What kind of leaves does rhododendron have? Decoration of gardens and apartments - azalea. Rhododendrons: planting and care in open ground

Rhododendron (Rhododendron) is a member of the Ericaceae family. This genus is represented by shrubs and trees that are deciduous, semi-deciduous and evergreen. According to various sources, this genus includes 800–1300 species, including azaleas, which are very popular among gardeners; they are also called “indoor rhododendron.” The name of this plant includes 2 words: “rhodon”, which translates as “rose” and “dendron” - meaning “tree”. In this regard, rhododendron means “tree with roses” or “rose tree”. The fact is that azalea flowers are similar in appearance to roses. In the wild, rhododendrons are most widespread in the Northern Hemisphere (in Southern China, the Himalayas, Southeast Asia, Japan and North America). They prefer to grow in the coastal zone of seas, rivers and oceans, on the northern slopes of mountains and in the partial shade of undergrowth. Some species reach a height of 0.3 m, while others are creeping shrubs. Flowers of different species of this genus differ from each other not only in color, but also in shape and size. For example, the most large flowers in diameter they can reach 0.2 m, while the smallest ones are simply tiny in size. Today there are approximately 3 thousand varieties, forms and varieties of garden rhododendron.

Garden rhododendron is a shrub. Different species may differ from each other in the size and shape of the leaf blades, which are biennial, annual and perennial, petiolate or sessile, alternately arranged, serrate or entire, obovate or ovate. This plant is relatively popular in all countries of the world due to its decorative foliage, as well as beautiful flowers that are part of racemes or corymbose inflorescences, which look like amazingly beautiful bouquets. Flowers can be colored pink, purple, white, red or lilac color. The shape of the flowers directly depends on the type and variety of the plant and can be funnel-shaped, tubular, bell-shaped or wheel-shaped. U individual species the flowers have a pleasant smell. The fruit is a five-leaf multi-seeded capsule, inside of which there are two-millimeter seeds. The superficial compact root system of this crop consists of a large number of fibrous roots. Due to the fact that the root system is superficial, replanting rhododendron is quite easy, and the plant tolerates it well. This shrub is considered an excellent early spring honey plant.

Choosing the time and place of landing

In mid-latitudes, it is recommended to cultivate only those types of rhododendron that are highly frost-resistant. You can plant the plant in open soil from April to the second half of May, and also in September–November. Experienced gardeners They plant rhododendron throughout the entire growing season, with the exception of the flowering time of such a shrub, and this should not be done for 7–15 days after flowering.

For planting, you should choose a shaded area located on the north side of the building. The soil must be well drained, loose, contain a large number of humus and be sour. If the depth of groundwater in the area is less than 100 cm, then to plant this shrub you will have to make a raised bed. Rhododendron can be planted next to trees such as oak, pine, larch, since their root system goes deep. This shrub is not recommended to be planted next to chestnut, maple, elm, linden, alder, willow and poplar, because their root systems are at the same depth as the rhododendron, so the latter will lack the required amount of nutrients and moisture. If you still have to plant the rhododendron next to one of the listed trees, then the edges of the planting hole will need to be protected by digging slate, roofing felt or polyethylene into the soil. The best neighbors for this crop are pear and apple trees.

Prepare a hole for planting, so its depth should be approximately 0.4 m, and its diameter should be about 0.6 m. You need to pour into it a soil mixture consisting of 3.5 buckets of loam (can be replaced with a couple of buckets of clay), as well as 8 buckets of high-moor peat. It should be mixed thoroughly. Then the soil mixture poured into the hole must be thoroughly compacted. After which a hole is made in it, the size of which should be equal to the size of the root ball of the plant being planted. Immediately before planting, the seedling must be immersed in a container filled with water. And it is necessary to pull it out only after air bubbles stop coming to the surface of the water. After this, the root system must be placed in a hole, which is filled with soil mixture; it must be compacted very well, so that there are no voids. The root collar of a planted seedling should be flush with the surface of the site. Planted plants need abundant watering. If the rhododendron was planted in dry soil, then the amount of watering should be such that the soil is wet to a depth of 20 centimeters. Then the surface of the tree trunk circle should be covered with a layer of mulch (oak leaves, pine needles, peat or moss), and its thickness should be 50–60 mm. If the seedling has a large number of buds, then some of them need to be torn off, in this case the plant’s forces will be directed to rooting, and not to lush flowering.

If only one rhododendron bush is planted in a spacious area, then the wind can shake the seedling. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to install a support, and it must be tilted towards the direction of the most often blowing winds. Then the planted plant is tied to the support. After the plant has taken root, the support can be removed if desired.

Rhododendron needs good care. It must be sprayed, watered, fed, weeded, formative pruning, and, if necessary, protected from pests and diseases in a timely manner. It is impossible to loosen or dig up the surface of the soil under the bushes due to the superficial location of the plant’s root system. Weeding must be done manually; using a hoe for this purpose is strictly prohibited.

The level of atmospheric and soil moisture is especially important for this crop compared to other garden plants, especially during budding and flowering. It is very important to water rhododendron correctly, because this has a significant impact on the formation of flower buds for the next season. It is necessary to water the plant exclusively with soft water (settled or rain). Some gardeners soften and also acidify water very simply; to do this, they mix it with high-moor peat 24 hours before watering; you need to take a few handfuls. Based on the condition of the leaf blades, you can determine how often a given shrub should be watered. The plant needs watering if the foliage becomes dull and loses turgor. During watering, the soil should be soaked to a depth of 20 to 30 centimeters. But when watering, it is also very important that liquid does not stagnate in the soil, since the root system reacts extremely negatively to this. When water stagnates, rhododendron behaves in exactly the same way as when there is a lack of moisture, namely, the leaf plates curl up and droop. To avoid waterlogging, it is necessary to water the shrub during the hot dry period in the same way as always, but it must be moistened quite often from a sprayer, using soft water.

Since bushes most often have a naturally regular shape, there is no need for strong formative pruning. As a rule, the plant needs pruning if the bush has become excessively tall, if rejuvenating pruning is necessary, or if frost-damaged stems need to be cut off.

What are the rules for pruning mature shrubs? Pruning of the stems is carried out in the spring, and it must be done before the sap begins to flow. Cuts on branches whose thickness is from 20 to 40 mm must be coated with garden varnish. The awakening of dormant buds on the stems begins after 4 weeks, at the same time the renewal process begins, which lasts throughout the year. If the bush is very damaged by frost or is old, then it should be shortened to 0.3–0.4 meters, while in the first year one half of the bush is cut off, and the next - the second.

Such plants have one very important feature. So, in one year their flowering and fruiting are distinguished by their abundance, while the next year they bear fruit and bloom much more sparingly. However, this frequency can be corrected. To do this, after flowering is over, break out all the faded inflorescences. In this case, the shrub will direct all the saved strength and nutrients to laying flower buds for the next season.

Feeding rhododendron

Even shrubs planted this season need feeding. For the first time in a season, the plant is fed at the beginning spring period, wherein last time- at the end of July, when the plant fades and young stems begin to grow. Experts recommend using liquid fertilizers to feed this crop, which should include horn meal and half-rotted cow manure. To prepare such a fertilizer, manure should be combined with water in a ratio of 1:15, then it should sit for several days, only after which it can be fed to the bushes. Before feeding the rhododendron, it must be watered thoroughly.

Such plants need acidic soil, in this regard, you should choose mineral fertilizers that will not disturb the reaction of the environment. Thus, it is recommended to use superphosphate, phosphate, potassium nitrate and sulfate, ammonium sulfate, calcium sulfate and magnesium, and take them in a weak concentration (1.2:1000). A solution potash fertilizers should be even weaker.

• at the beginning of spring, organic matter or mineral fertilizers containing nitrogen are applied, while by 1 square meter plot, take 50 grams of magnesium sulfate and the same amount of ammonium sulfate;
• in the first days of June, when the plant fades, 20 grams of potassium sulfate and superphosphate, as well as 40 grams of ammonium sulfate are added per 1 square meter of land;
• The rhododendron is fed for the third time in July, with 20 grams of potassium sulfate and superphosphate taken per 1 square meter of land.

Most often, this shrub is inhabited by mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, bedbugs, weevils, rhododendron flies, as well as slugs and snails. When gastropods appear on the bushes, they should be collected manually, and for preventive purposes, the plant is sprayed with a solution of the fungicidal drug Thiram or TMTD (8%).

If rhododendron bugs, spider mites or weevils have settled on a rhododendron, then it must be sprayed with Diazinon. Moreover, when affected by weevils, not only the bush is treated, but also the surface of the earth around it. In order to get rid of other pests, use Karbofos, and you need to follow the instructions given in the instructions.

Most often, such a plant suffers from fungal diseases, for example: cancer, rust, chlorosis or leaf spot. Most often, such diseases develop as a result of insufficient aeration of the root system. If the bush is affected by rust and spotting, it is necessary to spray it with copper-containing preparations, for example, Bordeaux mixture. When diseased with chlorosis, the bush changes its color to yellow; in this case, iron chelate must be added to the water for irrigation. If the rhododendron is sick with cancer, then it is necessary to either cut off the affected stems to healthy tissue or completely remove them. For prevention purposes, at the beginning of the spring and late autumn, the bushes should be sprayed with Bordeaux mixture.

