Rhododendron Rasputin: description and characteristics of sub-cultivars, planting and care with photos

Among the flowering shrubs, Rasputin's rhododendron has no equal in beauty and attractiveness. This evergreen plant will brighten up the area near the house thanks to large flowers, the range of which varies from delicate purple to deep purple. It is important to know all the rules of planting and care, as well as other useful information about this luxurious shrub.

Short definition

Rhododendron Rasputin belongs to hybrid varieties of evergreen shrubs from the Heather family. It is distributed in the Caucasus, the Himalayas, North America and China.

Detailed description

This variety of rhododendron has a bright and attractive appearance. Evergreen shrub with strong straight stems has an average height of one and a half meters.

Rhododendron Rasputin flowers, quite large in size, presented in dense inflorescences. They harmoniously combine a delicate purple hue with dark purple or raspberry blotches on the upper petals. The flowering period begins in the transitional period from spring to summer.

Large leaves are characterized by an oblong shape, a dense texture with a sheen. In length, they reach 12-15 centimeters. Dark on the outside and light on the underside. Before wintering, they turn brown.

Fruits ripen by autumn. They look like light brown boxes filled with small seeds. Shrub root of compact size, comes to the surface.

History of occurrence

Rhododendron Rasputin and other hybrid varieties of evergreen rhododendrons were bred in the 20th century as a result of the work of breeders.

Distinguishing Features

This type of rhododendron stands out for its darkest and deepest color range. The bush is characterized by sprawling free growth. Flowers on it appear every year in large numbers and persist for a long time. This variety is unpretentious and is able to grow even in alkaline soil conditions. The frost resistance of each subspecies is different.

Sub-grades

Each sub-variety has unique features and benefits.

Boleslav the Brave

This variety got its name in honor of the son of the Polish king Mieszko. It has a truly royal appearance - with a dense strong crown and abundant flowering. It reaches a height of 1.5 meters and a width of 1 meter.

The plant has dense leaves that have an oblong convex shape. Large dark purple flowers are decorated with expressive yellow pattern. Each inflorescence contains approximately 10-12 flowers. Boleslav the Brave blooms twice a year - at the end of May, and then at the end of summer.

This is the most frost-resistant specimen among the Rasputin rhododendron subspecies. Without needing special shelter, it easily withstands frosts down to -30-35 ° С.

Azurika

Azurik has a low bush - usually no more than half a meter. However, its dense crown can grow up to one meter wide. The flowers have a very beautiful dark blue-violet hue. The leaves are characterized by a bluish color and a miniature size - no more than 1.5-2 centimeters in length. Blooms twice a year - in May and August.

This shrub has good frost-resistant properties, but it is necessary to pre-mulch the soil.

Grishtede

The Gristede sub-variety is distinguished by a pale lilac color with a slight bluish tint. The dark green leaves are small and oblong in shape, with a dense structure and a shiny surface. This evergreen shrub has a compact and dense crown.

The flowering period begins in summer. Flowers at Gristede are small, but numerous. This sub-variety has an average hardiness, and therefore it needs soil mulching and additional shelter.

Landing

In order for the Rasputin rhododendron to grow well and grow, it is important to choose the right place and prepare the soil, as well as follow a certain planting pattern.

Choosing a seat

The ideal place for planting the Rasputin rhododendron is quiet, semi-shady and protected from drafts. The shrub feels very comfortable under high hedges and coniferous trees.

Too shaded places should be avoided, as the flowering period of the shrub will be somewhat late, and the flowers themselves are not large enough and dense.

Planting in a sunny place is also acceptable, but in this case more intensive watering is required. Stagnation of moisture is detrimental to shrubs, so water flow must be formed in advance.

Soil preparation

Mandatory soil requirements for rhododendron are comfortable moisture, good drainage and sufficient fertilizer. However, it can be both acidic and neutral. Soil is optimal, consisting of equal parts of high-moor sour peat, loam (garden soil) and pine litter.

Pit preparation and planting pattern

Before planting, you need to immerse the container with the seedling in water for 20 minutes to soak well. At this time, you can start digging a hole - its depth should be 50-60 centimeters.

Next, you need to act according to this scheme:

Lay a drainage layer at the bottom of the pit, consisting of sawdust, pebbles and crushed stone.
Pour half of the prepared soil in a slide.
Gently straighten the roots of the bush and place it strictly vertically in the hole.
Pour the rest of the soil up to the root collar.
Compact the substrate lightly.
Plentifully water the seedling.
Make a 5 cm layer of mulch from needles and sawdust.

