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Deciduous rhododendrons are one of the varieties of lush flowering plants. They are distinguished by different configurations of sheet plates, the decorative effect of which is in any case very attractive. The second advantage of heathers is their wonderful flowers of different colors, similar to bouquets. Rhododendron Cannons Double differs from other varieties in the color scheme of its inflorescences.
Growing deciduous shrubs has its own nuances, which you should familiarize yourself with in advance. With proper care, plants develop well and decorate the site.
Description of rhododendron Cannons Double
The main parameters of flowering plants that interest gardeners are the size of the plant and its appearance. Rhododendron Cannons Double has very harmonious characteristics, thanks to which it gained recognition and popularity.
The bush is low, but spreading. An adult rhododendron reaches 1.2 m. The diameter even exceeds the height and is equal to 1.5 m. The crown is wide and straight.
The leaf blades are green with a matte surface, narrow with a wedge-shaped base. The length of one leaf is about 10 cm.
The flowers are multi-colored, double, tubular.The color varies, there are flowers in cream, pink, and yellow shades. One inflorescence contains up to 7-8 flowers, which emit a very pleasant aroma.
Cannon Double blooms very beautifully. Therefore, all costs and care activities are compensated at the time the variety blooms.
Planting and caring for rhododendron Cannons Double
The two most important points when growing a variety. The health and appearance of the rhododendron bush depends on how well they are performed. When planting, it is important to choose the right place, because rhododendron grows in one area for a very long time. Caring for the variety depends on the climatic conditions of the region, weather, and soil composition.
Selection and preparation of a landing site
A very important stage for gardeners. Rhododendron variety Cannons is whimsical to the conditions in which it grows. A location is selected on the site that meets certain parameters:
- Has good protection from direct rays of the sun and gusts of wind.
- Acidic soil without stagnant moisture.
- The absence of large trees with superficial roots in close proximity to rhododendron. For example, the roots of birch, linden, maple, and willow dry out and thin the soil. Therefore, Cannons Double will feel uncomfortable next to them.
Seedling preparation
Seedlings aged 3 years with ZKS are best suited for planting. However, one- and two-year-olds also take root well if the planting rules are followed. A plant with a lump of earth or in a container is first placed in a container of water. Once the soil is completely saturated, the seedling is ready for planting. Plants without a container are planted in spring or autumn in September.Purchased rhododendrons with ZKS can be planted during the growing season.
Landing rules
For the Cannons Double variety, prepare a planting hole 50 cm deep and 70 cm wide. When planting in groups, leave 1.5-2.0 m between seedlings.
The bottom is covered with a drainage layer. If the hole is deep, the thickness of the drainage should be increased.
Pour a 10 cm layer of soil and place the seedling. Cover with soil.
The root collar cannot be buried, otherwise the rhododendron may not bloom.
The planted plant is watered, and the hole near the trunk is mulched with a layer of 5 cm. Peat, pine needles, and leaf litter are considered good materials.
For a tall seedling, a support is prepared, which is removed after the rhododendron has taken root.
Watering and fertilizing
Care activities consist of actions familiar to gardeners. For proper development of the bush, they must be performed regularly and in a timely manner.
Proper watering allows the plant to form buds correctly. Rain or settled water must be used. Experienced gardeners advise adding a little high-moor peat a day before watering. The condition of the foliage helps determine the need to water the plant. As soon as the shine goes away and the leaf blades become dry, you need to immediately water the rhododendron. If the leaves curl up and droop, then this is a signal of overflow. One bush consumes 10-12 liters of water regularly 2-3 times a week. The Cannons Double variety really likes regular spraying, especially in the summer.
Feeding is needed at least 3 times per season. The first should be done before flowering, the second when the rhododendron fades, and the third at the end of July.For the first two, use instant fertilizer for rhododendrons or Kemiru Universal. For one plant, 20-30 g of fertilizer or 2-3 g of Kemira, diluted in 1 liter of water, is enough. Additionally, 5 g of urea is added to the solution. The third feeding is done with superphosphate (30 g) and potassium sulfate (15 g). It is important at this moment to completely eliminate nitrogen components.
Trimming
Young Cannons Double rhododendrons need pruning to give the bush a beautiful shape. To do this, pinching the shoot near the central bud is performed. If the shape of the plant is not satisfactory, then standard pruning of the stems is performed. Also remove all branches with a diameter of more than 24 cm, then treat the cuts with garden varnish. Be sure to remove the buds in the first year of life of the Cannons Double bush.
You can leave 1-2 buds to make sure the chosen variety is correct. Withered umbrellas must be pruned.
Preparing for winter
Before the soil freezes in the fall, rhododendron is watered abundantly. The branches are bent to the ground so that they are well covered with snow. The branches are first covered with spruce branches. In spring, the cover is removed gradually. First, the plant is given the opportunity to ventilate, then gradually opened in cloudy weather. In warm areas, you can cover only the root collar with peat or leaves. Deciduous rhododendrons overwinter well. The Cannons Double variety tolerates frosts down to -26 °C.
Reproduction
The deciduous variety of rhododendron is propagated by vegetative methods - by cuttings or rooting layering. Both are considered easy and give good results.
- Cuttings. Rhododendron cuttings are harvested in mid-summer. The length of each stem is 10-15 cm. The lower leaves must be removed.The cuttings are placed in Kornevin, then rooted in the queen cell, creating a greenhouse effect. Future rhododendrons overwinter in the basement, and in the spring they are planted in the ground.
- By layering. A suitable branch is lightly cut, placed in a groove, secured, and covered with peat. It is important to constantly moisten the soil. The following spring, the new rhododendron is separated from the parent bush.
Diseases and pests
If agrotechnical requirements are violated, Cannons Double may be affected by fungal infections. Treatment with copper sulfate will help with rust and leaf spot. If cancer is detected, all affected branches should be removed and burned. For prevention, rhododendron is sprayed with Bordeaux mixture in spring and autumn.
Mites (rhododendron and spider mites), thrips, scale insects, slugs are an incomplete list of parasites that can harm the plant. Insecticides are used against pests (according to instructions).
Conclusion
Rhododendron Cannons Double is a very beautiful variety of deciduous shrub. You can achieve lush flowering only by following the growing recommendations. Therefore, when choosing this variety, you should strictly adhere to the rules of planting and care.
