How to water rhododendron outside. Seasonal feeding of rhododendron: how to fertilize ornamental shrubs in spring and autumn. Conditions for growing rosewood

None garden plant cannot develop and bloom normally without feeding. The nutrients in the soil are not enough for them, especially if this plant blooms so beautifully and for so long, like rhododendron.

Feeding is very important

At proper care Some types of rhododendron can delight you with flowers from mid-spring to early autumn. Moreover, the leaves of this wonderful plant do not fall even in the fall, all year round staying fresh and green. And this requires a lot of effort and useful substances, which must be constantly replenished with fertilizing.

A shortage of fertilizers immediately affects the rhododendron - the leaves become light, faded, their wonderful glossy shine disappears, the shoots do not grow so quickly, and new buds are not formed.

Feeding rhododendrons begins during planting; high-moor peat or an acidic soil mixture of peat, leaf and coniferous soil is poured into the hole, river sand, sawdust, mineral fertilizers, 50 grams of sulfur.

What do rhododendrons like? Fertilizers are applied in liquid form already in the first year after planting. The plant is fed after flowering during the intensive growth of young shoots, using humus, which increases the nutritional value of the soil and improves its mechanical and physical qualities. After adding humus, the soil becomes loose, breathable, the roots receive the oxygen they need, and the entire plant as a whole receives nutrients. The composition of the soil is also improved by horn shavings; as they decompose, they saturate the soil with nitrogen and phosphorus.

To feed, organic matter is diluted in water in a ratio of 1x15; the plant is not watered with the mixture immediately, but is allowed to brew a little - 3-4 days, so that fermentation begins in it.

Good source of phosphorus for blooming rhododendron is slurry, it is prepared from mullein, rabbit or bird droppings.

It will not be superfluous organic fertilizers, this is superphosphate diluted in water at the rate of 300-400 grams of dry fertilizer per 10 liters of water. Sometimes the granules are simply scattered under the bush and watered abundantly, this helps protect the roots from the effects of superphosphate.

In the fall, a 5 cm thick layer of rotted manure is poured under the bush; in the spring, the nutrients from it will reach the roots along with the melt water.

Foliar and foliar feeding with a one percent solution gives good results. potassium sulfate, they are held in the summer.

Rhododendron loves acidic soil, so in the fall the tree trunk circle can be covered with peat, and in the spring you can add potassium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, potassium, magnesium, and potassium nitrate.

In addition, the soil can be acidified with citric, oxalic, acetic acid, diluted in water in a ratio of 3-4 per bucket of water. Sulfuric acid for these purposes, dilute in a ratio of 1 ml per bucket of water.

Some gardeners use battery electrolyte; 10-20 ml will be needed per bucket of water. In addition to acid, the electrolyte contains sulfur, which is also necessary for rhododendrons.

Rhododendrons are a luxurious decoration for a garden plot; they are grown everywhere in different climatic conditions. Deciduous representatives flower culture They are distinguished by their unpretentiousness to environmental factors and adapt well to new living conditions. With proper care and regular fertilizing, evergreen varieties " rosewood"are also capable of surprising with intensive growth and impressive flowering.

Rhododendron

The plant belongs to the Ericaceae family and enjoys huge success among gardeners due to its beautiful foliage and abundant flowering. The inflorescences of some varieties of crops smell delicate aroma. The leaves are spiral-shaped; depending on the species, the size of the flowers in the inflorescence varies in the range of up to 5 cm or more.

Rhododendron has a compact root system. Due to the absence of root hairs, the basis of nutrition for the shrub is the mycorrhiza mycelium - the simplest fungi. For the normal functioning of the mycelium, constant air circulation is necessary, so dense soils are contraindicated for the plant. Its natural habitat is undergrowth with a special microclimate, where rhododendron is protected by trees from winds, scorching rays of the sun, and seasonal temperature fluctuations.

Rhododendron prefers light shade. For planting, you need to choose a place where there is a sufficient level of illumination in the morning and in the evening. At the same time, the plant does not tolerate direct midday rays and suffers from exposure scorching sun. It is optimal for its cultivation in the vicinity of trees, in the shade of which the bush is provided with diffused light. The culture also needs protection from the winds.

