Rhododendron Yakushimanis: Golden Point, Rose Wolke, Lumina, Hummingbird

Rhododendron Yakushimanis is a spectacular representative of the Ericaceae family. The plant is characterized by abundant flowering and winter hardiness. Based on this form, numerous varieties have been obtained that take root well in central Russia.

Description of Rhododendron Yakushiman

In nature, Yakushiman rhododendron grows on the southern islands of Japan at an altitude of more than 1900 m above sea level.

This plant is believed to have survived the Ice Age. This happened due to the formation of warm places on the sea coast.

In Europe, the Yakushiman species spread only in the 30s of the 20th century. The plant took first place at the Chelsea Flower Show. Since then it has been used to obtain new frost-resistant hybrids.

According to the photo and description, Yakushiman rhododendron is an evergreen shrub that reaches a height of 1 m. Its leaves are elliptical or oblong, and the widest in the middle part. The length of the leaf blade is up to 15 cm, width - 4 cm. The foliage is dark green on top, bare, with a glossy surface. On the reverse side it is light yellow and has pubescence.

Flowers bloom in inflorescences of 10 - 12 pieces. Their corollas are in the shape of a wide funnel or bell. The petals are pink with dark specks and later turn white. The diameter of the flowers is up to 6 cm. Flowering is long and abundant. The first buds bloom in May.

In September-October, seeds form in boxes. The shrub develops slowly. The maximum growth per year is 5 cm. The lifespan of the plant is up to 25 years. Its winter hardiness is high, about -29 °C.

Varieties of rhododendron yakushimanensis

Numerous varieties have been bred based on the natural form of rhododendron yakushiman. All of them have good winter hardiness and decorative properties. Hybrids are suitable for growing in the Moscow region and the middle zone.

Rhododendron Yakushimanensis Golden Point

The Golden Point variety, or Golden Torch, is a compact, low-growing shrub. Its leaves are large, leathery, elongated, up to 10 cm long.The plant produces numerous inflorescences. Pink buds with cream petals. The inside of the flowers is yellow-orange. The flowering period occurs in May-June. The winter hardiness of Golden Torch rhododendron is high, about -24 °C.

Planting and caring for the Golden Torch rhododendron involves choosing a moderately lit place. It is advisable that the bright sun does not affect the plant in the afternoon. The flower is sensitive to lack of moisture.

Rhododendron yakushimanis Bluretta

The Bluretta variety is a small shrub that produces little growth. Its crown is dense, dome-shaped. The height does not exceed 0.9 m. The width of the crop grows to 1.3 m.

The inflorescences of this variety are conical in shape. The petals are pink-violet, wavy at the edges. Flowering begins in the last ten days of May - early June. Even young plants produce buds.

The Yakushiman variety Bluretta is suitable for the middle zone. The plant can withstand frosts ranging from -23 to 18 °C. It prefers shady areas or partial shade. Drought resistance is average; moderate watering is required.

Rhododendron yakushimanis Kalinka

Rhododendron yakushimanis Kalinka is an outstanding variety that has received many awards at international exhibitions. The plant is 80 - 120 cm high, sometimes reaching 140 cm. Its crown is thickened, round in shape, grows up to 1.5 m. The roots are located in the top layer of soil. The leaves are oval or slightly elongated, leathery. The leaf plate is a rich green color on top, and lighter on the back side.

The raspberry-colored buds turn pink and purple when blooming. The flower petals are corrugated, the color is darker at the edges, and with yellow-brown spots on the inside.The flowers are collected in inflorescences and appear towards the end of May.

Rhododendron yakushimanis Brazil

Rhododendron variety Brazil is a compact bush up to 1.2 m high. Its crown is columnar. The leaves are large and shiny, dark green in color. The culture grows well in shade and partial shade. The Yakushiman variety Brazil prefers moist soils. At the same time, stagnation of water is not allowed.

The flowers are soft apricot in color with a yellow funnel-shaped spot. Petals are corrugated. The inflorescences are dense and abundant and consist of 12 - 15 flowers. Flowering begins in the first ten days of May and lasts until the end of June.

Rhododendron yakushimanis Lorelei

Lorelei is a type of Yakushiman rhododendron. The shrub is compact and has a wide oval shape. Its leaves are elliptical, dark green, pointed at the tips, with a shiny surface. An adult plant up to 0.8 m high. Frost resistance is down to -22 ° C.

The Lorelei variety blooms in May and June. Light pink buds. The edges of the petals are corrugated, with a darker border. The flowers are collected in inflorescences and bloom at the tops of the shoots.

Rhododendron Yakushimanis Lichtfaer

The Lichtfaer variety is an evergreen shrub that prefers shady areas or light partial shade. An adult plant is about 1.1 m high and up to 1.3 m wide. It looks impressive in single plantings and in combination with other varieties.

In May-June the shrub produces bright red flowers. They are formed in inflorescences of 10 - 12 pieces. Flowering begins in early May and ends at the end of the month. The edges of the petals are wavy, in the middle their color is lighter. The inflorescences are large, more than 10 cm in size.The leaves of the plant are green, oblong, slightly curled at the edges.

Rhododendron yakushimanensis Rosa Wolke

The Yakushiman variety Rose Wolke is a medium-sized evergreen shrub. An adult plant has a height of 1.2 m. It grows up to 2 m in width. The annual growth is 10 cm. The leaves are leathery, emerald in color - in the shape of an ellipse.