Rhododendron propagation

This plant can be propagated by seeds or by vegetative means: layering, grafting, dividing the bush and cuttings. The fastest and easiest way to propagate such a plant is by layering.

To sow seeds, use bowls that are filled with moist peat or heather soil mixed with sand (3:1). After the seeds are sown, they are sprinkled with sand on top, which must be washed. The top of the containers must be covered with glass, and then they are transferred to a well-lit place. Crops must be watered in a timely manner, ventilated every day, and condensation must be regularly removed from the surface of the glass. As a rule, the first seedlings appear after 30 days. When the seedlings have formed a pair of true leaf blades, they will need to be planted more freely, using a 2x3 centimeter pattern. When transplanting, seedlings should be buried along the cotyledons, this will allow the formation of a strong root system. In the first year of life, seedlings must be grown in a cool greenhouse. In the second year, the seedlings should be transplanted into open soil into training beds with garden soil mixed with a small amount of peat and sand. Such seedlings are characterized by relatively slow growth. Their first flowering can be seen only in 6–8 years.

Cuttings are also a rather complex method of propagation. Semi-lignified stems are used to take cuttings. The length of the cuttings can vary from 50 to 80 mm. The lower leaf plates from the cut cuttings should all be torn off. In this case, the lower sections must be immersed in a solution of a root growth stimulating agent (for example, heteroauxin) for 12–16 hours. For rooting, the cuttings are planted in a substrate consisting of sand and peat (1:3). Then the container on top needs to be covered with a transparent dome. Rooting cuttings is a long and difficult process. Thus, the rooting of evergreen species lasts from 3 to 4.5 months, and deciduous species - 6 weeks. For growing, the cuttings are planted in boxes filled with a substrate consisting of pine needles and peat (1:2). During the winter period, the cuttings should be kept in a well-lit and cool (8 to 12 degrees) room. With the onset of spring, a box with cuttings should be buried in the garden plot. There they will grow for another 1 or 2 years, only after this the cuttings can be transplanted to permanent place.

Bends

The easiest and most natural method of propagating this crop is by dropping cuttings. In spring, you should choose a low-growing young flexible shoot; it must be bent and placed in a prepared groove, the depth of which must be at least 15 centimeters. The middle part of the stem must be fixed in the groove by pinning it. Next, the groove is filled with garden soil combined with peat. The top of the stem remaining on the surface must be tied to a vertically installed peg. When watering the bush itself, you should not forget to moisten the cuttings. In autumn or with the onset of next spring, the cuttings must be cut off from the parent plant and planted in a permanent place. This method Excellent for propagating deciduous rhododendron.

Autumn care

If there is a drought in the autumn, then the rhododendron will need regular, abundant watering, so 10–12 liters of water should be poured under 1 bush. If systematic rains are observed in autumn, then there is no need to water such plants. In November, the root system of the shrub should be insulated; for this, the surface of the tree trunk circle should be mulched with a layer of peat.

Wintering

If rhododendron is grown in mid-latitudes, then after the first frost the bushes should be insulated. To do this, pine or spruce branches are inserted between the branches of the plant, and the bush itself is slightly tied with twine. Then it should be covered with burlap. The bags should be removed from the plants in early spring after the snow cover has melted, and choose a cloudy day for this. If rhododendron is cultivated in a region with a fairly warm climate, then it does not need shelter for the winter.

Types and varieties of rhododendrons with photos and names

There are a very large number of species of rhododendron. Below we will describe those species that are cultivated by gardeners, as well as the most popular garden varieties.

Dahurian rhododendron (Rhododendron dahuricum)

IN natural conditions this species is found on rocks and in coniferous forests of Northeast China, Eastern Siberia, Primorsky Krai, Korea and Northern Mongolia. This medium-sized evergreen shrub is highly branched, its height can vary from 200 to 400 cm. The color of the bark is gray. The branches are directed upwards. Brown-red thin shoots closer to the tips have pubescence, which is a short pile. The length of small leathery leaf plates is about 30 mm, their front surface is smooth, and their back surface is scaly. The color of young leaves is pale green, and over time they become dark green; in autumn they turn green-red or brown. IN winter time Only a small part of the foliage flies away. The flowering is quite lush and lasts about 20 days. The flowers bloom before the foliage opens. They are large, funnel-shaped, pink-violet in color, and reach 40 mm in diameter. In autumn, re-blooming is sometimes observed. This species is highly resistant to frost, and it also propagates well from green cuttings. There are 2 varieties:

• evergreen form - the color of the foliage is dark green, and the flowers are lilac-purple;
• garden early hybrid - this low-growing plant blooms very luxuriantly, the flowers reach 50 mm in diameter, they open very early and are painted in a rich red-blue color, this form is less frost-resistant compared to the main species.

Adams rhododendron (Rhododendron adamsii)

This evergreen shrub grows on rocky slopes and in mountain forests of the Far East, as well as the northeastern foothills of Tibet. The height of the branched bush can reach up to 50 cm. On the surface of the shoots there is pubescence consisting of glandular pile. Matte dense leaf plates of green color have an oblong-elliptical shape in length and width; they can reach about 20 mm. Their front surface is bare, and on the back there are scales, which is why it has a red color. The scutes consist of 7–15 flowers, reaching 15 mm in diameter, they are colored in various shades of pink. This species is included in the Red Book of Buryatia.

Japanese rhododendron (Rhododendron japonicum)

The homeland of this species is Japan, or more precisely, the island of Honshu, where it prefers to grow on sunny mountains. This species is one of the most beautiful deciduous rhododendrons. The height of the branched shrub can reach up to 200 cm. The stems are bare or have silvery bristles on their surface. The green leaf plate has an oblong-lanceolate shape, and there is soft pubescence on both the front and back surfaces. In autumn, the foliage turns red-orange. The brushes consist of 6–12 fragrant, bell-shaped flowers, reaching 80 mm in diameter and having a red-scarlet or orange color. Of all the species grown in mid-latitudes, this species is the most beautiful. It has high frost resistance, and also reproduces well by seed and cuttings.

Caucasian rhododendron (Rhododendron caucasicum)

This species is found in nature in the Caucasus. This not very tall shrub is evergreen, its branches are creeping. Leathery dark green leaf plates, located on fairly thick long petioles, have an oblong-oval shape. Their front surface is bare, and their back surface is felt-red. On the hairy peduncles there are racemes consisting of 8–10 fragrant flowers, funnel-bell-shaped and pale green in color, with green spots inside the pharynx. Decorative forms:

• pink-white - flowering begins earlier than the main species;
• shiny - the color of the flowers is dark pink;
• golden yellow - there are pale green specks on the surface of the yellow flowers;
• straw yellow - light red spots are located on the surface of yellow flowers.

Gardeners also cultivate such species as: Albrecht rhododendron, Atlantic rhododendron, Vazeya rhododendron, holoflowered, tree-like, yellow, coarse-haired, western, golden, Indian, Kamchatka, Canadian, Carolina, Carpathian, carpal, sticky, short-fruited, blushing, largest, large-leaved, Katevbinsky , Lapland, Ledebura, small-leaved, marigold, sea buckthorn, pointed, dense, Pontic, attractive, pukhansky, rusty, equal-tall, pink, Sikhotinsky, plum-leaved, obtuse, rooting, Yakushimansky, etc.

This includes hybrids and varieties that are cultivated by gardeners. Hybrid rhododendron is a garden rhododendron. The most popular varieties are:

1. German cultivar Alfred. This variety was obtained by crossing the Katevba rhododendron with the Everestina variety. This evergreen shrub reaches a height of 1.2 m. The crown diameter is approximately 150 cm. The glossy dark green leaf plates have an oblong-elliptical shape. Dense inflorescences consist of 15–20 flowers of rich purple color, which have a green-yellow spot, reaching 60 mm in diameter.
2. Variety Blue Peter. It was developed by crossing Pontian rhododendron. The bush reaches a height of more than 150 cm. The spreading crown has a diameter of about 200 cm. The diameter of the lavender-blue flowers reaches 60 mm, they have a corrugated edge, and on the upper petal there is a speck of dark purple color.
3. Jacksony. This English hybrid was obtained by crossing the Caucasian rhododendron and the Nobleanum variety. The height of the shrub is approximately 200 cm, and its crown reaches about 300 cm in diameter. There is a low-growing form, the height of which does not exceed 0.8 m. The leathery leaf plates of an oblong shape have a matte green front surface and a brown underside. The inflorescences consist of 8–12 flowers, which during the opening process are colored pink, then it changes to white, with a yellow-white spot forming on one of the petals.
4. Rose Marie. A Czech variety obtained by crossing the magnificent rhododendron and the Pink Pearl variety. The shrub reaches a height of 1.2 m, and the diameter of the crown is 150 cm. The leathery leaf plates have an oblong-elliptical shape, they have a waxy coating on the greenish front surface, and the underside is green-blue and shiny. The edges of the flowers are painted soft pink, which towards the middle changes to deep pink with a purple tint. Compact, spherical inflorescences consist of 6–14 flowers.
5. Nova Zembla. This Dutch hybrid was bred by crossing the Katevbinsky rhododendron and the Persona Gloriosum variety. The height of the bush is approximately 300 centimeters, and the loose crown reaches about 350 cm in girth. The stems grow almost vertically. The leathery glossy leaf plates are quite large. Dense inflorescences consist of 10–12 large flowers, reaching 60 mm in diameter, they are colored red and have a black spot.
6. Cunningham. This Scottish cultivar is very popular variety Caucasian rhododendron. The height of the bush is approximately 200 cm, and the crown reaches 150 cm in diameter. The length of the dark green leathery leaf plates of an oblong shape is about 60 mm, and the width is 30 mm. Dense inflorescences consist of 10 white flowers, on the surface of which there are yellow spots.

