Content
- 1 Description of Caucasian rhododendron
- 2 Varieties of Caucasian rhododendron
- 3 Medicinal properties of Caucasian rhododendron
- 4 Methods for harvesting Caucasian rhododendron
- 5 How to brew Caucasian rhododendron
- 6 Application of Caucasian rhododendron
- 7 Contraindications to Caucasian rhododendron
- 8 Planting and caring for Caucasian rhododendron
- 9 How to plant Caucasian rhododendron in a flowerbed
- 10 When does rhododendron bloom in the Caucasus?
- 11 Conclusion
Caucasian rhododendron is a beautiful evergreen shrub that has beneficial properties. In the middle zone, the plant is only gaining popularity. Successful cultivation depends on the quality of the soil, planting location and care.
Description of Caucasian rhododendron
Caucasian rhododendron is an evergreen plant of the Ericaceae family of the Rhododendron genus. Found naturally in the Lesser and Greater Caucasus. Forms extensive thickets next to snow-covered fields. It lives at altitudes from 1600 to 3000 above sea level.
It has been cultivated since the beginning of the 19th century. Well adapted to the conditions of the middle zone. It is planted on the territory of European Russia, including in the North-Western region. Many species of Caucasian rhododendron are listed in the Red Book.
A shrub with a usual height of 50 - 60 cm sometimes reaches 1 - 2 m. The branches are recumbent, with dark bark.The leaves are oval-shaped, oblong, leathery, pointed at the ends. The leaf blade is dark green on top and covered with short red hairs on the bottom. Leaves length is up to 10 cm.
The flowers are funnel-shaped and resemble bells, up to 4 cm in size, color - from whitish to pink, with a light, pleasant aroma. The flowers are collected in umbrella-shaped inflorescences. There are greenish spots inside. Pedicels and calyxes are covered with red hairs. After flowering, a box up to 3 cm long is formed.
Caucasian rhododendron in the photo:
Varieties of Caucasian rhododendron
Depending on the color of the flowers, there are several varieties of rhododendron:
- Cunninghams White. The variety was bred at the end of the 19th century. This is a winter-hardy and unpretentious plant up to 2 m high. The crown diameter is up to 1.5 m. The culture is not demanding on soil acidity and does not suffer from urban pollution. The flowers are white, with lilac specks on the upper petal. Flowering occurs in early June;
- Riga white. The plant is up to 70 cm high. In spring it produces snow-white flowers, which is how the variety got its name. Grows in parks and the botanical garden of Riga;
- Straw yellow. Shrub up to 1.5 m high and up to 3 m wide. Found in mountainous areas. The flowers are bell-shaped with a diameter of 4 - 6 cm. The flowers are yellow in color, collected in inflorescences of 8 - 12 pieces;
- Rosea Alba. A decorative form characterized by early flowering. Produces beautiful pinkish-white flowers.
Medicinal properties of Caucasian rhododendron
The leaves of Caucasian rhododendron have healing properties. They contain acids, essential oils, tannins, rhododendrin, vitamin C, and tannins. The roots of the plant contain substances that burn fat.
Treatment with Caucasian rhododendron is carried out under the supervision of a doctor. The specialist will conduct an examination and prescribe the required dose. At high concentrations, intake leads to intoxication and worsens health.
The effect of Caucasian rhododendron on the body is as follows:
- increases sweating, removes toxins and other harmful substances;
- normalizes body temperature, relieves fever during colds;
- removes cholesterol from the blood;
- calms the nervous system;
- burns fat and helps you lose weight;
- diuretic effect helps relieve swelling;
- prevents the growth of harmful bacteria;
- increases blood flow and contraction of the heart muscle;
- reduces venous pressure;
- benefits for rheumatism, colitis, epilepsy.
Effective remedies against poisoning by mercury and other toxic substances are obtained from Caucasian varieties. The drugs relieve headaches and restore mucous membranes. Aqueous extracts are used to rinse for diseases of the oral cavity.
An infusion of leaves is used for infertility and uterine erosion in women. The medicinal properties of Caucasian rhododendron for men are to relieve inflammation in the prostate gland.
Methods for harvesting Caucasian rhododendron
In order for plants to bring maximum benefit to the body, it is important to properly prepare the raw materials. Leaves are cut during the flowering period from bushes older than 2 years. To do this, use sharp scissors or pruning shears. For work, choose the morning or evening period.
The collected leaves are dried outdoors or indoors.Be sure to choose a place in the shade, protected from direct sunlight. The collected raw materials are laid out on paper or clean cloth. The leaves are kept until completely dry. The mass is stirred periodically.
When the raw material becomes more brittle and brittle, it is removed for storage. Dried leaves are kept at room temperature, protected from sunlight and high humidity. It is best to place the mixture in a container and close the lid. The storage period is up to 2 years.
