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Rhododendron Hague is a hybrid that has become widespread due to its decorative appearance and winter hardiness. To grow this variety, choose a suitable place, prepare a plot and a seedling. During the growing season, shrubs require certain care
Description of Rhododendron Hague
The Hague variety is an evergreen hybrid rhododendron that belongs to the Finnish series. Specialists from the University of Helsington and the Mustila Arboretum worked on it. By 1973, several winter-hardy hybrids had been developed. Among them was the Hague variety.
Rhododendron Hague is a bush with a regularly shaped crown. In 10 years, the plant reaches a height of 1.5 m. The crown is dense, pyramidal or round. The bark is gray, smooth. Vegetative buds reach a length of 50 mm, they are pointed, scaly, green-yellow in color.
Rhododendron leaves are dark green, simple, alternate. The length of the leaf plate is 7.5 cm, width - 5 cm. Petiole - up to 5 cm in size. The Hague variety produces pink flowers, collected in inflorescences of 8 - 12 pieces.There are reddish spots on the inside of the petals. The length of the flowers is up to 6 cm, width - up to 1.5 cm. After flowering in the fall, light green fruits 2 - 4 cm long ripen.
The Hague variety begins to bloom at a young age. In southern Finland the flowers bloom in mid-June. In northern latitudes, the buds swell later. Flowering time is from 2 to 3 weeks.
Rhododendron Hague in the photo:
Winter hardiness of rhododendron Hague
The Hague variety is characterized by increased winter hardiness. Plants can withstand temperatures as low as -36 °C. The hybrid is well adapted to Russian conditions. It is planted in the middle zone, in the northwest and colder regions.
Conditions for growing hybrid rhododendron The Hague
To grow rhododendron variety Hague, it is necessary to provide it with a number of conditions. The plant requires a certain microclimate, which includes lighting, air and soil humidity, and soil composition.
Conditions for successfully growing rhododendron Hague:
- diffused sunlight or partial shade;
- protection from cold wind;
- acidic fertile soil rich in humus;
- supply of fertilizers;
- soil moisture.
Rhododendron is ideal for decorating shady areas of the garden. The plant gets along well next to evergreens and ornamental shrubs. Buildings, fences and large trees provide protection from the wind.
The shrub develops best on loamy and sandy soils. Permissible acidity is from 4.5 to 6.5. The soil must be well-permeable to moisture and air.
Planting and caring for rhododendron The Hague
Compliance with planting rules is one of the conditions for successfully growing Hague rhododendron. They start by choosing a suitable area where the plant will be as comfortable as possible. If necessary, improve the soil composition. Then planting material is selected.
Selection and preparation of a landing site
Rhododendron variety Hague is not recommended to be planted in lowlands. In such areas, moisture and cold air often accumulate, which is detrimental to the bush. If a place is chosen on a hill, then the wind rose and the intensity of the sun's rays are assessed.
Good places for the Hague rhododendron are under the shade of coniferous and deciduous trees, next to streams, artificial ponds and fountains. The plant is suitable for single and group planting. The ideal option is clearings surrounded by trees, sparse pine forests, northern areas of the garden, where the sun appears only in the morning and afternoon.
If you plan to plant several different varieties, then it is better not to place evergreen and deciduous varieties next to each other. In addition, rhododendron is not planted next to maple, chestnut, poplar, elm, linden, and alder. In these trees, the root system is located in the upper layers of the soil and takes up a lot of nutrients. The best neighbors will be pines, spruces, larches, and oaks.
Preparing a site for the Hague variety begins with digging up the soil. Be sure to remove the remains of previous plants, weeds, stones and other debris. If the soil is sandy and does not retain moisture well, then add a little clay and peat. Humus and coarse river sand are added to dense clay soil.
Seedling preparation
Hague rhododendron seedlings tolerate transplantation well. Their root system is located in the top layer of the earth and does not penetrate deeply.For growing in the garden plot, seedlings are purchased from trusted suppliers. Bushes grown in containers take root best.
Before purchasing, the plant is carefully inspected. Select specimens without cracks, mold or other damage. If it is possible to inspect the root system, then you should also evaluate its appearance. There should be no growths, soft or rotten areas on the roots.
Before planting, the Hague variety seedling is removed from the container. The root system is immersed in water for 3 - 4 hours. During this time, it will be well saturated with moisture. If work is carried out in the spring, then you can add 2 - 3 drops of a root growth stimulator.
Landing rules
Rhododendron variety Hague is planted in the spring. Choose a time when the soil is well warmed up and frosts have passed. In nature, these evergreen shrubs grow on acidic soils saturated with humus. Therefore, a substrate is prepared that meets these requirements.