Many non-professional gardeners, seeing a gorgeous rhododendron in the picture, decide to decorate their garden plot with it at all costs. However, in most cases, having bought and planted the treasured bush on his plot, the gardener notices that his rhododendron is not as beautiful as expected, and besides, it gradually withers and dies. Therefore, most gardeners are wondering whether it is possible to successfully cultivate such a heat-loving shrub in the Moscow region? And in general, is it possible to grow such a plant in unusual middle latitudes? If everything is done correctly, then this is quite possible.

First of all, you should choose the right variety that can survive fairly frosty weather. winter months. The fact is that heat-loving species and varieties, even if they are very well covered, will still freeze out in winter. Deciduous species are very suitable for growing in such conditions: Japanese, yellow, Schlippenbach, Vazeya, Canadian, Kamchatka, Pukhan rhododendron. Among the semi-evergreens, you can choose Ledebourg rhododendron. For growing in the middle latitudes, the Katevba rhododendron (as well as its hybrids Alfred, Abraham Lincoln, Nova Zembla, Cunningham White), as well as the short-fruited, golden, and largest rhododendrons and the Smirnova rhododendron and its hybrids Gabriel, Dorothy Swift, Laika, are suitable for growing in the middle latitudes. Finnish breeders have recently developed quite winter-resistant varieties Elvira, Hague, and Mikkeli. Hybrids of the Northern Light group Rosie Lights, Pink Lights, Spicy Lights, etc. also tolerate the harsh winter of mid-latitudes well.

It is not enough to purchase a suitable seedling; you still need to plant it correctly:

1. Planting is done in spring. The site should be in partial shade, and the distance between the seedling and any other plant should be at least 100 cm.
2. For planting, it is recommended to buy a special soil mixture. If desired, you can make it at home; for this you will need pine needles, garden soil and peat. It is necessary to add complex mineral fertilizer to the soil.
3. The size of the planting hole should be a couple of times larger than the container in which the plant is located. If the soil is clayey, then at the bottom of the hole you will need to make a good drainage layer from broken bricks, the thickness of which should be about 15 centimeters.
4. After planting, the root collar of the plant should be at the same level as in the container.
5. The planted plant needs abundant watering.

Rhododendron cultivated in mid-latitudes should be cared for in almost the same way as those plants grown in regions with a milder climate. However, there are still a few differences. Rules of care:

1. For planting, acidic humus soil should be used. In those places where the roots will absorb nutrients, there should be no wood ash, dolomite, lime and other additives that can alkalize the soil.
2. The surface of the tree trunk circle must be covered with a layer of mulch. This is especially important because due to the horizontally located roots, loosening and digging the soil around the plant is prohibited.
3. In spring, the bush must be protected from the scorching rays of the sun. Gauze, mesh or cloth are suitable for this.
4. It is very important to choose the correct watering mode. This plant should receive as much moisture as it requires. During the dry, hot period of summer, the shrub should be watered 2 times every 7 days. If the weather is rainy and fairly warm in the autumn, then young shoots begin to grow on the bushes, but before they ripen they die in the winter. To prevent such activation of stem growth, the bush should be treated with a fine spray with a solution of polyphosphate or potassium sulfate (1%) and do this on a dry day. This will lead to a halt in growth, as well as stimulation of lignification of the stems and the formation of flower buds for the next season. After the shrub has been processed, all watering should be stopped, even if there is drought and heat.

Rhododendron is a very beautiful plant, and it also has healing properties that have been used for many years in both official and alternative medicine. The species Rhododendron daurian, golden, Adams, and Caucasian include andromedotoxin, ericolin, arbutin and rhododendrin. The foliage contains ascorbic acid, and in summer its concentration in the plant is highest. Thanks to the substances included in this plant, it has an analgesic, sedative, antipyretic, antibacterial and diaphoretic effect. It can also remove excess fluid from the body, eliminate swelling, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, increase cardiac activity, and also reduce venous and blood pressure.

But one should not assume that this plant is absolutely harmless. Products made from rhododendron should not be used by people suffering from serious kidney disease and tissue necrosis, as well as by pregnant and breastfeeding women. It is also recommended that before taking such a remedy for the first time, consult a specialist.

Thank you

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

Rhododendron is a genus of plants of the Ericaceae family, numbering at least 800 species of shrubby and tree-like plants, distributed mainly in the Northern Hemisphere, from the tundra to the tropical zone. More than 20 species of rhododendron grow on the territory of the Russian Federation, most of them in Siberia and the Far East.

Translated from Latin, Rhododendron means "rose tree". This name was given to the plant by the British botanist Joseph Hooker.

Rhododendron is popular in oriental medicine, in particular in the medicine of the peoples of Tibet. IN folk medicine this plant is used as an antifungal, anti-inflammatory, tonic, diuretic and bactericidal agent. In addition, the healing properties of rhododendron for cardiovascular diseases are widely known.

Not all types of rhododendron have medicinal properties. Most often, four species are used as medicinal plants, the properties of which will be described below. This:

• Rhododendron golden;
• Caucasian rhododendron;
• Sagan-dailya (Adams rhododendron);
• Dahurian rhododendron.

Rhododendron in spring - photo

Rhododendron golden

Rhododendron Daurian

Caucasian rhododendron

Adams rhododendron

Rhododendron golden

Lat.: Rhododendron aureum

Description of the plant

Golden rhododendron is an evergreen shrub, reaching a height of 0.8 m. The trunk and branches are covered with dark brown bark. The branches hang low over the soil and are strongly curved.

The leaves of the shrub are dense, leathery, short-petiolate, alternate, entire, oval or ovoid in shape. Each leaf reaches a length of 35 - 70 mm, a width of 10 - 25 mm.

The flowers are quite large, yellow, collected in groups of 5-10 in umbrellas at the ends of the branches.

The fruit is a five-lobed elongated capsule, inside of which many small seeds are formed.

Golden rhododendron grows in Western, Eastern Siberia and the Far East.

It grows on mountain slopes, in rocky areas, in high-mountain tundras, and at the edge of forests.

Beneficial features

In folk, traditional medicine and homeopathy, the leaves, flowers and stems of the plant are used.

All medicinal types of rhododendrons have approximately the same properties. However, each type has certain advantages. In particular, golden rhododendron and preparations based on it effectively help with heart failure, disorders of general or local circulation, and increased venous pressure. Rhododendron aureus has a diuretic effect, stimulates blood circulation, removes excess fluid from the body, relieves shortness of breath, and stabilizes the function of the heart muscle. In addition, this type of rhododendron has pronounced antibacterial properties and effectively fights such common pathogenic bacteria as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, as well as a wide range of intestinal microorganisms. It has also been established that golden rhododendron is effective in the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the mouth and throat (stomatitis, gingivitis, sore throat).

Rhododendron daurica (Ledum)

Lat.: Rhododendron dauricum

Description of the plant

Dahurian rhododendron is a perennial (more than 50 years) evergreen or deciduous shrub belonging to the Rhododendron genus, Heather family. Reaches a height of 2 m.

The species received its name from Dauria, a land in the Far East inhabited by the Daurian people. In Russia, it has long been called wild rosemary, although the official name wild rosemary is another plant of the heather genus.

The Daurian rhododendron shrub is highly branched, the branches are directed upward. The number of branches reaches 20-40 pieces.

The leaves are elongated, oval, small in size (2-4 cm in length, up to 1 cm in width), the edges are curved. The front side of the leaf is smooth, dark green, the back is covered with scales and has a brownish tint. Leaves on the bush appear towards the end of the flowering period.

The flowering period of Dahurian rhododendron occurs in mid-spring and lasts about two weeks.

At the ends of shoots from 1-3 buds, large funnel-shaped flowers with pink, pink-lilac or white petals appear. The flower size in diameter is no more than 4 cm. Rhododendron flowers have a strong intoxicating aroma.

The fruit is an elongated oval capsule with numerous seeds. Ripens in late summer - early autumn (August - September).

It grows naturally in Eastern Siberia, the Far East, the northeastern regions of China, as well as Mongolia and the Korean Peninsula.

It grows wild in coniferous and oak forests. It grows mainly on rocky soil and on mountain slopes.

