Rhododendrons in Siberia: planting and care, choosing the best varieties, how to cover for the winter

Evergreen perennial shrub - rhododendron (azalea) has won the hearts of gardeners around the world. The plant is considered thermophilic, not tolerating frosty winters and temperature extremes. But thanks to the efforts of breeders, varieties of zoned rhododendrons suitable for growing in Siberia were obtained, it is worth knowing in advance how to properly plant and establish a plant care system in regions with a cold climate.

Site Requirements

Rhododendrons are heat-loving plants that do not tolerate direct sunlight. With excessive exposure to the scorching sun, burns form on the leaves, the foliage begins to fall off.

Note: It is recommended to plant rhododendrons on the east or west side of the site.

Wind protection

Azaleas form fairly tall bushes from 0.5 meters to 2 meters in height, depending on the variety. The site must be protected from drafts and gusty winds, otherwise the shrub is formed irregularly, the leaves become noticeably smaller, the flowers fall off at the bud stage.

Illumination

Rhododendrons - plants that prefer partial shade, do not tolerate prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. When choosing a place for planting shrubs in Siberia, it is important to follow the “golden mean” rule: the site should be well lit, but the plant should be covered at noon by the shade of other shrubs and trees.

Groundwater

Stagnation of moisture at the roots of Japanese shrubs is highly undesirable, plants cannot grow in wetlands with a high level of groundwater. When planting a rhododendron, expanded clay and sand are poured into the bottom of the planting pit as drainage.

Neighbours

Single and group plantings of rhododendrons are produced in various park areas, squares, household plots. Shrubs look most spectacular next to different types of trees, but they must be planted at a respectful distance from each other so that plants do not compete with each other for nutrients and sunlight.

Invalid

Unfavorable neighbors for azaleas:

• maple;
• chestnut;
• linden;
• birch.

All trees with a highly developed shallow root system and a wide crown are undesirable neighbors of rhododendrons.

Auspicious

The perfect neighborhood comes from a combination of azaleas and fruit trees. This is how Japanese gardens are created. Best friends of Japanese shrubs:

• cherry;
• apple tree;
• cherries;
• pear;
• apricot.

These options look good in compositions with roses and various types of deciduous decorative bushes, as well as in combination with conifers.

Soil

Under natural conditions, the shrub often grows on stony soils. Rhododendrons do not need abundant organic fertilizers; they prefer loose soils with high acidity. Alkaline soils are not suitable for this type of plant.

Recommended varieties

For cultivation in Siberia, zoned varieties with increased frost resistance are suitable. Particular attention should be paid to representatives of the Finnish selection.

Amursky

Hybrid variety of evergreen shrub with increased frost resistance. The variety was bred for growing in Siberia and in areas with a cold climate. Forms spherical bushes with large pink flowers, the flowering period lasts from May to June.

Daurian

Perennial branching shrub with original bright lilac flowers. It can reach a height of 2 meters, is winter hardy, able to withstand temperatures in winter at -29 ^{С. Differs in the early flowering period, gaining buds in April.}

Caucasian

Extraordinary undersized shrub with large flowers of delicate white color. Natural growth areas are the foothills of the Caucasus, distributed in Abkhazia. Shrubs of this variety are nicknamed "alpine rose". Can form rhododendron thickets. Has healing properties.Suitable for growing in southern regions.

Japanese

Deciduous evergreen shrub up to 2 meters high. Differs in abundant flowering and original leaf color - it forms yellow-red-orange flowers with a bell shape. Distributed in England and Japan. Needs additional shelters for the winter period.

Northern Light

Rhododendron varieties of the Northern Lights series are characterized by high winter hardiness, recommended for cultivation in Siberia and the Urals, and include a series of American hybrids. They form powerful spreading bushes with various flower colors.

Katevbinsky

A chic spreading shrub over two meters high, fully covered with flowers from May to June. Forms a powerful dense crown. The flowers are bright purple in the form of bells, it is distinguished by a dark brown color of the trunk.It belongs to the category of centenarians, it can grow in one place for more than a century.

Helliki

Super frost-resistant hybrid of Finnish selection, ideal for growing in Siberian gardens. Forms a chic leafy bush of small height. The flowers are bright, crimson or red. Able to withstand frosts down to -36 ^{C. Growing in acidic soils stimulates the bush to actively bloom.}

Mikkeli

Representative of the Finnish selection. Winter-hardy variety from the Katevbinsky rhododendron series. Obtained by crossing Smirnov's rhododendron and Tigerstedt's hybrid. It is a highly branching spreading shrub with flowers resembling lilies of the original pink color. Suitable for growing in Siberia and the Volga region, in the Urals.

Haaga

Rhododendron from the Finnish selection, a descendant of the Katevbinsky shrub. It forms a bush of a beautiful spherical shape with pink large inflorescences, it begins to bloom from mid-June. The variety is characterized by increased frost resistance and disease resistance.