How to brew Caucasian rhododendron
Caucasian rhododendron tea relieves sore throat due to colds. The drink strengthens the immune system, calms the nervous system, and relieves insomnia. It is also used for gargling.
The procedure for preparing tea from Caucasian rhododendron:
- Pour boiling water over the teapot.
- Place 1 tbsp on the bottom. l. dried leaves.
- Add 1 cup of boiling water.
- Close the teapot with a lid and leave for 15 minutes.
- Strain the infusion.
Prepared tea is taken daily, 1/3 cup. Add lemon, honey or sugar to taste. The plant goes well with other herbs: oregano, thyme, mint, sweet clover, lungwort, sage, fireweed. The course of taking this tea is 2 - 4 weeks, after which they take a break for 2 weeks.
Application of Caucasian rhododendron
In order for Caucasian rhododendron to have a therapeutic effect, it is important to choose the right method of application. Most often, a decoction or alcohol tincture is prepared from the plant.
A decoction of the leaves normalizes the nervous system and alleviates symptoms of diseases of bones and connective tissue. The course of treatment is at least a month.
Procedure for preparing the decoction:
- 5 g of dried leaves pour 1 liter of water.
- Bring the liquid to a boil for 5 - 8 minutes.
- Remove the container from the stove and leave the broth to steep for 30 minutes.
The product is taken three times a day, 50 ml. The broth is stored in the refrigerator. It is best to prepare fresh product at least once a week.
Another way to use Caucasian rhododendron is as a tincture. Prepare it yourself or purchase a ready-made product at the pharmacy. The course of treatment is from one to two months, after which they take a break for a month. The drug lowers blood pressure and normalizes sleep.
Instructions for preparing the tincture:
- Measure out 20 g of dry leaves and pour 200 ml of vodka into them.
- The mass is mixed well and kept in a place protected from sunlight.
- After 2 weeks, the product is filtered.
- The resulting tincture is stored in a cool, dark place.
Contraindications to Caucasian rhododendron
The herb Caucasian rhododendron has a number of contraindications:
- pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- kidney diseases;
- individual intolerance;
- low pressure;
- age up to 10 years;
- kidney diseases;
- tissue necrosis.
Planting and caring for Caucasian rhododendron
Mountain Caucasian rhododendron develops well in the conditions of the middle zone. The plant prefers shady areas with moist soil. The shrub does not freeze at temperatures down to -29 °C. The optimal substrate is leaf soil, peat and coniferous litter in a ratio of 3:2:1.
Rhododendron is planted in the spring. It is better to prepare the planting hole in the fall so that the soil shrinks. The plant is removed at least 70 cm from other shrubs and trees.
Planting procedure:
- A hole 70 cm wide and 50 cm deep is dug in the area.
- Sand and broken bricks are placed at the bottom in a layer of 20 cm.
- The hole is filled with substrate to form a small mound.
- A seedling is placed on top. Its roots are covered with soil.
- Rhododendron is watered abundantly.
- A mulching layer up to 8 cm thick is poured into the tree trunk circle.
In the future, the rhododendron is provided with good care: watering, fertilizing, weeding weed. The plant requires abundant watering. Water is applied at the root at least 2-3 times a week. The moisture requirement per plant is up to 10 liters.
Rhododendron is fertilized 2 - 3 times per season. In spring, rotted manure is applied under the bushes. Before and after flowering, use any fertilizer containing phosphorus and potassium. Compounds containing lime and chlorine should be avoided.
For the winter, young Caucasian rhododendron plants are covered with spruce branches. Just also agrofibre and other non-woven materials. They are mounted on a wooden frame. Winter watering and mulching the soil with humus protect well from frost. At the end of March, the shelter is removed, but the spruce branches are left. This will help prevent sunburn on the leaves.
How to plant Caucasian rhododendron in a flowerbed
Caucasian rhododendron prefers damp, dark places. The plant is used in group and single plantings. Select areas with moist soil. An excellent option is planting next to ponds and streams, under ornamental shrubs, spruce, pine and other trees. The plant will help fill the northern side of the site next to the walls of houses and fences.
Rhododendrons planted in groups look impressive. They are located along lawns, paths and alleys.When planting, take into account color compatibility. It is best to combine varieties with white, pink and purple inflorescences.
Rhododendrons produce beautiful solitaire compositions. The tall shrub stands out against the green lawn. The plant is also used to create rocky hills and hedges. Its combination with other alpine herbs is very impressive.
When does rhododendron bloom in the Caucasus?
Rhododendrons in the Caucasus Mountains bloom from late spring to early summer. The first buds appear on plants older than 12 years. Flowering in natural conditions lasts from mid-May to the first ten days of July. Sometimes the shrub re-produces inflorescences in mid-October. Repeated flowering is not annual.
Conclusion
Caucasian rhododendron is a beautiful and useful plant. There are several varieties of this shrub based on the type of flowers. Its beneficial properties are used in medicine. To grow rhododendron, it is important to prepare the site and provide the plant with further care.