Beneficial features

Dahurian rhododendron has the same positive properties as others medicinal types rhododendron. However, there are a number of positive properties that make it stand out from the crowd:

• Dahurian rhododendron has a positive effect on the functioning of the heart. It has a calming effect on the heart muscle and relieves rapid heartbeat.
• Eliminates shortness of breath.
• Strengthens cardiac activity.
• By removing excess fluid from the body, rhododendron eliminates swelling.
• In hypertensive patients, rhododendron dahurian preparations effectively reduce blood pressure.

Adams' rhododendron (Sagan-Dali, Sagan-Daylya)

Lat.: Rhododendron adamsii

Description of the plant

Sagaan dali (sagan-dali, sagan-daylya, Adams rhododendron) is an evergreen shrub of the Rhododendron genus. An ancient legend says that the warriors who won the battle stuck their spears into the soil of the Sayan Mountains to fill it with strength. Later, grass appeared on the slopes of the Sayan Mountains, which gave people energy and health.

The shrub reaches a height of 50 cm. The branches are spread out in different directions.

The leaves are elongated, oval-shaped, 1-2 cm long, 5-10 mm wide, hard, bare on the front side, dark green, yellowish on the back, covered with scales.

The flowers are pink or light pink, up to 15 mm in diameter, forming large corymbose inflorescences of 7-15 flowers.

The fruit is a five-leaf capsule in which many seeds are formed. Ripens by mid-autumn.

The flowering period is from June to August.

The plant is listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Buryatia.

Adams' rhododendron is found in the mountains of Eastern Siberia, the Far East, on Sakhalin Island, and also in northeastern Tibet.

Prefers moist rocky soils. Demanding on air humidity.

The plant has a pleasant aroma.

Beneficial features

The culture of using sagan-dayli dates back thousands of years. Traditionally it is consumed in the form of tea.

Rhododendron Adams is a powerful stimulant.

In Tibet, Adams's rhododendron is called "life-prolonging herb." And, apparently, not in vain - the grass increases energy tone and fills a person with strength. Sagan-dailya increases performance and endurance, as well as potency in men. This wonderful herb also increases mental performance, improves concentration and even improves mood. In addition, it affects sleep - a person gets enough sleep in a shorter time.

In addition to the above, Adams Rhododendron has a number of healing properties:

• normalizes metabolic processes in the body;
• strengthens the immune system;
• suppresses pathogenic microflora in the gastrointestinal tract;
• increases the body's resistance to pain, stress and climate change;
• regulates heart function, strengthens blood vessels, reduces their permeability;
• reduces irritability and fatigue;
• relieves headaches;
• stabilizes blood pressure;
• cleanses the respiratory tract and kidneys, promotes the dissolution of kidney stones;
• eliminates hangover.

Adams rhododendron is recommended for various chronic pathologies, exhaustion, migraines, insomnia. Compresses and lotions from sagaan dali help with bruises, joint pain, radiculitis, etc. The energy-stimulating properties of the plant are also appreciated in sports medicine.

With regular use, sagan daylya has a rejuvenating effect and prevents early aging of the body.

To prepare traditional tea from sagan-daili, add 3-5 leaves and stems of the plant to 200 ml of boiling water.

special instructions

When consuming Adams rhododendron, care should be taken to avoid overdose, the symptoms of which are headache and hypertension. In general, sagan-dali is a powerful energy stimulant and requires a competent approach. If you use it daily, after a month you should take a break for 2-4 weeks, since continuous use of the plant can cause addiction and destabilize the immune system.

Caucasian rhododendron (alpine rose)

Lat.: Rhododendron caucasicum

Description of the plant

Caucasian rhododendron is an evergreen shrub of the Rhododendron genus.

Grows up to one and a half meters in height. The stem is covered with dark brown bark.

The leaves are elongated-elliptical, covered with short yellow hairs on the back side.

The flowers form umbrellas. The petals are white, light cream and light pink.

The fruit is an oblong capsule with many seeds.

IN wildlife found only in the Caucasus (Greater and Lesser Caucasus), as well as in adjacent areas of Turkey.

Beneficial features

Caucasian rhododendron has established itself as a valuable medicinal plant in the treatment of heart and vascular diseases. It also shows positive properties for rheumatic diseases. In general, Caucasian rhododendron exhibits the same medicinal properties as other medicinal rhododendron species.

Azalea

Azalea is the collective name for certain species of rhododendron that have beautiful flowers. The Latin word for the plant, Azalea, translates as “dry.” Most types of azaleas are thin and bony, especially after the leaves fall, which confirms their name.

Recently, the name "azalea" refers to rhododendrons grown indoors - in room conditions, in greenhouses, etc.

Collection and storage of rhododendron leaves

The main medicinal raw material of rhododendron is its leaves. Rhododendron leaves, harvested for medicinal purposes, can be collected in June, July and August. However, the best time to collect them is considered to be the flowering period. Collection is done manually. Dry the leaves in the shade, with good ventilation, stirring occasionally.

The leaves of the bush of the 2nd and 3rd year of life have the greatest benefit, since at this time they are rich in substances that determine the healing effect of the plant.

Compound

The medicinal properties of rhododendrons are determined by their chemical composition. Listed below are the main beneficial substances contained in the leaves and flowers of golden rhododendron, Caucasian rhododendron, Daurian rhododendron, etc.:

• Rhododendrin;
• Rutin;
• Arbutin;
• Andromedotoxin;
• Tannins (including gallic acid);
• Ascorbic acid;
• Fructose;
• Essential oils;
• Phytoncides, etc.

The properties of some substances in the leaves and flowers of rhododendron are described below:

Vitamin C

• Neutralizes free radicals;
• regulates redox reactions in the body;
• participates in saccharide metabolism;
• participates in the process of hemocoagulation;
• stimulates tissue regeneration;
• increases immunity;
• strengthens blood vessels, reduces their permeability, etc.

Rutin

Rutin, contained in rhododendron leaves, is one of the flavonoids belonging to the vitamin P group. It has a number of special properties:

• reduces the permeability of blood vessels;
• stimulates the absorption of ascorbic acid, enhances its effect;
• increases the immune system's resistance to infectious agents;
• has an anti-inflammatory effect;
• reduces blood pressure;
• exhibits diuretic properties;
• stimulates the work of the adrenal cortex;
• reduces the severity of a number of pathological allergy symptoms, incl. asthmatic diseases;
• reduces the level of “bad cholesterol” in the blood;
• prevents bleeding.

Fructose

Rhododendron petals contain a valuable carbohydrate - fructose. Fructose has a number of valuable properties for the body:

• Has a tonic effect. Quickly replenishes glycogen reserves (reserve carbohydrate) in the liver, and thus contributes to the fastest recovery of the body, increases its performance, both physical and mental.
• Eating fructose helps strengthen the immune system.
• Adding fructose to a child’s diet significantly reduces the likelihood of developing caries and diathesis.
• Compared to glucose, the hormone insulin is needed in a much smaller volume for the absorption of fructose. Therefore, this carbohydrate is usually included in the diet of people with diabetes.
• In addition, scientists have proven that fructose accelerates the breakdown of ethanol in the blood and also helps cleanse the liver of a number of other toxins.

Arbutin (ericolin, arbutoside)

Arbutin - organic compound, phenologlycoside. Shows antiseptic properties. Due to the antiseptic properties of arbutin, rhododendron, like other plants containing this substance, is used in the treatment of bladder diseases. This is explained by the fact that approximately 3/4 of the arbutin that enters the digestive tract is excreted through the kidneys and urinary tract.

Arbutin has the property of inhibiting the formation of melanin in the skin. Therefore, it is included in some cosmetic products for skin lightening.

There are conflicting opinions among scientists regarding the effect of arbutin on the likelihood of developing oncological diseases. According to some data, arbutin increases the risk of developing tumor pathologies. At the same time, some scientists express the opinion that this glycoside, on the contrary, reduces the likelihood of developing oncology. However, to date there are no research results that reliably prove the carcinogenic properties of arbutin preparations.

Andromedotoxin

Andromedotoxin is a toxic organic compound found in rhododendrons that has a selective effect on nerve cells. This substance has an intoxicating and paralyzing effect, disrupting the function of cellular receptors. In addition, this glycoside provokes inflammation of the mucous membranes of the body. The effect of andromedotoxin on nerve cells consists of two successive phases: first it excites the brain and the central nervous system as a whole, and then inhibits their functions. Andromedotoxin is a powerful toxin, and an overdose can be fatal. Therefore, rhododendron cannot be used uncontrollably; it should be strictly dosed, especially when consumed orally.

Andromedotoxin is found not only in the leaves, but also in the flowers and nectar of the plant. Therefore, rhododendron honey should be consumed with caution so as not to cause poisoning.

Rhododendron essential oil

Rhododendrons contain a number of common components in their essential oil composition. Among them: a-pinene, camphene, p-pinene, p-myrcene, p-cymene, limonene, bornyl acetate, a-copaene, caryophyllene, humulene, γ-murolene, a-murolene, γ-cadinene, 5-cadinene.

Rhododendron essential oil has found application in medicine due to its bactericidal properties. In particular, it effectively destroys bacteria of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis group and thus helps in curing tuberculosis.