The planted bushes must be protected from direct sunlight.

Care

In order for the Rasputin rhododendron to grow beautiful and he althy, you need to properly care for it, ensure regular watering and add nutritious mineral supplements.

Irrigation

The abundance and frequency of watering depends on the season.

In the summer heat, the Rasputin rhododendron should be watered regularly, but moderately. Each bush requires 1 bucket of water 1-2 times a week. In conditions of maximum heat, the plant must be additionally sprayed daily.

Before the first winter frosts, the shrub needs abundant watering. In winter, this procedure should be shortened and carried out only in dry weather.

Feeding

Rhododendron needs mineral supplements. Well-rotted manure is an affordable alternative. Do not use any fertilizer that contains chlorine or lime.

Cutting

In order for future shoots of rhododendron to fully develop, you need to regularly cut dry flowers. At the end of the flowering period, damaged and dried stems are pruned for sanitary purposes. And the excess growth of the rhizome must be removed in June.

Transfer

Shrub transplantation is carried out in late March or early April. It is recommended to do this at least three weeks before flowering. In order for the bush to take root better, it is necessary to remove all buds in the first year after transplantation, as the plant may weaken under the weight of abundant flowering.

Protection from diseases and pests

The most common rhododendron problems are mites, bed bugs and fungus. To protect against each of these phenomena, their own methods are provided.

Fungal lesions are the result of excessive watering and stagnant water. Thorough cleaning of the bush from damaged leaves and shoots, followed by spraying with Bordeaux liquid, will help get rid of the disease. Bed bugs and mites can be collected by hand or sprayed with a soap and tobacco mixture.

If a shrub is affected by a spider mite, first of all, it is necessary to carefully cut off the areas with the greatest damage, and then treat with Karbofos or soapy water.

Preparing for winter

Rasputin's rhododendron has good frost resistance, but additional shelter for the winter period will not hurt him. You can use ordinary burlap or coniferous spruce branches.

Flowering

To make flowering abundant, take into account the following features of rhododendron.

Terms and features

The shrub is characterized by very dense, lush and abundant flowering, which begins around May-June. Rasputin rhododendron flowers are large with beautiful and expressive purple hues.

Care before and after

During the formation of buds and buds, it is necessary to ensure the optimal mode - the air temperature should not exceed 15 degrees. During flowering, the shrub needs abundant watering and sufficient lighting. At the end of flowering, fading inflorescences should be cut off immediately.

If no buds appear

In the absence of buds, it is necessary to carefully examine the shrub for diseases or pests that create an obstacle to flowering.

It can also be caused by a lack of moisture or minerals in the soil. In the first case, it is required to adjust the frequency and intensity of watering, and in the second case, fertilize with superphosphate.

Reproduction

Reproduction of rhododendron Rasputin is carried out in August by cuttings.

The sequence of actions is as follows:

Cut cuttings up to 5-7 centimeters long from young top shoots.
Remove buds and leaves.
Cut off the bark at the bottom of the cutting and treat with a substance that stimulates root growth.
Deploy the cutting 2 centimeters into the soil.
Press the substrate firmly on the side.
Moisten the soil.
Cover the seedlings with foil and put in a shady place.
Ensure the air temperature is not higher than 8 ° C and ventilate the room 2-3 times every day.

A month later, under these conditions, the seedlings will take root. You can transplant them into open ground after wintering.

Landscape use

Rhododendron Rasputin is often found in parks, gardens, central alleys. Both in single and combined plantings, this is a true natural decoration.

It looks very impressive in landscape compositions in combination with other varieties of evergreen rhododendrons - in particular, Caucasian, Golden and Dahurian.

Problem Prevention

To reduce the likelihood of bush problems, simple preventive measures should be followed.

To prevent decay and fungal infections, spray the shrub with a solution of "Fundazol" or preparations containing copper twice a season.

Yellowing leaves indicates a decrease in soil acidity. It is necessary to add a special acidifier to the water for irrigation. Since this plant has a shallow root system, it is necessary to loosen the soil while weeding weeds so as not to accidentally damage the root.

Reviews

Karina: “Among the subspecies of the Rasputin rhododendron, Azurika attracted me. The bushes are relatively low, making them suitable for an alpine slide. I decided not to combine it with other shrubs and flowers, but simply decorated the surrounding space with oval stones. It turned out to be a wonderful place to relax.”

Valentina: “Near the house I have an alley of rhododendrons. For this I chose Boleslav the Brave - the highest and most frost-resistant subspecies of the Rasputin rhododendron. I really like the unpretentiousness of these shrubs and ease of care.”