Important! In order for rhododendron to please with its luxurious appearance and abundant flowering, it is necessary to create conditions for it natural environment a habitat.

At the same time, regular feeding should not be neglected, since a green pet needs timely replenishment with useful substances.

With a deficiency of useful elements necessary for development, rhododendron leaves lose their color intensity and shine, turn yellow and dry out. Lightening of the foliage and falling off is an alarming signal about the depletion of the green pet. Poor shoot development also indicates a lack of nutrition. In the absence of a sufficient level of soil fertility with a deficiency of fertilizer, the “rose tree” will not only wilt and not bloom, but may also die.

Soil requirements

Rhododendron in nature lives in loose acidic soil With high content humus. To grow crops on garden plot it is necessary to prepare a fertile mass with the appropriate characteristics, paying attention to individual points.

Rhododendron loves acidic soil with a pH of up to 4.5. In alkaline soil, the seedling has virtually no chance of development. Moreover, in areas with a neutral pH, the crop grows poorly and will not be able to please even with sparse flowering.

The optimal soil mixture for rosewood consists of high-moor peat, coniferous sludge and leaf soil in proportions of 2:1:3. You can also use substrate from equal parts red peat and pine or spruce declines. To acidify low-lying peat, sphagnum moss, ammonium, potassium sulfate or other acidic fertilizers are added.

• heather soil from under conifers;
• garden soil or river sand;
• rotted cow dung;
• humus. You can use aged compost;
• coniferous mass.

The mixture consists of equal proportions of ingredients. Add 100 g of Kemira-universal fertilizer to the finished substrate. If necessary, you can purchase targeted soil for rhododendrons.

The soil for rosewood must be breathable. When planting a plant on clayey area There is good drainage in the hole. In places with close proximity groundwater You can build a small hill under the rhododendron to prevent spring flooding.

Feeding for rhododendron

Rhododendron is fed with organic matter and mineral compounds 2-3 times per season. Before each application, it is necessary to water the seedling abundantly so that the tree trunk circle is well moistened.

Important! Chlorides and lime should not be used for fertilizing.

In priority natural fertilizers as liquid mullein, it is also effective to apply rotted manure under the bush, lightly mixing with top layer land. You can use ready-made mineral fertilizers for rhododendron, strictly following the manufacturer's instructions. Current inorganic substances with an acidic reaction: urea, ammonium nitrate, potassium sulfate, superphosphate.

Important! Rhododendron responds positively to feeding with acidic water. A useful solution is prepared from the juice of 1 lemon per liter of water. Once a month, pour 2.5 liters of lemon substance under the bush.

in spring

Spring feeding is designed to bring the crop out of winter hibernation and prepare it for flowering. At the beginning of the season, the “pink tree” is fed with nitrogen-containing organic matter.

If there is no organic matter, you can use mineral fertilizers according to the following scheme:

• in early spring: ammonium sulfate 50 g + magnesium sulfate 50 g per 1 m²;
• after the flowering phase: potassium sulfate 20 g + ammonium sulfate 40 g + superphosphate 20 g per 1 m².

Well-rotted manure is a priority, preferably with the addition of high-moor peat. This mixture is used instead of mulch: pour a bucket of fertilizer into the tree trunk circle and water it generously. The plant responds well to feeding with diluted mullein 1:15. The solution must be kept for several days for microbiological processes, and only then 10 liters should be applied to an adult bush.

In the final phase of flowering of the “rose tree”, feeding with the targeted complex composition “Kemira” is effective. Fertilizing enriches the green pet's feeding area with useful substances and acidifies the soil.

In summer

Summer feeding involves taking care of the growth and formation of flowering buds for the coming season. If the Kemira fertilizer was not used during the flowering period, in June the rhododendron is fed with nitrogen compounds to grow green shoots. Experienced flower growers strongly recommend a nutrient solution with ammonium nitrate in the proportions of 60 g/20 l of water per adult bush.

