Content
Canadian rhododendron, a frost-resistant and unpretentious shrub, with its characteristics is suitable for growing in the middle zone and more severe climates. The homeland of the ornamental plant is moist, swampy areas of coniferous and mixed forests in the northeast of the American continent. Flowers of the Canadian species are often compared to fluttering moths.
Description of Canadian rhododendron
The bush of this type of deciduous rhododendron is not tall, grows to a maximum of 1 m, on average it rises to 30-70 cm. Low growth is a sign of the northern origin of the ornamental crop, which has to winter under the snow. The Canadian species tolerates frosts of 34 °C. The compact and dense crown of rhododendron from winding branches spreads up to 70-100 cm in diameter. The plant is densely branched, young shoots are reddish in color, old shoots are gray-brown. Over the course of a year, the growth of thin, but flexible and strong branches is 6-8 cm. The root system of Canadian rhododendron usually occupies the perimeter of the trunk circle, deepening up to 40 cm.
Elliptical narrow leaves are dark green with a bluish tint.Short but densely pubescent leaf blades of Canadian rhododendron are 5 cm long and 2 cm wide. The leaf tip is pointed. In autumn, the color of the leaves of the decorative Canadian species changes to yellow-red.
The two-lipped corolla of the Canadian rhododendron has three petals with a diameter of 2-2.5 cm. It consists of strongly separated narrow parts, which creates the impression of an elegant and graceful airiness of the flower. Buds of 3-8 pieces, tightly collected in inflorescences 5-8 cm wide, do not smell. Petals are pink-purple, hybrid forms with different shades of pink, white, cream. The fluffiness of the inflorescence of the Canadian species is given by numerous long stamens. The unpretentious Canadian rhododendron blooms in the second ten days of April or early May, when the leaves have not yet blossomed. The rose bush attracts everyone's attention at the beginning of spring. Flowering lasts up to two to three weeks.
Varieties of Canadian rhododendron
In addition to the usual pink color of the Canadian species, shrubs with white petals, whose corolla structure is identical, are widespread. Based on the hardy rhododendron, American breeders have created many varieties with different colors - from purple and pink to white, yellow or orange. Hybrids of Canadian rhododendron from the USA Rosy Lights, Golden Lights, Mandarin Lights and others have fragrant flowers, grow quickly and begin to bloom earlier than the mother species.New varieties have larger leaves and a more spreading crown. Flowering occurs in May-June. In domestic nurseries, these forms of the Canadian species are extremely rare.
Some online garden plant stores offer Canadian rhododendron Violetta as a product from Finland. The petals of the variety are dull purple in color. The hybrid was bred in the Czech Republic on the basis of dense and blushing rhododendrons, and belongs to the evergreen species. The complex Czech hybrid Violetta, like some other varieties of the same origin, were tested by Moscow scientists and recommended for cultivation in the country.
Planting and caring for Canadian rhododendron
Like most shrubs, Canada seedlings are best moved in early fall or spring, as soon as the soil can be dug.
Selection and preparation of a landing site
The species of northern origin is sometimes placed in wetlands or with high groundwater. The plant is sun-loving and tolerates partial shade. To maintain the decorative appearance of the bush, choose a windless area. The successful development of Canadian rhododendron requires careful preparation of the required substrate. The prepared pit is filled with soil with a slightly acidic reaction - pH 5-6.4:
- 1 part of land from a coniferous forest or turfy loamy soil;
- 2 parts of high-moor, acidic peat;
- 1 part sand;
- 1 part leaf compost.
Seedling preparation
Most often, young plants are purchased from nurseries; they are usually planted in containers.By placing the container with the rhododendron in a large container of water so that the roots can be easily removed, the earthen lump is destroyed. The roots of the seedling are straightened and placed in water before planting.
Landing rules
When planting a Canadian species, follow the recommendations:
- a hole for a small bush is dug with a diameter of 50 cm to a depth of 30 cm;
- the distance between the bushes is 30-40 cm, since in group planting the Canadian species is more decorative;
- a drainage layer is placed in a low-lying area;
- the seedling is placed on the substrate so that the root collar is above the surface;
- the tree trunk circle is mulched with leafy forest humus, peat or pine needles.
Watering and fertilizing
Northern rhododendron prefers moist soil, although it will tolerate short dry spells. In the middle zone, a seedling is watered; an adult bush does without watering, except for a long drought. For rhododendron, water is stored - rain or river. In wells and wells, the water is often alkaline, which will harm the acidophyte. Regularly, after 2-3 years, water with acidified water mixed with:
- sulfuric acid from batteries;
- citric acid;
- vinegar.
The bushes are fed with special mineral complexes for coniferous plants only until the end of June. Humus and other organic matter are not recommended. Prepare special compost from pine needles and leaves for mulching in spring and autumn. Mulch from forest plant residues plays a dual role for rhododendrons:
- retains moisture in the upper layer of soil, where thin root shoots are located;
- is a natural fertilizer, enriching the soil with elements necessary for nutrition.
The tree trunk circle is not dug up to preserve mycorrhiza.
Trimming
The compact and dense crown is not pruned; only damaged and broken branches are removed.If desired, the rhododendron is slightly shaped. Such work is carried out in early spring. Sanitary pruning is possible in early autumn and spring.
Preparing for winter
In the fall, replenish the layer of mulch: peat, compost from leaves and pine needles, pine sawdust. Shelter for Canadian rhododendron is not required. The buds do not fade under the sun. The shrub can suffer only after early warming in February and March, after which frosts are possible. Flower buds will begin to develop, then freeze.
Reproduction
Wild plants are propagated by seeds, varieties - by layering. Seeds are sown freshly collected, in the snow, in November-December. For the substrate, they buy special soil for azaleas, which is mixed with sand, and snow is poured on top. Seedlings appear at the end of winter and are provided with lighting. Plants are kept in containers for 2 years. After six months, they are planted in another common container, keeping an interval of up to 2 cm. The second transplant is carried out next spring, placed at a distance of 4 cm. After a year, the seedlings are transferred to the nursery. Young plants bloom late - at 5-7 years of development.
For layering, the lower branch is dug in, the top is left above the ground. The bark from the deepened area of the shoot is slightly torn off, and the branch is secured with a staple. Make sure the soil is constantly moist. The sprouts are moved to a new location only after a year.
Cuttings are carried out in June and planted in a substrate of peat and sand. Rooting occurs in 45-50 days. Up to 85% of cuttings take root.
Diseases and pests
Canadian rhododendron is rarely affected by fungal diseases. If an infection is determined, fungicides are used:
- "Skor";
- "Topaz" or others.
Leaves can be damaged by leaf-eating insects. When they are highly active, insecticides are used.
Conclusion
Canadian rhododendron is planted as a tapeworm on lawns, with 3-4 miniature bushes placed for greater effect. The decorative appearance of the low plant will be ensured by the bluish-blue leaves throughout the warm season, and in May, graceful buds will bloom.