Rhododendron essential oil is widely used in the manufacture of perfumes. It is also known to reduce skin irritation when added to shaving lotion.

Rhododendrin

Rhododendrin is a glycoside found in rhododendron leaves. Its effects on the human body are similar to cardiac glycosides. It has a cardiotonic and antiarrhythmic effect. Thanks to this substance, preparations based on rhododendron leaves are used in the treatment of heart failure, arrhythmia and other cardiovascular diseases.

Gallic acid

Gallic acid is an organic acid that neutralizes free radicals in the body, thus slowing down the aging of the body and reducing the risk of developing cancer.

Properties of rhododendron

• Tonic;
• General strengthening;
• Bactericidal;
• Antipyretic;
• Sweatshop;
• Detoxifying;
• Painkiller;
• Diaphoretic;
• Sedative, etc.

Rhododendron also has phytoncidal and insecticidal properties.

What diseases does rhododendron treat?

Rhododendron preparations, when used correctly, help cure or improve the condition of the following diseases:

• cardiovascular failure;
• dyspnea;
• tachycardia;
• swelling;
• increased venous pressure;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• fever;
• headache;
• insomnia;
• irritability;
• Gastrointestinal diseases (diarrhea);
• rheumatism;
• radiculitis;
• polyarthritis;
• neuralgic pain;
• wounds, ulcers;
• boils, carbuncles;
• dermatitis;
• chronic colitis;
• stomatitis, gingivitis, sore throat;
• infections (staphylococcus, streptococcus, intestinal infections).

Treatment with rhododendron

Rhododendron leaves

Rhododendron leaves are the main medicinal raw material of the plant, and the range of their use covers all diseases and conditions for which rhododendron preparations are recommended. In folk medicine, rhododendron leaves are considered an effective medicine for diseases of the heart and blood vessels, as well as for rheumatism, chronic colitis, colds, vegetative-vascular dystonia, epilepsy and other diseases.

Rhododendron flowers

In folk medicine, rhododendron flowers are considered an effective remedy for tachycardia, venous stagnation, edema, and high blood pressure.

The petals of Daurian rhododendron flowers can be eaten. They have a sweet taste and pleasant aroma. They are usually added to salads or made into jam.

Rhododendron in folk medicine

Based on the flowers, leaves and stems of rhododendron, various preparations are prepared that are effective for a variety of diseases.

Infusion of golden rhododendron

An infusion of golden rhododendron leaves is used for the following pathologies:

• fever;
• epileptic seizures;
• migraine;
• insomnia;
• irritability, nervousness;
• diseases of the digestive tract (including diarrhea);
• rheumatism, arthritis.

An infusion of golden rhododendron exhibits antibacterial properties, effectively combating pathogenic intestinal microflora (Escherichia coli, Shigella, Salmonella). In addition, the product exhibits bactericidal properties against streptococcus, staphylococcus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Recipe:
Brew one teaspoon of dry crushed leaves of the plant in 200 ml of boiling water and leave in a thermos for no more than two hours. Then strain and drink 1 tablespoon 2-3 times a day. According to some recommendations, the infusion should be drunk warm.

Decoction of golden rhododendron leaves (orally, compresses, baths)

The famous botanist Johann Gmelin claimed that a decoction of golden rhododendron leaves relieves fatigue and muscle pain during long journeys.

Recipe:
Pour 0.5 g of dry crushed leaves of the plant into a glass of boiling water in an enamel bowl, then put on low heat, cover with a lid and cook for 10-15 minutes. After this, leave the broth covered for at least 10 minutes and strain. The product is taken orally, 1 tablespoon 2-3 times a day. This decoction is also widely used as an external remedy.

Externally, infected wounds and ulcers are washed with a decoction of the plant. The decoction is also effective as a rinse for infectious and inflammatory diseases of the mouth and throat (stomatitis, sore throat, etc.).

Both infusion and decoction of the plant are used in the form of compresses and lotions for a number of skin pathologies - furunculosis, dermatitis and carbuncles.

Tincture of golden rhododendron

Recipe:
A fifth of the volume glass jar fill it with dry crushed leaves of the plant, and fill it to the top with 40% vodka. Insist on dark place within 15 days. Take 10-15 drops, dissolving the tincture in water (100-150 ml).

In people suffering from heart and vascular insufficiency, tincture of rhododendron aureus stimulates blood flow and normalizes the function of the heart muscle.

Externally, the infusion is used in the form of foot baths. Such baths, especially in combination with taking the infusion orally, help with heart diseases (heart failure, rapid heartbeat, bradycardia, etc.).

Infusion of Caucasian rhododendron leaves

Dry crushed leaves of Caucasian rhododendron in the amount of 2 g, pour a glass of boiling water and leave for a quarter of an hour, then filter. Drink 1 tsp three times a day.

Taking this infusion helps normalize sleep, relieves irritability, migraines, cramps, and PMS symptoms.

Tincture of leaves and flowers of Caucasian rhododendron

Finely chop 20 grams of rhododendron leaves and flowers, pour a glass of 40% vodka, leave in a place protected from light for two weeks, then filter. The tincture is consumed 2-3 times a day, 20-25 drops, dissolved in 100-150 ml of water.

This tincture helps with shortness of breath, tachycardia, venous hyperemia, edema, and high blood pressure.

Infusion of rhododendron dahurian leaves

Brew one teaspoon of dry crushed leaves of Dahurian rhododendron in 250 ml of boiling water, let it brew. Drink a teaspoon 3-4 times a day.

This infusion is recommended for intoxication, inflammation of the mucous membrane, and migraines. The product helps remove excess fluid from the body, relieves swelling, eliminates shortness of breath, and evens out the heart rate.

Infusion of rhododendron Adams leaves (sagan-dayli)

Brew one teaspoon of dry crushed leaves of the sagan-daili herb in a liter of boiling water, leave for 30-40 minutes, then filter. Drink 200 ml infusion per day before meals, divided into three doses.

This infusion has a good sedative effect.

Infusion of Rhododendron Adams leaves and flowers

Brew 2 g of dry crushed sagan-daili herb in a thermos with 250 ml of boiling water, leave for two hours, then strain through cheesecloth. Drink infusion 1 tbsp. 2 - 3 times a day.

Juice from petals of rhododendron dahurian

Juice from the petals of Daurian rhododendron is mixed with cow's cream and used in the treatment of stomach and duodenal ulcers, as well as for the healing of ulcers with thrombophlebitis and non-healing wounds.

Caucasian rhododendron: beneficial properties and scope of application; making tea from Caucasian rhododendron - video

Rhododendron (Azalea) honey

People like rhododendrons for their beautiful flowers. However, many are afraid to try rhododendron honey, explaining this by rumors about its toxicity. And it’s true, honey from certain varieties of rhododendron can cause poisoning. However, not all rhododendron honey is toxic. The Greek historian Xenophon, back in the fourth century BC, described the effect of such honey on Greek soldiers - after feasting on azalea honey in the evening, the next morning all the soldiers had clear signs of poisoning. Later, the Roman encyclopedist Pliny, having studied the notes of Xenophon, came to the conclusion that we are talking about honey collected from flowers rhododendron yellow And rhododendron ponticus .

Poisoning with honey from rhododendron ponticus and rhododendron yellow is manifested by the following symptoms:

• Headache;
• Darkening in the eyes;
• Fainting conditions.

In addition, the honey of these plants has hallucinogenic properties, which is why it is popularly called “drunken honey.” These properties are given to the product by the same andromedotoxin, the properties of which were described in detail above.

Andromedotoxin, which causes poisoning and hallucinations, is contained in honey only from Black Sea rhododendron species. Therefore, if you decide to try rhododendron honey, you should definitely find out where it was collected. The overwhelming number of cases of rhododendron honey poisoning are associated with the product brought from Turkey.

Rhododendron honey can be identified by taste, smell and shade. The taste of rhododendron honey is moderately sweet and slightly tart, and the color is almost beige, with a slight yellowish tint.

Rhododendron honey has the most healing properties, which honey of other colors has. For example, Caucasian rhododendron honey helps to cure

Genus rhododendrons (emphasis on the third syllable!) is large and varied. It includes evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous shrubs, shrubs, and sometimes trees. Translated from Greek rhododendron- "pink tree". But rhododendron from the heather family has nothing to do with roses from the Rosaceae family. They are connected only by the beauty of flowering and the huge variety of species and varieties.

Before you decide to grow rhododendrons in your garden, you need to understand the nature of these plants. And it is not easy, because their homeland is humid, high-mountainous regions of predominantly the northern hemisphere. They grow almost everywhere - from Greenland and Kamchatka to Java, from Alaska to Florida, from the Alps to the Caucasus and the Himalayas. The smallest of them, climbing to a height of up to 4000 meters above sea level, are no more than 10 centimeters, but still manage to withstand forty-degree frosts. And the most powerful reach up to 10 meters in height. Their flowers, also collected in inflorescences, reach more than 20 centimeters in diameter.

It is clear that, like any mountaineers, rhododendrons are proud and unchanging in their preferences. And if you decide to imprison them, they will not adapt to you, but will decisively dictate their terms.