In the second half of July, when shoot growth is completed and flower buds appear, the plant is fertilized with a phosphorus-potassium mixture.

Important! Summer feeding with phosphorus-potassium fertilizer is the key to abundant flowering of rhododendron in the next season.

in autumn

Moist, warm air can provoke secondary growth of green shoots, which run the risk of freezing during the first autumn cold. Before the beginning of autumn, in order to stop the growth of shoots, it is necessary to treat the crown with a 1% solution of potassium sulfate. You can spray with another drug - monosubstituted potassium phosphate.

In late autumn, rhododendron is fertilized with a complex of phosphorus and potassium elements to increase the frost resistance of the crop.

Popular fertilizers

The most effective feeding for rhododendron, according to experienced gardeners, this is potassium-phosphorus buffer solution. The composition contains basic macroelements and substances useful for maintaining soil acidity. The nutrient mixture is prepared in proportions of 8 g of potassium nitrate and monosubstituted potassium phosphate per 10 liters of water.

When cultivating rosewood alone, solutions of mineral salts are relevant. For mass plantings of flower crops, dried fertilizers are used:

• superphosphate 20 g;
• potassium sulfate 20 g;
• ammonium sulfate 40 g.

80 g of dry mixture is applied in early spring under a bush 1 m high. After the flowering phase, repeat feeding in half the dose.

The specificity of long-acting preparations provides for gradual feeding of the flower crop over a certain period of time with a one-time application.

Pokon

The drug is relevant when planting young seedlings, and is also effective as spring feeding. The granules are introduced into the tree trunk circle, lightly mixed with the surface substrate, and watered generously. For 1 bush, 30 g of the drug is used once a season. The Pokon product is available in 900g packs.

ASB-Greenworld

The product is indicated for ornamental vegetation that grows in an acidic environment. With the help of the drug, the growth and development of the crop is stimulated, the budding process is accelerated, the color of the foliage improves, and the flowers also acquire a rich color. Apply according to instructions every 3 months.

Agrecol

When planting, use 10-50 g of product depending on the size of the seedling. To feed adult plants, apply granules under the bush and lightly cover them with soil mixture, followed by abundant watering:

• flower crops with a height of more than 1 m - 60 g for each meter of growth;
• bushes up to 70 cm - 70 g per plant;
• low plantings - 50 g per bush.

To provide optimal nutrition rhododendrons, apply fertilizer 2 times per season with an interval of 3 months.

Important! Long-acting granular fertilizers are designed to climatic zones with 6 months of warm weather. The use of the drug in cold regions leads to secondary growth of shoots at the end of summer, which is fraught with their freezing.

Features of care

To help the “rose tree” awaken after winter, it is necessary to properly organize care work:

• save the kidneys from drying out. Remove half of last year's frozen mulch to help the soil near the roots thaw faster. This will save the kidneys from drying out, since root system will begin active work;
• spray the plant warm water, you can even use boiling water for watering;
• build a protective shield from the sun;
• The winter shelter is removed in early April after the soil has thawed to a depth of 25-30 cm.

If burns are detected on the shoots or the buds dry out, you need to spray the planting with warm water daily, alternating treatment with a growth stimulant at intervals of 3-4 days.

Before flowering

Care before flowering consists of: proper watering and feeding a green pet. Fertilizing with nitrogen compounds in the spring has a positive effect on the growing season. To prevent diseases, rhododendron should be treated with a copper-containing fungicide, for example, the drug “Hom” or a solution of copper sulfate.

The frequency of watering depends on climatic conditions, composition soil mixture and location of the plant. It is necessary to monitor the condition of the rhododendron and water as necessary. During the period of active growth and flowering - from April to July - the “pink tree” especially needs regular watering. If it is a hot, dry summer, you should spray the foliage every other day in the evening after sunset or early in the morning.

After flowering

During this period, potassium-phosphorus fertilizers are applied, which ensures the formation of buds next year. In order to stimulate abundant flowering in the coming season, break out the inflorescences immediately after they have bloomed. From August, the “rose tree” is watered less frequently to eliminate the risk of secondary growth of stems.

