Rhododendron Nova Zembla: description and characteristics of the variety, planting and care

Not only thanks to the chic flowering, but also the decorativeness of the hybrid rhododendron bush Nova Zembla looks advantageous in any garden or landscape composition. The variety has been known since the end of the last century as the most beautiful and winter-hardy red-flowered rhododendron. It was created by crossing the Katevbinsky variety with a hardy wild plant. The variety is named after the island of Novaya Zemlya.

Description, characteristics and features

Rhododendron Nova Zembla is a perennial, evergreen, many-flowered, spreading shrub up to one and a half to two meters high, with a dense domed crown and a shallow root system.

Appreciated for its beauty and excellent winter hardiness. Mature plants tolerate frosts down to -32 ⁰С, but at -25 ⁰С, flower buds can freeze. Straight strongly branched branches are covered with dark green, slightly silvery below, large, elongated leaves of a leathery structure. The flowers are large, red, without fragrance, collected in spectacular inflorescences.

Choosing a landing site

The plant prefers quiet, bright areas protected from drafts and bright sun. It can be light partial shade near the northern walls, fences, diffused light from the crowns of coniferous trees. For the full development of the Nova Zembla rhododendron, acidic (pH 4.5-6.0), loose, fertile, moderately moist soil is required. Unsuitable areas with heavy clay soils, with prolonged stagnant water, swampy.

Soil preparation

The optimal structure of the soil mixture: leaf soil, coniferous litter in a ratio of 3:1. Add 50-60 g of complex fertilizer for rhododendrons.

How to plant

The further well-being of Nova Zembla rhododendron depends on proper planting.

Preparing the hole

Work is carried out in the spring:

The depth of the landing pit is at least 60 cm, the width is 80 cm. When transplanting an adult bush, the dimensions increase depending on the volume of the root system.
The bottom is filled with drainage (20 cm). Coarse gravel, sand, broken bricks can be used.
The root neck is left a couple of centimeters above the soil surface, the roots are covered with prepared soil, on top - pine needles, soil. The result should be a raised stem hole.
Irrigate and spray the seedling and mulch with peat, bark, needles.

Plant pattern

Plants are planted singly or in groups at a sufficient distance from each other, considering that in 4-5 years a voluminous shrub will be obtained.

Care

Proper care ensures abundant flowering, beautiful appearance and protection from freezing.

Irrigation

The soil in the trunk circle must be kept moderately moist. In the heat, watered 2-3 times a week, the bush is sprayed. Water is used rain or settled, soft, acidified.

Feeding

On prepared, fertile soils, two top dressings are enough for Nova Zembla rhododendron:

In the spring, a mixture of ammonium sulphate, potassium sulphate, superphosphate (2:1.5:1) is added at the rate of 50 g per 1 m2.
After flowering - superphosphate and potassium s alt (1:0.5).

Correct trimming

10-15 days after flowering, formative pruning of last year's shoots is carried out, by about one third. The event allows you to create the desired shape of the bush and stimulate the laying of flower formations.

Protection from diseases and pests

The main diseases that worsen the appearance of Nova Zembla rhododendron are rust and leaf mosaic. For prevention, the plant is treated in spring and after flowering with copper-containing preparations. In the fight against rhododendrum bug and spider mite, Confidor, Aktara or other insecticidal preparations are used.

Wintering

Despite winter hardiness, it is recommended to cover young bushes and adult plants in the northern regions with artificial material, kraft paper or spruce branches.

Advice! After removing the shelter in April, the bush is shaded so that the leaves do not get burned.

Flowering

The timing of the start of flowering, its quality and duration is influenced by the climatic conditions of the region, the condition of the plant and the ambient temperature.

When and how

Hybrid rhododendron Nova Zembla blooms in May-June. Large, up to 10 cm wide, bell-shaped flowers are collected in inflorescences of 6, sometimes up to 12 pieces. The dense ruby color of the petals with brown patches and golden anthers looks gorgeous. The seeds mature in a brown seed pod.

Attention! In plants of the first year of life, the formed inflorescences must be removed in order to activate the growth of the bush.

Care before and after

Immediately after the flowering of Nova Zembla rhododendron, the faded inflorescences are carefully broken out by hand at the very base. It will not be possible to obtain high-quality seeds, so the energy of the plant is directed to the growth and laying of new inflorescences. Abundant watering is combined with phosphorus-potassium top dressing.

If it doesn't bloom

Difficult weather conditions and lack of moisture at high air temperatures can lead to shedding of Nova Zembla rhododendron buds.

Transfer

It is not recommended to transplant adult bushes.

Reproduction

When sowing seeds, it is impossible to preserve the characteristics of Nova Zembla, so vegetative propagation is used.

Shanks

Preparing planting material and convenient containers for planting:

Semi-lignified cuttings of Nova Zembla rhododendron with 2-4 leaves about 8 cm in size are cut in early summer.
Growth stimulator is added to the water and cuttings are kept for several hours to improve root germination.
Plant the cuttings in moist nutrient soil at a slight slope and carefully compact the soil.
To preserve moisture, the container is covered with a film, kept in a warm place, constantly maintaining humidity.

Rooting will take about 3 months, after which the shelter is removed.

Layers

Propagation of Rhododendron Nova Zembla by layering - the easiest and most effective way:

Choose a he althy shoot.
Early in the spring, press it tightly with a staple to the ground and sprinkle it.
The soil is constantly kept moist.
Root growth stimulator is periodically added to the water.

Next spring, the layers can be separated from the mother bush. A full-fledged bush of Nova Zembla rhododendron can be obtained in 2 years.

Landscape use

Rhododendron Nova Zembla is so self-sufficient that it is good alone and in groups of 2-4 bushes. To fully enjoy flowering, Nova Zembla is planted along paths, resting places, along the edges of lawns, in oriental gardens. The bush looks ideal against the background of coniferous crops, green plants and in a composition with bright flowers of a contrasting color.

You can plant a rhododendron near a fountain or pond, but in places protected from the northern winds. For a spectacular view, it should not be constrained by neighboring plants.

Reviews

Vera Korsak, Mr. Gagarin, 35: “Nova Zembla looks wonderful in my big garden. All care costs are repeatedly rewarded by the annual abundant flowering. It winters well, but I play it safe a little and cover the bushes for the winter. It makes me feel better.”

Svetlana, Smolensk, 29 years old: “I am still a weak gardener, but I also have a subject for pride and adoration - this is the Nova Zembla rhododendron. I monitor the humidity, acidify the water, sometimes spray the leaves, loosen and feed. I can say: a very grateful plant.”

Fedor, Chelyabinsk, 65 years old: “A beautiful bush. He modestly took a place at the fence, but he looks chic. Rhododendron Nova Zembla requires no more care than other plants. Winters great. Recommended.”