The procedure for planting rhododendron variety Hague:
- A hole 70 cm wide and 60 cm deep is dug in the area.
- If the soil is heavy, broken brick or crushed stone is placed at the bottom. The thickness of the drainage layer is 15 cm.
- Then they move on to preparing the substrate. Take turf soil, high peat and coniferous litter in a ratio of 3:2:1. The components are thoroughly mixed.
- The substrate is poured into the pit.
- Rhododendron is planted at the same depth as in a container. The root collar is not covered, otherwise the plant will die.
- A hole is made around the bush and more soil is poured around the edges.
- The Hague variety seedling is well watered.
- A mulching layer of peat or pine needles 8 cm thick is poured under the plant.
Watering and fertilizing
Rhododendrons are sensitive to lack of moisture. Watering is especially important during the budding period. Their lack negatively affects flowering and shoot growth. The first signs of lack of water are drooping leaves, curled into a tube. In this case, the rhododendron is watered abundantly.
It is best to use soft rain moisture for watering. Hard water contains a lot of calcium, which alkalizes the soil. To soften it, add 2-3 handfuls of high-moor peat to the container.
If the planting rules are followed, the Hague rhododendron does not need feeding. However, the supply of minerals will speed up flowering and make it more abundant. The first feeding is carried out in May. It is best to choose ready-made mineral complexes for shrubs: Absolut, Forte, Farmland. They come in liquid or granule form.
During the season, rhododendron of the Hague variety needs 2 - 3 feedings. The last time fertilizer is applied is in July. At the same time, substances containing lime and chlorine are avoided. Quail manure is suitable for shrubs as an organic fertilizer. It is applied in autumn or spring on top of the soil.
Trimming
According to the photo and description, the Hague rhododendron is growing slowly. For shrubs, sanitary pruning is carried out. In spring and autumn it is inspected, dry, broken, frozen shoots are removed. If the rhododendron grows too much, you can cut out the extra shoots. The procedure is carried out before or after the start of sap flow, so as not to injure the plant.
To rejuvenate an old bush, its shoots are pruned annually by 15 cm. This stimulates the growth of new strong branches. All cut areas are treated with a special paste.
Preparing for winter
It is recommended to cover young rhododendron variety Hague for the winter in the first years after planting.The plant is watered abundantly before frost arrives. Then it is covered with dry oak leaves and spruce branches.
In cold climates, rhododendron is insulated using non-woven fabric, which is attached to the frame. The shelter is removed at the end of March or beginning of April. However, you should leave the spruce branches so that the plant does not suffer from sunburn.
Reproduction
For the Hague rhododendron, vegetative propagation methods are used. New plants are obtained using cuttings or layering. If you collect and plant seeds, this does not guarantee the preservation of flower color and decorative properties of the resulting seedlings.
For cuttings in July, choose strong, half-lignified branches. They are cut to a length of 8 cm and placed in a growth stimulator solution for 15 hours. Then the cuttings are transplanted into a substrate consisting of peat and sand. They are covered with polyethylene or a glass jar on top. Rooting occurs in high humidity and warmth. In cuttings, the root system appears after 3 - 4 months.
To propagate rhododendron by layering, select several strong shoots. They are lowered into the prepared holes and secured with staples. Then the branches are covered with earth and a 20 cm long top is left on the surface. The cuttings are watered and fed throughout the season. New branches appear from the eyes of the shoots. New shoots are planted from the mother bush after 2 years.
Diseases and pests
If agricultural practices are violated, the Hague rhododendron becomes susceptible to fungal diseases. Dark spots appear on the leaves and stems and gradually spread.The main reasons for the appearance of fungus are excess moisture in the air, poor soil aeration, and excessive watering.
Medicines containing copper help fight diseases. This includes Fundazol, copper oxychloride, Bordeaux mixture. Plants are sprayed on a cloudy day or in the evening. If necessary, re-treatment is performed after a week.
Rhododendron is susceptible to attack by weevils, spider mites, false scale insects and other pests. They feed on the sap of the bush, which inhibits its development and spoils its decorative appearance. To protect the Hague variety from insects, Iskra, Actellik, and Karbofos are used.
Conclusion
Rhododendron Hague is an excellent option for growing even in cold climates. The plant has a decorative appearance, is unpretentious, and tolerates harsh winters. To grow rhododendron, you need to allocate a suitable place on the site. Caring for the Hague variety includes watering, fertilizing, and preparing for wintering.