In the fall, it is necessary to prepare the rhododendron for wintering. The event consists of proper watering, high-quality mulching, disease prevention and the construction of a shelter for the winter. In September, the bush is watered more often than in August. From October to November frosts it is necessary abundant watering before winter. Adequate moisture contributes to the endurance of the “rosewood” and increases the chances of a successful wintering.

Conclusion

With proper care, rhododendron will provide an attractive appearance all season long. With the help of fertilizing, it is easy to ensure maximum decorativeness of the plant with the mesmerizing beauty of luxurious inflorescences.

For a long time, it was believed that rhododendrons grow and develop well without fertilizing - this opinion was held not only by amateur gardeners, but also by specialists.

The prejudice against mineral fertilizers was especially strong, since it was believed that they were not tolerated. But as knowledge on the mineral nutrition of plants expanded, mineral fertilizers began to be used first in nurseries, and then for private plantings.

Nowadays, no one doubts that in order for rhododendron to grow well and develop properly, fertilizers are necessary. Moreover, recent research has shown that plants that are better supplied with nutrients are more resistant to low temperatures than those who were “starving.”

Define shortage nutrients not difficult. Most characteristic feature is a change in the color of the leaves - they lighten, fade, and the shoots acquire a yellowish-green tint. The annual growth of such plants is very small, the buds are poorly formed, and in August - September there is an active fall of old leaves.

Rules for applying mineral fertilizers for azaleas and rhododendrons

Since rhododendron loves acidic soil, for its feeding it is necessary to use, for the most part, physiological mineral fertilizers in liquid form - ammonium sulfate, calcium sulfate, potassium phosphate and nitric acid, superphosphate.

It is important to remember that rhododendron has a shallow root system, so only methods that avoid digging are suitable for applying fertilizers.

ON THE PICTURE: Fertilizer for azaleas and rhododendrons should not contain chlorine

The ratio of the amount of fertilizer to the amount of water should not exceed 1–2:1000 (or even lower if we are talking about a solution potash fertilizers). Young plants should be fed with less concentrated fertilizers.

You need to start fertilizing at the beginning of spring (as soon as the snow melts), and stop in mid-July, otherwise warm weather and sufficient soil and air moisture can lead to secondary growth of shoots - in our climate this phenomenon is observed in some types of rhododendron in late August - early September. The growth process can be stopped by treating plants with a 1% solution of monosubstituted potassium phosphate KH2PO4 or a 1% solution of potassium sulfate K2S04.

Very good result fertilizing with mixtures of acidic fertilizers: magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, ammonium sulfate and superphosphate in a ratio of 2:4:9:10. It is recommended to apply this fertilizer in several stages:

• in early spring, during the period of swelling of the buds - at the rate of 100 grams of mixture per 1 m 2;
• at the end of flowering - at the rate of 100 grams of mixture per 1 m 2;
• in early July - at the rate of 50 grams of mixture per 1 m 2.

If such a mixture is not available, any other complete mineral fertilizer will do, but in this case it will be necessary to add 30% ammonium sulfate.

ON THE PICTURE: Some fertilizers increase the alkalinity of the soil, so it is necessary to regularly monitor its condition

For azaleas and rhododendrons there are general rule fertilizing: at the beginning of summer, fertilizers containing more , and from July until the end of flowering - fertilizers with a higher content of phosphorus and calcium.

Of course it's better to use ready-made mixtures mineral fertilizers, fortunately, today their choice is very large. For example, “Kemira for rhododendrons” or “Kemira universal”. It can be used for both liquid fertilizer, or simply sprinkle it around the bushes at the rate of 100 grams per 1 m2.

Microbiological preparations of the “Radiance” series in combination with organic matter give an excellent effect. For example, “Shine - 1” + mulch (pine litter) or “Shine - 3 + sawdust compost (with the addition of a small amount of cow manure).

