies need a more thorough shelter than their deciduous counterparts, because you need to save not only the buds, but also the leaves.

For their shelter, I do not use spruce branches, as is sometimes recommended. The spruce branches tear the leaves quite strongly and as a heat preservation it is completely useless. By spring, the needles will fall off, and the evergreen rhododendrons will not only freeze, but also burn in the spring sun.

Photo: rhododendron in a wooden box

I do it for my pets wooden boxes: I sheathe four blocks with used boards on four sides, without a bottom and top. Such boxes must be made exactly to the size of the plants. From the inside, for rhododendrons with less winter hardiness, I insulate the box with cardboard, which I attach with a construction stapler.

Photo: rhododendrons covered for the winter

I lower the boxes on moss-mulched plants in early November. When the temperature drops to -3 ° C during the day, I close the boxes with any roof: a fragment of roofing material, plywood or hardboard. From above I wrap the shelter nonwoven fabric, tied with a rope. It is important to properly press the covers on all sides so that the covering material does not blow away. Sometimes even unnecessary garden furniture comes into play.

Photo: a single shelter of rhododendrons

If the rhododendrons sit together and are approximately the same height, you can make a single roof for all boxes and cover with a single covering material. From above I cover such a shelter with a film. In the Moscow region in December, frequent thaws and rains are possible - this is what the film will save from them. True, you need to remove it at the very beginning of March so that the plants do not swell.

Svetlana Samoilova, amateur florist, collector of rare plants

For more information about sheltering and preparing flowers and ornamental plants for winter, read the articles:

Rhododendrons are increasingly found in park areas and on garden plots in many regions of our country. And if those who grow flowers and shrubs in parks and squares know well how to take care of all flowering plants, then summer residents can not always produce the right autumn color for their flowering perennials.

This article was written to help them - it will tell you what kind of care rhododendrons need in the fall and how to prepare them for the winter.

Features of caring for rhododendron in the fall and preparing for winter

Many gardeners believe that flowering shrubs need care only during the summer, while they continue to bloom. And when the flowers have fallen, then you can do nothing further - the bushes in further care dont need. But this is not so, and this flower is no exception. It is on how the rhododendron is prepared for winter that the growth and abundant flowering of this perennial in the next season depends.

And especially care must be taken in the fall about young plants that were planted in the current season. Moreover, you need to know which varieties of rhododendrons were planted.

Although most of these perennials are quite pampered plants, but in recent times breeders have bred varieties with high frost resistance, which are able to withstand colds down to -35 C and below.

These bushes are evergreen perennials, so their foliage evaporates moisture during the winter. Therefore, watering the rhododendron does not stop not only in autumn, but also in winter.

Pruning rhododendron in autumn

Pruning shrubs is one of the mandatory procedures that all perennial bushes undergo. And the rhododendron is no exception. Like other plants, it has three types of cutting:

• sanitary;
• formative;
• rejuvenating.

When it is better to carry out each of these procedures - you should understand especially. But usually this event is held either in spring or autumn. But during flowering it is better not to take pruners. The only thing that can be done in the summer is to remove dried inflorescences and broken branches. And, of course, you have to remove diseased aerial parts if pests or diseases attacked the bushes.

Why prune a rhododendron

It would seem that a lush flowering perennial does not need this procedure at all - it grows, blooms and is good. And even though broken or frostbitten shoots are visible in some places, they don’t really spoil general form this plant. However, this should not be said.

The purpose of any cut is to preserve nice shape of this perennial, remove all damaged or frozen shoots through which pathogenic microorganisms or pests can enter and cause irreparable damage to the plant.

BUT anti-aging pruning allows you to restore youth to a shrub that has already begun to grow poorly, practically does not bloom during the summer. Therefore, pruning this pink perennial is necessary procedure. You just need to know which type of pruning of rhododendron is best done in spring, and which one in autumn.

When is the best time to prune rhododendron - in spring or autumn

It cannot be unequivocally said that these flowering shrubs should be cut only in spring, or only in autumn. You need to figure out when which type of these procedures to carry out correctly.

Sanitary pruning usually carried out early spring when it is already noticeable how the shrub endured the winter. All broken and frozen shoots should be removed. If the stem breaks off less than half, then such a branch can be saved. Usually, an elastic bandage is applied to the broken place, and a support is placed under the shoot. The support should be left for several seasons.

Frozen branches should be cut back to healthy wood. In deciduous varieties of these shrubs, the bark of the shoots can crack in severe frosts. In this case, it is necessary to cut out all damaged areas to living tissue.

Also in the spring after planting seedlings in open ground carry out start pruning perennial. In evergreen bushes, the crown is usually already formed, but deciduous shrubs sometimes have to be trimmed to give the plant a more decorative look.

Formative pruning plants are carried out in March, when sap flow has not yet begun in the shoots. In this case, the branches are cut to sleeping buds.

But in this article we are talking about pruning rhododendrons, which should be carried out in the autumn. In autumn you can anti-aging pruning shrubs, all other types of this procedure for rhododendrons are produced in the spring.

Timing of pruning rhododendron in the fall

Anti-aging pruning of rhododendrons in the fall should be done in a couple of weeks before frost and 10-14 days after fertilizing the soil. Usually, depending on the climatic conditions in the region, the timing of this event can vary from late September to mid-October. Places of cuts should be covered with a special varnish-balm.