Mauritz

Low shrub of Finnish selection with red flowers. Unpretentious variety with high frost resistance. The crown is dense, it begins to bloom from the beginning of May. Withstands temperatures down to -30 ^{C. Highly branched, needs pruning to shape.}

Peter Tigerstedt

Evergreen shrub of Finnish selection with snow-white very large flowers resembling an orchid. Possesses extreme winter hardiness. Taken as a basis for breeding a large number of different hybrids of rhododendrons.

Golden

Evergreen shrub intended for cultivation in Transbaikalia, Siberia, Yakutia. It is undemanding to soils, begins to blossom in the beginning of May. Inflorescences consist of 5-6 small flowers up to 5 centimeters in diameter, golden yellow in color.

Lebedura

Semi-evergreen shrub up to 1.5 meters high, with strong branching. Forms flowers in the form of bells, collected in inflorescences of purple color. Known for healing properties. Under natural conditions, it is found on the territory of Western Siberia and the territory of the Sayans.

Nova Zembla

A perennial evergreen shrub of Dutch selection, loved by gardeners for its high decorative qualities. The height of an adult plant is 2 meters, it forms the shape of a dome. Good winter hardiness is combined with the unpretentiousness of the variety. The flowers are large, up to 10 centimeters in diameter, rich ruby color with original patches of brown.

Roseum Elegance

Luxurious hybrid variety of English selection. It has good frost resistance and the ability to change the color of the leaves. Bushes look gorgeous even without the presence of flowers. The inflorescences are large, consisting of pink flowers with a fringe along the edges of the petals.Included in the Katevbinsky rhododendron group.

Schlippenbach

Cold-resistant variety adapted for cultivation in Siberia. Forms a sprawling bush over two meters high. Differs in flowers, giving off a pleasant strong aroma. Pink inflorescences. Begins to bloom at the age of 6 years.

Date of planting

The best time for planting young seedlings in the ground is early April. The soil should warm up to +10 С, the threat of frost should pass. Sowing seeds for seedlings begins in early February.

It is better not to transplant young rhododendrons in autumn, the plant will not have time to get stronger before the impending winter period.

Open root system

Often rhododendron seedlings are sold with an open root system. On the one hand, the gardener can see the degree of development of the root system, and on the other hand, unscrupulous sellers often do not create favorable conditions for young bushes.They take root worse and get sick longer.

Closed

Seedlings in pots are more viable. Planting is carried out together with an earthen clod, the root system is less injured, the plant takes root faster.

How to choose a seedling

The success of growing rhododendrons largely depends on the choice of a he althy seedling. Before buying, planting material must be examined for signs of fungal and bacterial infections, to assess the degree of development of the root system.

Appearance

What should a he althy seedling look like? Key Features:

• The age of the bush is 2-4 years, it is during this period that the seedling takes root best.
• The root system is well developed, many branches extend from the base of the root, there are no rotting parts.
• Leaves of a uniform saturated color, without spots and scuffs.
• The barrel is strong, without plaque and damage.

Pay attention to the manufacturer of the seed. For cultivation in Siberia, it is recommended to choose varieties of Finnish selection.

Bad Signs

If a young seedling shows signs of adverse conditions and symptoms of disease, the purchase should be postponed. Unfavorable signs are: the presence of pimples on the leaves, "wet" spots and nodules on the roots.

Permanent Landing

It is necessary to choose a site for growing rhododendron immediately, the plant does not like frequent transplants. The main parameters to consider when choosing a place:

• The site should be well lit, preferably east or west.
• It is necessary to maintain the distance between neighbors, some varieties of rhododendron form sprawling bushes.
• The area should not be swampy, there are no drafts.

The landing hole is being dug deep enough. Drainage of expanded clay and sand is installed at the bottom. After planting, the earth is tamped, the bush is watered abundantly. Rhododendrons prefer acidic soils.

Care

Rhododendrons are undemanding plants. With a well-chosen place, they can grow on their own. The main stage of plant care is autumn preparation for winter.

Irrigation

Azaleas react extremely negatively to excessive watering. Do not allow stagnation of moisture at the roots. Plants are regularly irrigated during the dry summer period in the evening or morning under the root.

Spraying

The watering procedure is often combined with leaf spraying. As a prophylaxis against fungal diseases, brilliant green is added to the aqueous solution: 10 drops per 10 liters of water. You can not spray shrubs at noon in the sun, the leaves will get burned.

Weeding

Shrubs must be hilled and loosened 2 times a month. The procedure is combined with weeding and mulching. Humus mixed with sand or peat is used as mulch.

Feeding

Azaleas do not need abundant organic fertilizing to achieve abundant flowering, plants are planted in acidic soils. Mineral complexes are applied in two stages: before flowering and after it.

First

In the spring, at the end of April, the bushes are spudded and mulched with a mixture of sand and humus. Immediately before flowering, during the period of budding, a complex of liquid mineral fertilizers “for azaleas” is applied.

