Helliki's Rhododendron: variety description, cultivation and care, reviews with photos

Rhododendron is a very beautiful plant, so it can often be seen in summer cottages. Helliki's rhododendron has earned a good reputation among summer residents. Its bright flowers will decorate any cottage.

Short definition

The plant belongs to the heather family. The species is evergreen and hardy. It can grow both singly and in a group of bushes.

Detailed description

Hellikki rhododendron is a dense shrub with strong branching. Its leaves are smooth on top and slightly pubescent below, dark green in color, elongated.

Flowers are bright purple-red, funnel-shaped, collected in inflorescences of 7-8 pieces. Shelves and shoots are strongly lowered down - this is a characteristic feature of this type of rhododendron. This evergreen plant has a compact form. The height of the bush is on average up to 1 meter, the width of the crown is 1.2 m.

History of occurrence

This species was bred in Finland at the end of the 20th century on the basis of Smirnov's rhododendron. The variety got its name in honor of the name of the mother of its creator.

This is one of the most successful experiments in rhododendron breeding, because the Helliki variety differs from other winter-hardy species in its excellent frost resistance and special brightness of flowers.

Distinguishing Features

Helliki's rhododendron has a number of differences. Grows slowly, prefers slightly shaded places. Does not feel well in direct sunlight and may get burns.

When planting, choose a place so that the plant is protected from drafts. The root of the plant is flat and located close to the surface, so it can be easily damaged. The variety withstands frosts down to -36 degrees.

Growing

Helliki's rhododendron requires certain conditions for successful growth and flowering.

Choice of location and soil

Seedlings should be planted in soil with a high level of acidity (Ph from 4.5 to 6.5). Choose a place for planting in such a way that the plants are protected from direct sunlight and drafts.

Rhododendron of this species does not tolerate high humidity. In order for the plant to please with an abundance of flowers for the next year, you need to remove those inflorescences that have already faded in time.

Selection of seedlings and planting dates

A young plant intended for planting should be strong and he althy, with no visible damage. Plant rhododendron in open ground in autumn or spring.

Planting

When planting, it is important to place drainage consisting of pebbles and sand on the bottom of the finished hole. The earth is poured to the level of the root neck. Planting a plant should not be too deep. After planting, moisten the soil well. Mulching is done with coniferous needles, peat. The layer of mulch should be 5 cm.

Temperature

When forming buds, the most suitable temperature is +12 - 13 degrees. In the future, the plant will be able to tolerate a sharp drop in temperature.

Irrigation

Although the plant does not like excessive moisture, it is impossible to allow the soil to dry out. In summer, watering should be moderate. Water the rhododendron with plain or acidified water. To obtain it, a little sphagnum peat is placed in a bucket of water for a day.

Feeding and loosening

You need to fertilize not only seedlings, but also adult plants. Feed them a small amount of these substances:

1. Calcium.
2. Ammonium.
3. Potassium sulphate.

When feeding young plants, the amount of fertilizer used should be less than for adults. In mid-July, the feeding of all bushes is reduced by 2 times. Compost or humus is used only for adult bushes, mixing them in equal proportions with peat.

Loosening the soil under these plants is highly undesirable because the root is superficial and easily damaged. It is also better to remove weeds manually. Mulching will be a good preventive measure to protect the roots of seedlings from problems.

Cutting

Carry out such a procedure at the very beginning of spring.Pruning is done not only to cleanse the bush from withered shoots, but also for decorative purposes - this is how the crown is formed. To do this, cut off the upper part of the tallest shoots. To avoid infection, the pruning site must be immediately treated with garden pitch.

Transfer

The plant tolerates the transplant procedure normally. Adaptation to a new place is fast. You can not transplant the plant during its flowering period, as well as 2 weeks after that.

Wintering

Shelter for the winter period, this variety of rhododendron does not require. Before the onset of cold weather, the plant is well watered and covered with mulch.

Flowering

During the flowering period, the area looks especially bright. To make it abundant, you need to know a few rules.

When and how it happens

Bright and incredibly beautiful flowers will appear in the first decade of June. Helliki's rhododendron blooms for a short time - only 3 weeks.

Containment conditions

This species takes root well and lives for a long time even in areas with a temperate and cool climate. For 10 years, the bush grows to a height of up to 1 meter.

If it doesn't bloom

Sometimes the flowering of the bush is delayed. This is due to insufficient acidity of the soil. In this case, it is necessary to increase it, as well as to feed the plant with additional minerals. For full and timely flowering, diseased, as well as sluggish branches and shoots must be removed from the plant.

Diseases and pests

Unfortunately, rhododendrons are susceptible to pests and diseases:

1. Septoria spotting.
2. Phytophthora rot.
3. Root rot.
4. Tracheomycosis.
5. Washing out.

Often the occurrence of these pathologies is associated with excessive soil moisture and low acidity.

Spider mite

The tick is very small, so almost invisible. You can judge the defeat by the presence of cobwebs on the back of the rhododendron leaves.

To get rid of these parasites, the plant is treated with fungicides such as:

• tiram;
• karbofos;
• agravertine.

Snails and slugs

These mollusks are dangerous enemies of Helliki's rhododendron. It is they who most often affect the bushes and can destroy the plant in the shortest possible time. They need to be manually removed from the bushes. Molluscicide treatment also helps.

Weevil

The insect feeds on all parts of the plant. Diazonin solution will help to cope with such a problem.

For greater effectiveness of preparations, their solutions should treat not only the plant itself, but also the soil in the near-stem circle.

How to propagate

Most often, the rhododendron is propagated using cuttings. Do it like this:

• cut a strong shoot 8-10 cm long;
• plant it in a prepared substrate consisting of a mixture of peat and sand in equal proportions;
• cover with glass or film. The greenhouse must be periodically ventilated, providing the young plant with air access. The seedling will take root within 3 months.
• next spring, mature plants are planted in open ground

Saplings should winter in a dry, cool room.

Prevention of various problems

In early spring, the bushes are sprayed with Bordeaux liquid. If the plant is affected by rot, then you need to immediately cut off the diseased branches. In the event that the bush is completely affected, it must be urgently removed from the site.

Such a substance as iron chelate will help to avoid the problem of yellowing leaves in rhododendron.

Use in ornamental gardening

Thanks to their green foliage, Helliki's rhododendrons decorate the garden plot all year round. They are especially good in mixed flower beds. Often on the site, gardeners plant them next to coniferous plants. They protect the plant while letting in enough light.

Reviews

The popularity of this species is ensured by the fact that it is unpretentious to the conditions, easy to care for, and also beautiful.

Vasily Stepanovich, 62 years old

Rhododendrons have long been growing on my site, including the Helliki variety. They tolerate our frosts well and always delight the eye with green foliage, and in summer also with beautiful flowering. I recommend this variety to flower lovers in the country.

Lyudmila, 37 years old

I really love flowers. I grew rhododendrons in my garden. I have always loved them for their beautiful flowers. Last year I planted a new variety of Helliki. The bushes have taken root perfectly, they don’t cause much trouble and really decorate my dacha. I'm satisfied.

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