The special fertilizer “Azalea” is best suited; it comes from different companies. During the budding period, to speed up flowering, fertilizers such as “Kemira-lux” or “Uniflor-bud” are applied, which contain a large number of potassium and phosphorus, during the growing season - nitrogen-rich "Uniflor-micro". In spring and summer they feed once a week, in autumn and winter - once every 2 weeks.

Organic fertilizers for azaleas and rhododendrons

Along with mineral fertilizers, rhododendrons also need organic fertilizers. The most accessible and common are semi-rotted cow manure and pine litter compost. Pork and horse manure are unsuitable, as well as bird droppings, as they increase soil alkalinity.

ON THE PICTURE:If the rhododendron lacks iron, it can lead to the development of chlorosis.

Important! Don't forget to check your pH regularly substrate. For heathers, this figure should be in the range of 4.5-5, but not higher. IN alkaline soils mycorrhiza is unable to perform its function, metabolism is disrupted, and the plant is very “starving” even in rich soil.

Organic, as well as mineral, should preferably be applied in liquid form. If you use manure for feeding, it must be diluted with water in a ratio of 1:15–20 and left for 2–3 days until active microbiological processes begin, and only then fertilize the rhododendron.

You can also use slurry after diluting it with water until it turns light brown. To increase the phosphate content in diluted slurry, it is advisable to add superphosphate to it at the rate of 3–4 kg. per 100 l. liquids. If you use slurry as a fertilizer for rhododendron, strictly monitor the soil reaction, since such fertilizer can change the pH level of the substrate. Before feeding, the plant needs to be watered well in order to properly wet the earthen ball.

ON THE PICTURE: Regularly fertilized rhododendron will appear before you in all its glory - bright, juicy greens, abundance of flowers, lush habit.

From time to time, water your green pets with acidified water - azaleas and rhododendrons love it very much. For acidification, you can use citric or oxalic acid (1.5–2 tablespoons per 10 liters of water), table or apple cider vinegar 9% (100 grams per 10 liters of water).

To take a break from the oppressive urban environment, go to the dacha to admire the rhododendron, ornamental shrub heather family. “Rose tree” is wonderful in all respects: it has very original leathery leaves and magnificent large inflorescences. But in order for it to bloom intensively, it needs to be intensively cared for: planted in suitable place, water in a timely manner, regularly loosen and weed, feed properly.

If you are planning to grow rhododendrons in Middle lane(Moscow region), in Leningrad region, in the Urals or Siberia, then you should pay attention exclusively to winter-hardy varieties, which can withstand temperatures dropping in winter to -25 degrees or more.

Among these frost-resistant varieties rhododendrons include the following: Roseum Elegance, Nova Zembla, Grandiflorum, Golden Lights, White Lights, Rosie Lights, Grandma, Impeditum Golden Lights, English Roseum, Karens, Mount St. Helens, Caractacus, Daursky and PZHM Elite.

In general, rhododendrons can be divided into 2 varieties:

Video: varieties and types of rhododendron

When and how to plant rhododendrons in open ground

Landing dates

Rhododendrons can be planted both in spring and autumn. If you decide to plant in the spring, then it is advisable to do it before the plant blooms, in other words, depending on the region (in the Middle Zone, Moscow region a little earlier, in the Urals and Siberia - later), this could be April - May. Autumn planting Rhododendron planting is best done in early autumn; it is recommended to do it before the second half of October. This timing is explained by the fact that wet and cool weather is ideal for the plant to take root in the garden.

According to the lunar calendar in 2019

It can help you choose the optimal date for disembarkation. Moon calendar.

So favorable days for planting rhododendron in 2019 according to the Lunar calendar are:

• in March - 12-17, 19, 20, 27-30;
• in April - 6-8, 11-13, 15-17, 24-26, 29, 30;
• in May - 6-8, 10-17, 21-23, 26-28, 31;
• in June - 1, 2, 5, 6, 9-13, 16-20, 27-30;
• in July - 8-12, 25-31;
• in August - 2-6, 17, 18, 21-23, 26-28;
• in September - 1-5, 7-10, 17-24;
• in October - 4-7, 9-12, 19-21, 23-25, 27;
• in November - 13-18.