Note! You should beware of "overfeeding" plants with mineral and organic fertilizers, experienced gardeners reduce the recommended dosage by half, diluting the finished complex with water.

During the period of budding, as a prophylaxis against pests, shrubs are sprinkled with wood ash.

Second

After the azaleas have faded, it is recommended to repeat the application of the liquid mineral complex. To maintain a beautiful and juicy foliage color, small amounts of superphosphate or urea are added under shrubs.

What not to use

When growing rhododendrons, do not use fresh manure. The plant may get burned, the roots may rot.

Shelter

Despite the fact that many varieties of rhododendrons are declared as super frost-resistant, it is recommended to close the bushes and prepare them for winter. In cold winters with little snow, the bush may freeze. Spruce branches or special covering material can be used as shelters. Roots can be sprinkled with fallen leaves.

Cutting

It is not recommended to prune azaleas for the winter, even foliage is kept on the bushes, which will additionally protect the plant in winter.

In the spring, sanitary pruning of shrubs is carried out: dried leaves and branches are removed, the shape of the bush is corrected with a pruner.

Mulching

A favorite material for mulching rhododendron bushes is a mixture of sand with humus or peat. Mulching is carried out immediately after weeding and hilling.

Reproduction

It is not difficult to increase the population of beautiful shrubs in your area. Rhododendrons are propagated by dividing the bush, layering, cuttings and seeds.

Seeds

Sowing seeds is carried out in February in seedling boxes. Seeds are staggered at a distance of 3 centimeters from each other, gently sprinkled with earth and watered with a spray bottle. The box is covered with foil and placed on the windowsill. After 8 days, the first shoots will appear. A month later, the seedlings are dived into individual pots, and in early May they are planted on the beds "for children" or immediately in a permanent place.

Cutting

After flowering of rhododendrons, at the end of June or, conversely, in April, before flowering, branches are cut from plants, including 3 internodes. Twigs are dug into pots with earth, watered and placed on a windowsill under glass jars. After 3-4 weeks, buds form on the branch and leaves bloom, the root system begins to form.

Layers

The lower strong branches of the bush are partially dug in with earth. In the internodes of dug branches, future bushes begin to form, they take root and give fresh leaves. A month later, young seedlings are separated from the mother branch and transplanted to a permanent place.

Dividing the bush

The easiest and most understandable way. In the spring, heavily overgrown he althy bushes are dug up and divided into 3-4 new bushes. It is recommended to plant young seedlings immediately in a permanent place. Don't forget to install drainage.

Protection from pests and diseases

In general, rhododendrons rarely suffer from fungal diseases with regular care and the right place to grow.

Fungal diseases

The process of rotting and infection with fungal diseases often begins due to excessive watering or the transfer of the disease from neighboring plants. To avoid unpleasant diseases, it is recommended to carry out preventive spraying of the plant with Bordeaux liquid, a solution of brilliant green or potassium permanganate. It is especially important to process shrubs during the budding period.

Rhododendron bug

The main enemy of rhododendron plantations. The bug devours the foliage, the bush loses its strength, slows down in growth, looks sloppy. When infected with this insect, various insecticides are used, the drug must be used differently every year, the bug quickly develops immunity to chemicals.

Mealybug

Relatives of scale insects. They cover the stems of rhododendrons and feed on its juices. You can immediately notice the infection with this parasite, the worms are painted white and are clearly visible on the bush. "Aktara", "Calypso", "Fitoverm" are proven remedies against the mealybug. With a weak infection, you can get by with the treatment of rhododendrons with laundry soap.

Slugs and snails

These parasites are able to destroy all the leaves on the shrub, violate the decorative qualities of the plant, fungi and bacteria are formed on the waste products of slugs and snails that can cause an outbreak of an infectious disease of rhododendron.

As a preventive measure, shrubs are treated with wood ash or mustard powder solution. When infected, you can do without the use of pesticides. Slugs and snails can be collected from rhododendrons by hand, it is important to carry out this event systematically.

Landscape applications

Rhododendrons are an indispensable attribute of Japanese gardens, alpine slides, park areas. Shrubs are planted in groups or create single plantings. Azaleas go well with roses and conifers.

In Japanese gardens, several types and varieties of rhododendrons are planted with different flowering periods. When one bush blooms, another blooms. The effect of continuous flowering is created. Rhododendrons planted next to benches, swings and seating areas look great.

Group plantings are used to create hedges and borders. It should be remembered that the rhododendron does not lose its decorative properties after flowering.

Through the efforts of breeders, the inhabitants of Siberia can create a Japanese garden in their backyard. It is important to choose zoned varieties of rhododendrons with good frost resistance.In order to preserve your favorite plants for many years (rhododendrons can live for more than 100 years!), it is recommended to close even the most frost-resistant varieties for the winter.

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