At proper agricultural technology Rhododendrons are quite resistant to diseases and pests. Most often, problems begin in inappropriate places. normal development conditions and failure to comply with growing rules.

Plants suffer from severe waterlogging, unbalanced fertilizing, low soil acidity, winter physiological drying and sunburn. They can be damaged by fungal diseases (spots, rust) and chlorosis (acute lack of iron and manganese, which occurs when soil acidity is low and goes away with the correct feeding regime). By collecting and burning damaged foliage, performing sanitary pruning and treating plants with suitable fungicides, many diseases can be counteracted.

Rhododendrons are most often damaged by garden snails and slugs (collection and destruction helps), rhododendron bugs, spider mites, mealybugs, weevils, scale insects, and rhododendron fly, against which insecticides help well.

Rhododendrons reproduce by seeds, cuttings (green and semi-lignified), layering, dividing bushes and grafting.

Cut rhododendron flowers remain fresh for a very long time, and one inflorescence, consisting of 20-30 flowers, is quite capable of replacing a bouquet.

In Ancient Greece, the name “rhododendron” was used to call oleander, which has nothing in common with it. In its modern meaning, this word was first used by the Italian physician and botanist Caesalpino in 1583, and it referred to a single species - the rusty rhododendron.

The first serious attempt at systematization was made in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus, who described three evergreen and six deciduous species. Moreover, he classified evergreens as belonging to the genus Rhododendrons, and deciduous ones as belonging to the genus Azaleas. Subsequently, this division was revised many times, and today only those rhododendrons that are grown indoors are called azaleas - indoors, in greenhouses and winter gardens.

You can read more about growing rhododendrons in the books by M. Alexandrova “Rhododendrons” and I. Gorin “Journey to the Land of Rhododendrons”.

Rhododendron dense (Rhododendron impeditum)

An evergreen shrub with a cushion-shaped crown. It blooms from mid-May to mid-June, often again in late summer - early autumn. Flowers are 2.5 cm in diameter. Leaves are up to 2 cm long and are well preserved under snow. It grows very slowly.

Conditions of detention - sun, tolerates light shade. Care - regular watering is very useful. Snow serves as shelter from frost and sun; in winters with little snow, you can rake it onto the plant or cover it with spruce branches in advance. It is easy to replant, like all rhododendrons, thanks to its compact root system. Optimal size holes for planting, which are filled with the prepared mixture, 40 x 40 x 40 cm, as for all small types of rhododendrons. Usage - for rock gardens, groups of bushes. Blooms profusely and regularly.

Rhododendron is blunt(Rhododendron obtusum)

Semi-evergreen cushion shrub. It blooms in the second half of May - early June. The flowers are about 3 cm in diameter. The leaves are completely preserved under deep snow and partially dry out in winters with little snow. Hybrid varieties are called on sale “Japanese azaleas” and are even given a Latin name Azalea japonica, which is actually one of the synonyms Japanese rhododendron - of a completely different type. The varieties have the same compact habit, but a variety of colors. Winter hardiness varies: most resistant Ledicanense(light lilac), Maruschka And Melina(raspberry), Rosinetta And Babuschka(pink terry), Schneeperle(white), Satchiko(salmon), Sazava(purple). Conditions of detention - sun or light shade. Care - water regularly. Usage - good for rock gardens. It usually blooms profusely and grows slowly.

Canadian rhododendron(Rhododendron canadense)

Deciduous shrub. It blooms in early May, before the leaves bloom. Flowers up to 3 cm in diameter. Leaves are up to 5 cm long, reddish-yellow in autumn. Conditions of detention - grows by sunny areas and in light shade. Wind protection is desirable. Relatively drought-resistant and little sensitive to temporary waterlogging. Like most rhododendrons, it needs acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5), moisture-absorbing and breathable. Optimal composition: acidic high-moor peat, loamy garden soil, coniferous litter from under pine trees (spruces) 1:1:1. Care - does not need shelter. Resistant to spring bud burning. Water only in severe drought. Usage - planting in small groups, goes well with conifers.

Japanese rhododendron(Rhododendron japonicum)

Deciduous, highly branched shrub. Blooms from mid (late) May to mid June. The flowers are 6-8 cm in diameter and are usually red, orange or yellow in the natural form. The leaves are up to 10 cm long, very bright in autumn, in red, orange and yellow tones. In foreign catalogs it is usually listed among garden (deciduous) azaleas. These also include hybrid varieties involving many eastern and American species. Most popular groups KnapHill, Exbury And Mollis. These are plants up to 1.5 m tall and come in all sorts of colors. Winter hardiness varies, but is usually good. Conditions of detention - sun, light shade. Care - shade may be needed to prevent spring bud burning. This can be avoided by planting on the north side of buildings or trees. Usage - for groups of bushes.

Rhododendron Schlippenbach(Rhododendron schlippenbachii)

Deciduous, weakly branched shrub. Blooms from mid-May to early June. Flowers are 6-8 cm in diameter. Leaves are up to 10 cm long, orange-yellow in autumn. Conditions of detention - sun or partial shade. Care - shade from spring bud burns. The hassle of watering will be reduced by mulching with pine bark, which is laid in a continuous layer on black lutrasil or geotextile. Other mulch options, acid peat and pine litter, are placed directly on the ground. Sawdust, manure, and leaves are not used. Periodically, the soil is acidified with special means: colloidal sulfur, sulfuric acid solution. Fertilization with superphosphate, potassium sulfate, and ammonium sulfate promotes acidification. Usage - a completely winter-hardy species. Suitable for planting in small groups. For knocking down trees.

The place for planting rhododendrons should be protected from winds and direct sunlight, without stagnant water and with an acidic soil reaction.

These plants thrive near bodies of water where the air is humidified. Therefore, they are planted near ponds and lakes, streams and pools. If there is no water nearby, evergreen rhododendrons are sprayed once a week before flowering. But it is not advisable to pour water on flowering plants; it is better to water the bushes more often.

Azalea! - one of the varieties of rhododendron

does something like this even exist in nature?

Ledum

Rhododendron (lat. Rhododendron) is a genus of plants of the heather family. There are more than 600 species of rhododendron, growing mainly in temperate zone Northern Hemisphere. In Russia, up to 18 species are found in natural conditions, mainly in the Caucasus, Siberia and the Far East.

It is a good early spring honey plant. The bark and leaves are rich in tannins. Source: Rhododendron...

In Ukraine, in Polesie, yellow rhododendron grows, another name for which is Pontic azalea. It was first discovered in the Caucasus Mountains, where it often forms continuous thickets, sometimes occupying even rocks poorly covered with earth. Then this plant was discovered in Asia Minor. Even scientists did not know for a long time that it grows in Polesie. The local population gave the name to this plant - rubbish (if you want to check if it’s correct, try walking through the rhododendron thickets).

Azalea probably!

Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum)

Department: Angiosperms

Class: Dicotyledons

Order: Ericaceae

Family: Ericaceae

Genus: Rhododendron

Latin name

Rhododendron L.

Rhododendron (lat. Rhododendron) is a genus of plants of the heather family. There are more than 600 species of rhododendron, growing mainly in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere. In Russia, up to 18 species are found in natural conditions, mainly in the Caucasus, Siberia and the Far East.

Rhododendron is represented by shrubs or shrubs with evergreen leaves or leaves that fall in winter. Leaves are alternate, whole.

The flowers are bisexual, with a large, slightly irregular corolla of yellow, pink or purple-violet color, collected in corymbose inflorescences, less often - single or two.

The fruit is a five-leaf multi-seeded capsule that opens from top to bottom.

The seeds are rod-shaped, from 0.5 to 2 mm in length.

Rhododendron grows both singly and in groups and thickets, often in the undergrowth, and rises along mountain slopes to the alpine belt of mountains. Also grows in swamps, pigweeds and tundra. Prefers lime-free, moist but well-drained soils without stagnant moisture. Required high humidity air, slight shading by trees and shrubs.

Rhododendron grows slowly, especially in the first years. The root system is superficial, compact, consisting of numerous fibrous roots. Propagated by seeds, cuttings, layering and division.

It is a good early spring honey plant. The bark and leaves are rich in tannins.

In the Russian Far East, 11 species and 2 forms of rhododendron grow:

Golden rhododendron (Rhododendron aureum Georgi)

Rhododendron hypopitys Pojark.

Short-fruited rhododendron (Rhododendron brachycarpum D. Don)

Rhododendron parvifolium Adam

Adams rhododendron (Rhododendron adamsii Rehd.)

Rhododendron mucronulatum Turcz.

Rhododendron dauricum L.

Rhododendron sichotense Pojark.

Rhododendron tschonoskii Maxim.

Schlippenbach's rhododendron (Rhododendron schlippenbachii Maxim.)

Kamchatka rhododendron (Rhododendron camtschaticum Pall.)

Rhododendron redowskianum Maxim.

Rhododendron fauriei, pink (Rhododendron fauriei Franch.; Rhododendron brachycarpum Аuct.)