How to prune rhododendron in autumn - instructions and diagram

Anti-aging pruning in the fall should be carried out gradually so as not to weaken the rhododendron. Therefore, at the end of the first season, one half of the plant is cut off, and the other half the next autumn.

In evergreen shrubs, the shortening of old shoots usually awakens dormant buds from which new shoots grow.

Deciduous rhododendrons should not be cut radically - flush with the ground. To rejuvenate the old shoots of this variety of evergreen perennials, it is enough to shorten them by 0.3-0.4 m.

Pruning should be carried out with a well-ground secateurs, trying not to squeeze the wood of the shoots.

Video: preparing rhododendrons for winter - pruning in the fall and shelter

Important! To get a beautiful and voluminous bush, it is necessary for the first few years after planting the seedlings to pinch all the tops of the shoots in the first decade of June. And in the fall, remove weak young shoots growing inside the crown.

Care after pruning, top dressing

As mentioned earlier, evergreen varieties of this flowering perennial require regular watering not only in autumn, but also during winter (despite the fact that the soil may freeze). However, if the autumn is rainy, then you can do without watering the rhododendron.

On a note! Watering is done with soft, slightly acidified water with a pH of about 4.5. To do this, dilute a teaspoon of citric acid in a bucket of water.

For top dressing rhododendrons in autumn should be taken seriously. After all, it depends on the correct and timely application of fertilizers how strong and powerful the “rose tree” will grow, as well as the active and abundant flowering of its shoots. Under them, fertilizers should be applied in small portions, top dressing should be applied in liquid form, and not dry - then they will be absorbed by the root system faster.

The main signs that the plant is missing nutrients , is a change in the color of the foliage, inactive flowering, a small increase in new shoots, a massive fall of old leaves in mid-August.

Usually, at the end of flowering (at the end of summer), top dressing from mineral fertilizers containing superphosphate and potassium sulfate - 8 g of the first fertilizer and 6 g of the second are enough for a bucket of water.

In autumn, as a top dressing of rhododendron in trunk circle can be made not completely rotted manure. It will simultaneously serve as mulch and fertilizer, which will completely decompose by spring.

In the last decade of September or in the first decade of October (a couple of weeks before frost), the “rosewood” should be treated with a Bordeaux mixture or any other fungicide that contains copper. This preventive measure will prevent the development of fungal diseases.

Shelter of rhododendron for the winter

It is necessary to cover the rhododendron for the winter in accordance with all the rules in order to prevent the bushes from freezing. And even if the variety of this shrub is frost-resistant, it is necessary to add a layer of mulch to the trunk circle. This precaution allows you to protect the root system from freezing.

Do I need to cover the rhododendron for the winter

"Rose Tree" must be covered for the winter in order to preserve growth and flower buds from freezing and burns during the cold season. These buds appear in the plant already in the third decade of September. And if they are not protected from frost in a timely manner, then next season the bush may not bloom well, and the number of new shoots will be small.

Therefore, the timely shelter of rhododendrons for the winter is a precautionary measure that protects the plant from the cold and contributes to active growth and abundant flowering"Rosewood" in subsequent seasons.

Another purpose of shelter is to protect this flowering shrub from cold strong wind and too much snow, as they more often destroy rhododendron shoots than low temperature air.

How to cover a rhododendron for the winter

Evergreen species of "rosewood" overwinter worse in cold regions than deciduous ones.

How to properly cover rhododendrons that shed foliage for the winter? To do this, it is enough to sprinkle bushes with a height of more than 0.8 m with a layer of peat up to 15 cm thick, and if the bush is more than 1.5 m high, then the protective layer should be at least 25 cm.

Important! Should not be spud or fall asleep protective layer shrub base. Better make it big river sand so that the bark on the trunk does not rot.

In the last decade of October - the first decade of November, when the air temperature is consistently low, all shoots are neatly tied. Bushes over 1.5 m high must be tied to a wooden stake. Varieties with flexible shoots are best tilted to the ground so that they hibernate under snow cover.

Near the bush, it is necessary to drive in a support and put any covering light material on the bush to protect the shoots from bright spring sunlight.

Video: how to cover rhododendrons for the winter

What are the features of preparing for winter in different regions

The main nuances of protecting these plants in winter and early spring are the protection of shoots and evergreen varieties from the rays of the sun, which can cause burns on wood and foliage. To prevent this from happening, in the middle lane (in the Moscow region), in the Volga region, in the Urals and in Siberia in the third decade of February - the first decade of March, it is necessary to shade the bush from the south and west.

These regions are less prone to burning in early spring the following varieties:

• dwarf;
• Vazeya;
• Canadian;
• Ledebour;
• Pink;
• Adhesive.

And large-leaved evergreen rhododendrons tolerate bright spring sunlight worse.

Typical mistakes in caring for rhododendron in the fall and in preparation for winter

Often beginners make the following mistakes when caring for rhododendrons in the fall and in preparation for the winter season:

• do not make top dressing under the bushes in the fall;
• forget about the need for autumn watering;
• do not cut the bushes in the fall;
• plants are not properly covered for the winter.

From right autumn care behind the "rose tree" and timely shelter for the winter depends on how this perennial will grow and bloom next season. Therefore, all necessary agrotechnical measures should be carried out in order to maintain the high decorativeness of these bushes for as long as possible.

Video: wintering rhododendrons

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