Unfavorable days according to the lunar calendar for 2019 The dates for planting rhododendron are:

• in March - 6, 7, 21;
• in April - 5, 19;
• in May - 5, 19;
• in June - 3, 4, 17;
• in July - 2, 3, 17;
• in August - 15, 16, 30, 31;
• in September - 14, 15, 28, 29;
• in October - 14, 28;
• in November - 12, 13, 26, 27.

According to the lunar calendar from the magazine “1000 tips for a summer resident.”

Place in the garden for planting

Rhododendron, like everyone else flowering shrubs, still loves the sun. Therefore, find a place to plant that is sunny or has light partial shade. It’s good if from 10-11 in the morning until 4-5 in the afternoon direct and burning Sun rays. Moreover, this shrub does not tolerate drafts, but it definitely needs to provide an influx fresh air. For example, it is good to plant rhododendron near fruit trees(the same apple tree), which would slightly shade the bush during the day, at a distance of about 1.5 meters from the crown.

Advice! Deciduous rhododendrons need more sun than evergreen ones.

Planting pit and soil

Although the rhododendron pot is usually small, landing pit you need a fairly large one, it should be about 3-4 times larger than the root system of the seedling. Dimensions the following are required: depth from 50-90 centimeters, width - 60-80 centimeters (depending on the size of the seedling and the soil. If the soil is too clayey, then the hole should be larger).

Important! If the soil on your site is clayey, then about 10-15 centimeters of drainage material should be laid at the bottom. You can use any inert substance as drainage, that is, gravel, crushed stone, and coarse sand are suitable.

If you want to plant several rhododendrons nearby, it is advisable to plant them at a distance of at least 1 meter from each other.

Rhododendrons love acidic soils. In normal (sandy or clayey) conditions, these plants grow very poorly, literally for 1 season, and then they wither and disappear (as a rule, they simply do not survive the winter). Therefore, to fill landing pit required acidic high peat. It is sold in finished form at garden centers or you can dig it up in a forest swamp. You will also need pine litter(these are needles and twigs that have fallen onto the soil coniferous species trees, for example, there is pine litter), you can also collect it in the forest, and you need to collect it not dry (it should be thrown away), but rather loose and smelling of mushrooms. These components must be mixed in equal parts.

Another one suitable for rhododendron soil mixture recipe: 6 parts of acidic high peat, 2 parts of pine bark and 1 part of garden soil.

You can also purchase in the store special land for azaleas(this is a type of rhododendron).

Video: personal experience growing rhododendrons

Direct landing

Step-by-step instruction planting rhododendrons in open ground:

Video: how to plant rhododendrons

Caring for rhododendron in open ground

In order for rhododendron to grow well and bloom profusely in your summer cottage, it needs proper and timely care.

Rhododendron, like all heathers, does not tolerate drying out of the soil. And the peat mixture in which this shrub grows dries out very quickly, especially in the summer when the weather is hot. Therefore, it is worth paying regular attention to the plant and on time. water.

Late summer (August) experienced flower growers It is recommended to stop watering.

Advice! In the first 2 years, it is highly recommended to do surface spraying in dry weather, in other words, water directly over the crown.

Weeds should not be allowed to grow in tree trunk circle bush. To avoid this, it is necessary to mulch the hole at the planting stage and, if necessary, add additional mulch, as well as weed and loosen.

Top dressing

In early spring rhododendron good feed any nitrogen-containing fertilizer. For example, you can use ammonium nitrate and prepare a solution by taking 1 tbsp. spoon of fertilizer and dissolving it in 10 liters of water.

If your rhododendron bloomed profusely, then to replenish its strength, a mandatory summer feeding

As for such fertilizing, it is advisable to do 2-3 fertilizing with acidic fertilizers during the summer. Store-bought azalea fertilizers are great for this.

Video: when and what to feed rhododendrons

The second feeding of rhododendrons in summer should be done at the end of July. For this you should use potassium sulfate. To prepare the solution, you will need 1 tbsp. a spoonful of fertilizer and 10 liters of water.

