Content
- 1 Description of Rhododendron Cunninghams White
- 2 Winter hardiness of rhododendron Cunninghams White in the Moscow region
- 3 Conditions for growing hybrid rhododendron Cunninghams White
- 4 Planting and caring for rhododendron Cunninghams White
- 5 Reproduction
- 6 Diseases and pests
- 7 Conclusion
- 8 Reviews of Rhododendron Cunninghams White
Rhododendron Cunninghams White is a variety obtained in 1850 by breeder D. Cunningham. Belongs to the Caucasian group of rhododendrons. It was one of the first to be brought to northern latitudes due to its increased winter hardiness. Suitable for growing in private areas, as well as in urban environments, as it is resistant to air pollution.
Description of Rhododendron Cunninghams White
Rhododendron Cunninghams White is an evergreen ornamental shrub belonging to the Ericaceae family. The bush grows spreading and highly branched. The crown of an adult shrub at 10 years reaches a height of 2 m and a diameter of 1.5 m.
A photo of the Cunninghams White rhododendron shows that its crown forms a dome shape. Stems are woody. The leaves are dark green, large - about 10-12 cm, elliptical in shape, leathery.
The buds form a light pink color. The flowers are white, with pale purple or brown spots on the upper petal. 7-8 flowers are formed in the inflorescence. Blooms profusely in April-May. It may bloom again in the fall, but this reduces the intensity of spring flowering. There is no aroma.
Winter hardiness of rhododendron Cunninghams White in the Moscow region
Rhododendron Cunninghams White is suitable for growing in the Moscow region. The shrub's winter hardiness zone is 5, which means it can withstand frosts down to -28... - 30° C without shelter. But in severe winters, shoots may freeze.
Conditions for growing hybrid rhododendron Cunninghams White
Rhododendron Cunninghams White is less demanding on soil acidity than other varieties of the crop. The shrub can be planted singly or in groups. The distance between individual plants is maintained from 1 to 2 m, depending on the size of the crops. The soil under the rhododendron must be mulched.
The root system of the shrub is superficial, so it is not recommended to plant it next to larger trees with a similar root system, for example, birch, oak, and willow. Dominant plants will take most of the nutrients from the soil. The Cunninghams White rhododendron is most favorable in areas adjacent to pine, spruce, and juniper trees.
Planting and caring for rhododendron Cunninghams White
Planting the Cunninghams White rhododendron in a permanent place is possible in the spring, but before the plant begins to awaken, as well as in the fall. Seedlings with a closed root system are replanted throughout the summer.The shrub does well when transplanted at any age. Young plants can be dug up, placed in large containers and brought indoors for the winter.
Selection and preparation of a landing site
The root system of rhododendron Cunninghams White is fibrous. For the plant to develop, it must be grown in loose, well-drained soil with an acidic reaction so that the thin roots can freely absorb moisture and nutrients.
The landing site should be protected from the winds and located in partial shade. In full sun, the plant will fade and dry out. The best place for planting is the northeast side or the wall of a building.
Seedling preparation
Before planting, the root system of the Cunninghams White rhododendron, together with the earthen ball, is removed from the container and inspected. Roots that have been in contact with the container for a long time die and create a felt layer, through which it is difficult for young roots located inside the coma to break through. Therefore, before planting, dead roots must be removed or the lump cut in several places.
To soften the root system, the earth ball is released into water so that it is saturated with moisture. Leave for a while until air bubbles stop rising to the surface. Before planting, the roots are straightened if possible, but the earthen ball is not completely destroyed.
Landing rules
For planting, prepare a large hole, 2-3 times larger than the earthen ball in which the seedling grew. The soil taken out of the pit is combined with an acidic substrate in a 1:1 ratio. Such a substrate may consist of pine forest litter and high red peat.
A complex mineral fertilizer or one specialized for rhododendrons is added to the soil to fill the hole. The seedling is released vertically, without being buried.
When planting a shrub, the root collar should remain 2 cm above the general soil level. Otherwise, the plant may become unviable. The soil around the planting is slightly compacted and watered from above along the crown. After planting, the tree trunk circle must be mulched with pine bark. Mulch without touching the root collar, so as not to provoke fungal infections. In hot weather, after planting, the plant is shaded.
A layer of mulch is added several times a season. The soil under the bush is not loosened or dug up, so as not to touch the root system lying close to the soil surface.
Watering and fertilizing
When growing rhododendron Cunninghams White, regular watering is necessary; the soil should not dry out. The shrub is responsive to watering by sprinkling with small drops. Do not use tap water for irrigation.
Under rhododendrons they maintain an acidic soil reaction. To do this, once a month it is watered with diluted citric acid or special solutions for rhododendrons.
Depending on the initial soil fertility, rhododendron Cunninghams White is fed 3 times during the growing season:
- Before flowering. Use instant fertilizers for rhododendrons with the addition of nitrogen in increased volumes. “Azofoska” or “Kemira universal” are also used.
- After flowering. Superphosphate is used in the amount of 30 g and 15 g of potassium sulfate with a small amount of complex fertilizers.
- At the end of summer, the plant is prepared for winter and fertilizers that lack nitrogen are used.
When using dry fertilizers, they are applied to the soil along the diameter of the bush, liquid fertilizers are poured into the center.
Trimming
The crown of the Cunninghams White rhododendron grows slowly, so the shrub does not require formative pruning. In the spring and during the growing season, sanitary inspections are carried out and broken or dead branches are removed.
To plant leaf buds, as well as flower buds for next year, wilted inflorescences are carefully twisted and removed. They cannot be cut or torn off due to the proximity of the buds and the possibility of their damage.
Preparing for winter
For successful wintering, the soil under the rhododendron is watered abundantly before the onset of frost. In the first years of planting, Cunninghams White rhododendron is covered with spruce branches and dry air shelters are constructed. To do this, burlap or other light-colored covering material is pulled over the frame.
It is difficult to cover mature, overgrown bushes. Therefore, they protect only the root system by hilling it using high-moor peat. In winter, snow is thrown over the bush, but the snow is shaken off the remaining shoots and leaves so that they do not break under its weight.
Reproduction
Rhododendron Cunninghams White is propagated vegetatively using cuttings and seeds. Cuttings are taken from an adult bush after the flowering period. For propagation, cuttings 6-8 cm long are used, a few leaves are left at the top, the rest are removed.
Cuttings take a long time to take root, so they are first kept for 15 hours in root formation stimulants. Then they are germinated in a planting container with moist sandy-peaty soil. Rooting takes 3-4 months.
Diseases and pests
Rhododendron Cunninghams White has no specific diseases or pests. With proper planting and care, it is rarely susceptible to infection.
Rhododendron may be susceptible to leaf chlorosis and fungal diseases. For prevention, in early spring the bush is sprayed with copper-containing preparations. Solutions are applied by spraying onto the top and bottom of the leaves, as well as into the soil around the bush.
Various leaf-eating and other parasitic insects are eliminated by spraying with insecticides. Acaricides are used against spider mites.
Conclusion
Rhododendron Cunninghams White is one of the oldest and time-tested varieties. Resistant to cold winters. If simple agricultural practices are followed, it becomes a long-lived flowering shrub to decorate the garden.
