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Rhododendron Koenigstein was created in 1978. Its originator is considered to be Danuta Ulioska. The shrub is slow-growing, low, frost resistance zone - 4, suitable for cultivation in most regions of Russia.
Description of rhododendron Koenigstein
Rhododendron Koenigstein is a semi-evergreen species. During flowering, the shrub is covered with small bell-shaped flowers of lilac color. Flowering is very abundant.
The height of the bush at 10 years of age does not exceed half a meter. The crown diameter is about 80 cm. The maximum height of the plant throughout its life is 1 m. The Königstein variety should not be confused with the Königsgem White rhododendron, a tall shrub with white flowers.
The leaves of the Koenigstein azalea are small, oval, leathery, dark green in color. The root system is fibrous, superficial. Rhododendron prefers acidic soil, like others and representatives of the Heather family. Its roots enter into symbiosis with fungi - mycorrhiza, which help absorb nutrients.
Winter hardiness of azalea Koenigstein
Azalea Koenigstein tolerates frosts down to -27 °C. It belongs to the semi-evergreen species - it sheds one part of its leaves in the fall and the other in the spring. An adult plant does not need shelter for the winter.
Planting and caring for rhododendron Koenigstein
Rhododendrons are easy to grow in the Moscow region. These beautiful flowering shrubs are not afraid of the winter cold if planted correctly and cared for properly. Unlike most ornamental crops, they grow well only in acidic soil. It is best to plant Koenigstein rhododendron next to conifers - low-growing decorative fir or pine trees. Plants do not need frequent feeding.
Selection and preparation of a landing site
The soil on personal plots most often has neutral acidity. This is why rhododendrons planted in ordinary garden soil do not grow. They need to prepare a special soil mixture. It includes the following components:
- loamy soil;
- sour brown peat;
- pine litter
All parts are taken in equal proportions and added to the planting hole. The size of the hole depends on the soil on the site and the age of the seedling. For two-year-old azaleas with a well-developed root system, the depth of the hole is 50 cm and the diameter is 80 cm. A drainage made of broken brick is placed at the bottom to protect the roots from stagnation of moisture. Then pour the prepared earthen mixture.
Seedling preparation
The best time to plant rhododendrons is spring. They tolerate transplantation well. It is better to choose container seedlings at garden centers.
When purchasing, it is advisable to remove the rhododendron from the pot and check the condition of its root system. The roots should tightly entangle the earthen ball and be white. The plant is transplanted into open ground from the container using the transshipment method.
Landing rules
To understand where it is best to plant the Koenigstein rhododendron, you need to take a closer look at how it grows in nature. These shrubs choose the proximity of plants with a deep root system. It will be good for rhododendron under plum, apple, pear, pine, and oak trees. It cannot be planted next to poplars, maples, spruces, and birches. A place in light partial shade, protected from the wind, is suitable.
The seedling is placed in the hole so that the root collar is flush with the soil. This will create favorable conditions for the growth of new young shoots. After planting, the soil in the tree trunk circle is watered and mulched with pine litter or pine bark. A properly planted rhododendron lives for a long time and enjoys flowering for 40-50 years.
Watering and fertilizing
For abundant flowering, Königstein rhododendrons must be fertilized once every 2-3 years with rotted compost or manure. Instead of organic matter, you can use mineral fertilizers - special fertilizers for rhododendrons. The second time potassium-phosphorus fertilizers are applied after flowering, this will help the flower buds to form for next year. The soil is acidified annually by adding 1 tsp to a bucket of water. electrolyte.
If the summer is dry, water the Koenigstein azalea as the soil dries out. Mulch will help retain moisture longer. In summer, pour a bucket of water under each adult bush 2-3 times a week. Rhododendrons like to be sprayed on the leaves after flowering.If there is not enough moisture, the leaves droop and brown spots appear along the edges, as with fungal diseases.
Trimming
After flowering ends, the wilted inflorescences are broken off. Azalea Koenigstein does not need a shaping haircut, as it grows slowly. Sanitary pruning is done after flowering, because spring flowers bloom from buds that form in the fall.
Preparing for winter
In snowy winters, adult azaleas do not need shelter. Young seedlings are covered with spruce branches in the fall for the first 3 years after planting. Water-recharging irrigation, which is carried out in October, helps to increase the winter hardiness of the Koenigstein rhododendron. After that, mulch is added to the tree trunk circle with a layer of 20 cm.
Covering the bushes in February with burlap or craft paper serves as a safety net against flower buds and leaves drying out under the sun. At this time, the roots of the plant cannot absorb moisture from the frozen ground, and the green leaves begin to actively evaporate it.
Reproduction of azalea japonica Koenigstein
Species rhododendrons are grown from seeds, and cultivated varieties, such as Japanese azalea Königstein, are grown from cuttings. 2-year-old seedlings are planted in open ground.
Cuttings are harvested at the end of May, June or July after flowering. For this, young annual shoots with a length of at least 10 cm are selected. They must be hard and woody; green branches are not suitable for rooting. Break it out with your hands, leaving a small heel of bark.
Rooting order:
- Before planting, the base of the cutting is dipped in Kornevin powder.
- For rooting, acidic peat mixed with sand is used.
- The cuttings are buried down to the leaf petioles and covered with a jar to create a greenhouse.
Rhododendrons take a very long time to take root. This process lasts for 4-6 months. Cuttings planted at the end of May will take root in September-October and bloom approximately in the 3rd year after planting in open ground.
Königstein rhododendrons reproduce well by layering. To obtain a seedling, the branch is bent to the ground, fixed and sprinkled with earth. After 2 years, the young bush is disconnected from the mother plant and transplanted to a new place.
Diseases and pests
Königstein rhododendrons hardly get sick. The key to success when growing is the correct choice of location and planting in acidic soil. If the summer is hot and the air is dry, spider mites or rhododendron bugs may settle on the bushes. For prevention, spray with tobacco infusion with the addition of soap. If there are a lot of pests, treatment with Phosfamide emulsion is effective.
For fungal diseases (root rot, rust and spotting), rhododendrons are treated with fungicides and Bordeaux mixture.
Conclusion
Rhododendron Koenigstein blooms profusely with bell-shaped lilac flowers in the spring and fits well into the landscape of a personal plot. To successfully grow the plant, you need to plant it correctly - add acidic peat and pine litter or soil for azaleas to the planting hole. In ordinary neutral soil, the Koenigstein rhododendron will get sick and soon die.