Video: second summer feeding

Important! At the end of flowering in the first 2-3 years, it is advisable to promptly and carefully remove faded inflorescences, otherwise they form seed material that draws strength from the rhododendrons.

After the rhododendron has flowered, if it feels good and you take care of it properly, it will definitely produce young shoots. If they do not appear, then this is a clear signal that the care is incorrect or insufficient (for example, watering).

Video: caring for rhododendrons

Note! About caring for rhododendrons in the fall and preparing them for winter you can read more

Video: preparing rhododendrons for winter

How to transplant a rhododendron to a new place

Sometimes it happens that a plant does not take root in one place, and it should be transplanted to a more suitable one. Rhododendrons are not afraid of transplantation, because... They have a fairly compact root system, but you should follow some rules for changing the shrub’s place of residence:

1. As for the timing, it is worth replanting rhododendron, just like planting it for the first time, either in early spring or in the first month of autumn.
2. It is optimal to transship shrubs in slightly cool and cloudy weather, but not in dry and sunny weather.
3. When you dig up a plant, despite the fact that the root system is small, you must under no circumstances damage it.
4. It is necessary to dig up the plant together with an earthen lump, which should not crumble when moved to another place, so the movement must be done using a wheelbarrow, placing the earthen lump on it.
5. In the first year after replanting, it is advisable to cover the shrub for the winter with one of the popular covering materials (for example, spunbond), and this is done to protect the plant from burns.

If you like the pleasant shapes and luxurious flowers of the “Alpine rose” (another name for rhododendron), do not drive away the idea of ​​planting this beautiful bush at your dacha. Proper and vigorous efforts to plant and care will more than pay off with a truly unforgettable spectacle.

Video: planting and caring for rhododendron

In contact with

A plant of the heather family, well known to lovers of growing flowers in yard flower beds, country houses or personal plots, – rhododendron. The genus includes about six hundred species, most of them are evergreen or deciduous shrubs, although small trees are also found. The now popular azaleas are a subspecies of rhododendrons. IN last years they received wide use in greenhouse and indoor floriculture.

Spring care

Gardeners love rhododendrons because these flowers do not require too much close attention. Proper planting will allow the plant to take root and develop well. In the list of care activities:

• spraying;
• watering;
• feeding

For successful growth and development of plants, fertilizing is simply necessary, both for young and old rhododendrons. Only in this case will the plant delight its owners with beautiful, healthy green leaves and bright, lush flowers.

Some tips for feeding. First, it is best to apply fertilizer in liquid form. This will ensure speedy delivery and better absorption of minerals and nutrients. Secondly, fertilizing is required in the first year, when the plant is forming. Thirdly, rhododendron can signal the owner about a lack of minerals. Signs are lightening or falling of leaves, a decrease in their shine, the absence of new shoots and buds.

Types of feeding

The most popular is organic fertilizer, colloquially manure, but not fresh manure that has been sitting for a year. It helps to increase the nutritional value of the soil, improves the properties of the soil, in particular, increases moisture permeability and breathability.

Important note: organic fertilizers must be applied diluted (proportion 1:15). To activate microbiological processes, the fertilizer must first be infused, a few days are enough. For good growth And beautiful flowering rhododendrons, it is necessary to use mineral fertilizers, primarily phosphorus, for example superphosphate, which must be diluted with water in the proportion indicated on the package.

Since rhododendrons are tolerant of acidic soil, it is acceptable to use ammonium sulfate, magnesium sulfate and potassium sulfate for feeding. The plant must first be watered well, then fertilizers must be applied (also in liquid form).

Lovers of these beautiful flowers know that they exist special periods when plants desperately need fertilizing. The first time should be carried out in early spring to support the weakened bush after winter. The second period of feeding is carried out after flowering has completed. Sometimes it is advised to separate the types of feeding. In spring, nitrogenous mineral fertilizers should be applied. Postpone the application of potassium and phosphorus fertilizers until flowering ends.

The choice of fertilizers and feeding methods, naturally, remains with the owner. summer cottage plot. Rhododendron will respond to care with beautiful lush flowers and emerald greenery.