The rhododendron genus is large and diverse. It includes evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous shrubs, shrubs, and sometimes trees. Translated from Greek rhododendron means “rose tree”. But rhododendron from the heather family has nothing to do with roses from the Rosaceae family. They are connected only by the beauty of flowering and the huge variety of species and varieties.

Rhododendron flower. © Forest Wander Content:

Description of rhododendron

Rhododendron) is a genus of plants in the Ericaceae family. An extensive genus that unites about eight hundred species of evergreen, semi-deciduous and deciduous shrubs and trees.

The genus Rhododendron includes azaleas, widely known in indoor and greenhouse floriculture, classified by some taxonomists as a subgenus or section of the genus.

Rhododendrons are distributed mainly in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere, with the greatest diversity of species observed in Southern China, the Himalayas, Japan, Southeast Asia, as well as North America. They are also found in the Southern Hemisphere - in New Guinea and northeastern Australia. Plants vary greatly in size: some species reach a height of 30 m, but there are also creeping shrubs. The size of the flowers ranges from tiny to more than 20 cm in diameter.

In Russia, up to 18 species are found in natural conditions, mainly in the Caucasus (for example, yellow Rhododendron), in Siberia and the Far East.

Rhododendrons. © mozzercork

Choosing a place to plant rhododendron

Very important point– the right place to plant a rhododendron bush. Rhododendrons dictate their conditions, and they are whimsical in choosing lighting, soil and neighbors - it is not always easy to fit a new bush into an already formed plant community.

The place for planting rhododendrons should be protected from prevailing winds and direct sunlight, without stagnant water and with an acidic soil reaction.

All rhododendrons need sun, but to varying degrees. Alpine dwarfs are especially sun-loving. Most large-flowered evergreens prefer to grow in partial shade. Some tolerate periodic shading, but rhododendrons cannot tolerate constant shade - then they do not bloom at all or bloom very weakly. Pines are considered an ideal neighbor for them - there is enough light under them, and the deep root system does not interfere with the flowering shrub.

This, by the way, is another mandatory condition when planting rhododendrons - that there are no large trees with a shallow root system near the planting hole. Such as maples, lindens, alders, willows and especially birches - their roots greatly dry out and deplete the soil, and it is difficult for rhododendrons to compete with them. To protect rhododendron from underground aggression of large neighbors, the planting pit can be isolated from below and from the sides in one piece dense non-woven covering material.

Many years of experience show that these plants thrive near bodies of water where the air is humidified. Therefore, they are planted near ponds and lakes, streams and pools. If there is no water nearby, evergreen rhododendrons are sprayed once a week before flowering. But it is not advisable to pour water on flowering plants; it is better to water the bushes more often.

Rhododendron. © Clearly Ambiguous

Features of planting rhododendron

The best time to plant rhododendrons is spring. When planted in spring, plants have the opportunity to adapt well and take root in a new place. And you will have the opportunity to admire the first flowering. Plants with a closed root system (in a container) can be planted at a later date.

Planting holes are prepared in advance at the selected location. The root system of rhododendrons is quite compact, so even for tall species it is enough to dig a hole about 50 cm deep and 70-80 cm wide. The distance between plants depends on the height and diameter of the crown of the bush and averages from 0.7 to 2 m. Drainage to the bottom holes are required: a layer of broken brick and sand of 15-20 cm, if the planting hole is deep, then the drainage layer increases to 30-40 cm and includes fine gravel or crushed stone (but not limestone!).

It should be remembered that in nature, rhododendrons grow on acidic, humus-rich, loose, air- and water-permeable soils. Therefore, the garden substrate must be appropriate: a mixture of leaf soil, high peat, litter coniferous trees(3:2:1) with the addition of complete mineral fertilizer: 70 g per pit. Optimal soil acidity is 4.5-5.0.

Before planting, the rhododendron root ball removed from the pot should be well saturated with water. If it is dry, immerse it in water and wait until the release of air bubbles stops. The bush is planted in a hole filled with substrate, making sure that the root collar is not buried, but is 2-4 cm higher than the soil level, taking into account its settlement. Make a hole around the bush with raised edges and water it abundantly.

Rhododendrons have a shallow, sensitive root system (30-40 cm), which develops mainly in the litter and humus horizon. Therefore, mulching material must be poured around the planted bushes to retain moisture, prevent overheating of the soil and the growth of weeds, protect the roots from mechanical damage, and reduce the depth of soil freezing. The best mulch is pine bark or wood chips, pine litter, peat, and the mulch layer should be at least 5 cm.

Rhododendron. © brewbooks

Caring for rhododendrons

Properly planted rhododendrons take root well. If the soil substrate was made with high quality, they will not require special care.

During the hot and dry summer and even autumn months, it is necessary to ensure that the soil under the bushes does not dry out. However, don’t get carried away - excessive watering is harmful to them.

Since in the mountains these plants live in conditions of high air humidity, they usually respond very well to spraying the entire bush with leaves and flowers. Naturally, this should not be done under the scorching sun or icy water.

It is best to water with rain or river water. Water from an artesian well or water supply contains a lot of calcium and magnesium salts - in this case, the soil will begin to alkalize and become saline, and rhododendrons will lose their decorative properties. (At first, nothing seems to happen, but after 2–4 years, hard water will do its job.)

To prevent the soil substrate from becoming alkalized, the water for irrigation must be acidified - preferably with sulfuric acid. It is difficult to indicate the exact concentration of acid - it depends on the degree of water hardness. The easiest way is to use litmus indicator paper. The pH value of the water should be 3.5–4.5.

Withered inflorescences, which reduce the decorativeness of the plant, need to be broken off or carefully trimmed, preserving the axillary buds on the upper leaves. This promotes abundant growth and flowering of rhododendrons next year.

Wintering rhododendrons

Wintering is the most important stage in the life of rhododendrons. The flowering of next year depends on it.

As a rule, deciduous species winter better in the middle zone than evergreen ones. Deciduous rhododendrons such as Daurian, Japanese, yellow, Canadian, Ledebur, Schlippenbach do not need to be covered - just in case, cover only the root collar area with dry leaves or peat.

The situation is more complicated with evergreen rhododendrons. Even winter-hardy ones (Caucasian, Katevbinsky) are better grown with shelter. In winter, they do not so much freeze as they dry out - they need protection from the wind and sun. Houses made from boards and covered with roofing felt are good for this purpose.

Less winter-hardy evergreen rhododendrons will not be protected by such a shelter. They will need houses covered with porous insulating material (polypropylene foam, polyurethane foam, etc.). Fragile insulation materials (foam plastic) are unsuitable. The shelter must have a frame, otherwise the fallen snow will collapse it and break the bush.

Frosts can damage the root system of rhododendrons, both evergreen and deciduous, so it needs to be insulated first. As soon as low temperatures are established, the roots are mulched with acidic peat or a dry leaf (preferably oak) with a layer of at least 10–15 cm.

When to close and when to open bushes?

There is no need to rush with both. Light frosts (down to –10 °C) are not dangerous for rhododendrons. But if the shelter is installed too early, the root collar will begin to warm up and the plant will die. Don’t try to make it before the first snow, which sometimes falls in October. You can shovel the snow, but cover it at the optimal time - in mid-November.

You should also not open the bushes too early in the spring. Don't let the March sun tempt you. In March, the roots are still dormant in the frozen ground and cannot absorb water. If you remove the cover at this time, the tender leaves of evergreen rhododendrons will fall under the scorching rays and “burn”, dry out and turn black. It is best to remove the cover from rhododendron bushes when the soil has completely thawed and warmed up a little, and the weather on the selected day is cloudy.

Rhododendron. © Tie Guy II

Propagation of rhododendrons

Propagated by seeds and vegetatively (layering, cuttings). Wild species are usually propagated by seeds, and varieties are most often propagated by layering and cuttings.

Sowing of seeds is carried out in spring in bowls or boxes, if there are a lot of seeds; small seeds are sown on the surface of the substrate or lightly sprinkled with clean, washed sand, watered generously with water, preferably soft (rain or melted snow). Tap water is acidified by adding 3 - 4 g of oxalic acid per 10 liters of water. The boxes are covered with glass or film to maintain high humidity. A mixture of peat and sand, taken in equal quantities, is suitable as a substrate. Before filling into boxes, the soil mixture is etched with a strong solution of potassium permanganate.

At room temperature Shoots appear after 3-4 weeks, in some species - after 18 days. When the first leaves appear on the seedlings, they should be moved to a room with a lower temperature, about 8-12 °C. Then the seedlings are less damaged by diseases. In summer, boxes with seedlings can be taken out into the garden and placed in a protected place, sufficiently lit, but not directly exposed to Sun rays. Rhododendron seedlings are very small and delicate, and they should be watered through a tray, filling it with water until the entire substrate is saturated, after which the excess water is drained.

Even a single overdrying leads to the death of young plants, but you should not create a swamp, which will lead to the death of the roots. For better development seedlings must be illuminated with fluorescent lamps, placing them at a distance of 10-15 cm. Daylight hours should be 16-18 hours. On dark winter days, it is better to turn on the backlight in the morning. The first picking of seedlings is carried out in June. They are planted in boxes at a distance of 1.5 cm.

For the winter, the seedlings are returned to a warm room and kept at a temperature not exceeding 18 °C. In February-March, a second pick is made, placing the seedlings at a distance of 3-4 cm from each other. After 10 days, foliar feeding is given with humate, and in the summer - root feeding with Kemira-universal, at the rate of 2 g per 2 liters of water. In the third year after sowing, the seedlings can be planted in a nursery for growing. Already in the 3-4th year of life, some rhododendrons grown from seeds (Daurian, Canadian, Japanese and others) begin their first flowering, which is most often weak and it is recommended to remove the first flowers quickly so that the plant can retain its strength for a more abundant and long-lasting flowering in subsequent years.

Plants obtained from rooted cuttings may bloom the following year. Rooting substrate: peat and sand (1:1), or sawdust and sand (3:1), or a mixture of peat, perlite, sand (2:2:1). For cuttings, semi-lignified cuttings of rhododendrons are used. They are cut in the second half of June, the length of the cutting is 5-8 cm, an oblique cut is made at the bottom. The lower leaves on the cutting are removed, and the upper 2-3 are left completely.

The cuttings are treated with growth stimulants: indolylbutyric, indolylacetic, succinic acid in a concentration of 0.02% and kept in them for 12-16 hours; for difficult-to-root varieties, the concentration is 2-4%. Then the cuttings are immersed in the substrate obliquely at an angle of 30 ° C, pressed, watered and the box is covered with glass or film. Cuttings root better at a substrate temperature of 24-26 ° C, and the air temperature is 2 degrees lower. Required condition- high humidity of the soil and air surrounding the cuttings. Illumination of cuttings (60 W for 4-5 hours a day) speeds up the rooting process.

Deciduous rhododendrons take root after 1.5 months, evergreen ones - after 3-4.5 months. Rooting results depend on the species and variety. Daurian rhododendron roots form in 50 days. Rooting rate is 85%. Growing of rooted cuttings is carried out in containers filled with a mixture of acidic peat (2 parts) and pine needles(or decomposed pine bark) - 1 part.

Feeding 2 weeks after transplanting into containers with 2% urea. Plants are kept at a temperature of 8-12 °C. In the spring, they are planted in beds for growing or continue to be kept in containers for another 1-2 years before being planted in a permanent place in the garden.

Rhododendron. © di the huntress

Decorative uses of rhododendron

Rhododendrons look most impressive in loosely arranged groups. It is advisable to place plantings along the edges of lawns, near paths and paths. Since rhododendrons are moisture-loving plants, they are best planted near bodies of water: ponds, swimming pools, fountains, where in the summer, due to the high humidity and moderate temperature, the conditions are most favorable. There should be at least 3 plants, and at least 1 square meter should be allocated for each. m. In the absence of adult specimens, dense plantings of young ones can be used with the expectation that as they grow they will be sparse.

When creating groups, it is not recommended to mix deciduous and evergreen rhododendrons. If different species are planted nearby, then they must be selected according to height: in the center - the highest, at the edges - the lowest. Very decorative rhododendrons next to coniferous plants: spruces, pines, thujas, yews. Plants with bright colors are especially impressive against a monochromatic dark background. Evergreen trees and shrubs planted from the south, east or west protect rhododendrons from cold winds, winter drying out and spring sunburn.

Since light partial shade is preferred for the normal growth and development of rhododendrons, they can be successfully planted between large, old trees or on the north side of buildings. The territory with south side It is not recommended for planting, especially for evergreen species. In this case, the plants are more susceptible to diseases, their leaves turn yellow, growth and flowering weaken.

When placing rhododendrons in groups, you should strictly ensure that they are composed of varieties and species that are harmonious in flower color. The most decorative is the proximity of plants with purple, pink and white colors or with various contrasting shades. Rhododendrons with yellow and orange flowers look amazingly good in plantings. Soft yellow tones effectively set off brighter ones.

Rhododendrons are beautiful not only in groups, but also in solitary plantings. They are especially good on parterre lawns, but it should be taken into account that the decorative effect is maximum when using an adult (at least 10 years old), preferably tall (1.5-2.0 m) plant, otherwise it will be “lost” on the lawn. Rhododendrons are also used to create hedges and rocky hills. For rock gardens, small-flowered ones are most suitable low-growing varieties in combination with alpine species of herbaceous plants. In such plantings, rhododendrons should be planted only in groups, which gives a greater effect during flowering.

Rhododendron. © brewbooks

Diseases and pests of rhododendron

Rhododendron bug- one of the most common pests of rhododendron. The length of the insect is 3.6 mm. Leaves small discolored spots on the leaves. On the underside, the bug lays brownish eggs, which overwinter in the leaf tissues. A new generation appears in the summer.

• Control measures: spraying with diazinon.

Mealybug- a small flat pest measuring 2-4 mm. Males and females are very different from each other. Females are wingless and motionless. Males with one pair of wings, mobile. The pest produces 2-5 generations per year. It settles on leaf veins, young buds and young shoots of rhododendron, climbing into bark cracks and buds, sucking out cell sap. When massively multiplied, it causes leaf bending and plant death.

• Control measures: spraying with karbofos 3-4 times a year.

Furrow weevil, or corrugated bevel— An adult beetle, 8-10 cm long, black (juveniles are yellowish-brown), with yellow spots on thick leathery ribbed wings and a short nose. Adults are inactive, but fly. They eat the edges of leaves, sometimes eat away buds, buds and flowers, and gnaw off the bark. Larvae are 1-1.4 cm long, without legs, appearance resemble chafer larvae. They eat the bark at the root collar and the roots themselves, leading to the death of the plant. The weevil lays eggs throughout the summer. The larvae live and overwinter in the soil, and pupae form in the spring. Beetles appear in May-June.

• Control measures: plants are watered with 0.2-0.3% karbofos emulsion. At night, during the period of activity of adult individuals, they are pollinated with a 0.3% emulsion of karbofos. In June-August, spray with a 0.1-0.15% basadine solution to saturate the soil or mulch layer. Good results gives spraying with diazinon and furadan.

Spider mite- an insect up to 0.5 mm long, red, yellow or reddish-green in color. Adults have 8 legs and are very mobile. Appears on the underside of the leaf, covering it with a thin web stretched in all directions. It feeds on the sap of leaves, which turn brownish-gray and fall off.

• Control measures: spraying with agravertine, diazinon.

Asian garden beetle- wide polyphagous. Severely harms plants, eats holes irregular shape in young leaves, it often affects the entire leaf, leaving only its veins. The larvae damage the roots and stems of rhododendron.

• Control measures: spraying with diazinon.

Tillable slug— often damages the leaves of young plants, gnawing through holes. It feeds mainly at night or on cloudy days. It is dangerous because it can destroy young plants in a short time.

• Control measures: watering with 0.8% TMTD solution, collecting adult specimens.

Black thrips- is mainly a greenhouse pest, but has recently been found in open ground. Adults are small (1-1.5 mm), black. The larvae are yellow, smaller than adult insects. Pests feed on leaves, resulting in gray holes on the upper side of the leaf and black holes on the lower side. The leaves become silver-gray, turn yellow and fall off. In addition, thrips causes deformed flowers and severely stunted shoot growth.

• Control measures: spraying with 0.2-0.3% nicotine solution or 0.2% karbofos emulsion.

Narrow-winged miner moth. Young caterpillars break through tunnel-like passages, eat away the parenchyma of the leaf, covering its surface with spots, twisting the edges of the leaf into a tube for pupation. Damaged leaves dry out, crumble and fall off.

• Control measures: Plants are sprayed or fumigated with sulfur.

Mixed chlorosis. Yellow spots appear on the tips and edges of leaves. They can arise due to a lack of nutrients (nitrogen, potassium), which are relatively easily washed out of the soil during watering. Another reason may be stagnation of water at the roots. Typically, chlorosis is more pronounced in the second half of July or August, when the leaves reach normal size. Light yellow and intense yellow spots between the leaf veins occur when there is a lack of iron or magnesium in the soil, as well as when the root system is compacted, or when the soil reaction shifts towards alkaline. Sometimes this is caused by a lack of calcium (in rhododendron carolina).

• Control measures: foliar feeding with iron sulfate (7.5 g/l), magnesium sulfate (6.5 g/l).

The consequence of a lack of nutrients in the soil is red spots along the veins, leaves curling into a tube, branches drying out. With nitrogen starvation, rhododendron leaves become smaller, growth is smaller, flowering is weak; evergreen plants retain leaves on their shoots for only 2, and not 3-5 years as in nature or with normal care of plants in cultivation.

• Control measures: feeding with ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate, or potassium nitrate.

Necrosis- death of the main vein of the leaf, in which the upper side of the leaf turns brown. It can be caused by a sharp drop in air and soil temperatures (especially in insufficiently winter-hardy varieties of rhododendron).

The condition of plants may be affected strong winds, drought, high salt content in the soil, poor aeration of the substrate, mechanical damage to the roots, lack or, conversely, excess of nutrients in the soil. In each individual case, it is necessary to identify the cause and eliminate it.