The buds bloom in May-June. The variety Rose Wolke produces double flowers of soft pink color. Their petals are double, with a bright red border. Flowers are collected in brushes of 6 - 15 pieces. The frost resistance of the crop is average, no more than -22 °C.

Rhododendron Yakushimanensis Lumina

The Lumina variety is an evergreen shrub that does not exceed 90 cm in height. The leaves are large, with a shiny surface. The frost resistance of the plant is increased. Its crown is spherical and compact. The leaves are elongated and leathery. The plant survives winters with cold temperatures down to -28 °C.

The flowering of the Yakushiman variety Lumina is abundant and long-lasting. Its flowers are large, 4 - 6 cm wide. The petals are pink, corrugated at the edges. Towards the end of flowering, their color fades. The first buds bloom in late May. Flowering lasts until the middle of next month.

Rhododendron Yakushimanis Mix

Variety Mix is ​​an evergreen shrub. A plant with oblong dark green leaves. The bush grows to a height of 2.2 m. The inflorescences are large, consisting of 6 - 8 flowers. The petals are dark pink, lighter in the middle. Flowering occurs in May-June.

Rhododendron yakushimanii Hummingbird

The Yakushiman variety Hummingbird is an evergreen shrub, reaching a height of 0.8 m. The crown size of an adult plant is up to 1.2 cm. Its leaves are oval, elongated, slightly convex. The length of the leaf plate is up to 10 cm.The crown is compact, spherical in shape.

The Yakushiman variety Kolibri blooms from the second half of May to the first ten days of June. The culture grows slowly, by 5 cm annually. The petals are light pink with white spots. Frost resistance of the shrub is no more than -22 °C.

Rhododendron Yakushimanensis Schneekrone

Rhododendron Schneekrone is an outstanding variety that has received many medals at international exhibitions. The plant has a round and compact shape. Its height is from 0.8 to 1 m. The shrub grows up to 1.7 m wide. The leaves are large, dark green, elongated.

The Schneekrone variety blooms from the third week of May to mid-June. The buds are soft pink, bright white in color, corrugated along the edges. There are brown spots on the upper petal. The flowers are collected in spherical inflorescences. Rhododendron Schneekrone is frost-resistant down to -25 °C.

Rhododendron yakushimanis Dreamland

A popular variety of Yakushima rhododendron. An adult bush grows in width and reaches 1.2 m. Its crown is spherical and spreading. The leaves are leathery, dark in color, up to 10 cm long. The annual growth is 8 cm. The frost resistance of the variety is -23 ° C.

Flowering of the Dreamland variety begins at the end of May and lasts until the beginning of June. Its buds are bright pink. The blooming flowers are white, with a yellowish spot. They have a strong smell and size up to 6 cm. The flowers are collected in round compact inflorescences of 6 - 12 pieces.

Rhododendron yakushimanensis Carolina Albrook

Caroline Albrook is a famous English variety valued for its early flowering. The bushes are vigorous, round in shape, up to 0.9 m high. Adult rhododendrons grow up to 1.2 m wide.Their leaves are rich green in color, elongated, with a pointed tip. The shrub can withstand cold temperatures down to -25 °C.

The variety Carolina Albrook blooms in June. The flowers are initially lilac in color and gradually change to pale purple. They have a yellowish pattern inside. Inflorescences measuring 12 cm consist of 12 - 16 flowers. Each of them measures 6 cm.

Rhododendron Yakushimansky Tatyana

The Tatyana variety is an evergreen shrub 0.8 m high. Rhododendron grows up to 1.2 m wide. The buds begin to bloom at the end of May. The hybrid is characterized by long flowering, which lasts more than one month.

The flowers of the Tatyana variety are carmine pink in color, lighter inside. The edges of the petals are wavy. The leaves are dense, dark green, leathery. The leaf blade is slightly curved. The inflorescences of the crop are spherical and appear at the ends of the shoots. The variety prefers soils with good drainage properties. The plant is sensitive to stagnant water.

Rhododendron yakushimanensis Annushka

The Annushka variety is a dense evergreen shrub, which is characterized by abundant flowering. Its leaves are large, leathery, elliptical in shape. The shrub grows up to 1 m in height and up to 1.5 m in width. Rhododendron has increased winter hardiness, amounting to -26 °C.

Hybrid Annushka blooms in late spring - early summer. The flowers are pink, lighter inside. There are dark red spots on the upper petal. The variety tolerates spring frosts well. The bush grows slowly. Its development is negatively affected by stagnation of moisture in the soil.

Rhododendron yakushimanis Isadora

The Yakushiman variety Isadora is distinguished by its unpretentiousness. At the age of 10 years it grows up to 1.5 m.The leaves on the lips are round, elongated, pointed at the tips. Frost resistance is -24 °C.

The Isadora hybrid blooms in May. Petals are lilac-pink in color. Flowers are formed in spherical inflorescences of 8 - 12 pieces. The edges of the petals are wavy, with dark red specks on the top.

Rhododendron yakushimanensis Sneezy

Rhododendron Yakushiman Sneezy is an evergreen shrub, reaching a height of 1 m. Its leaves are elongated, glossy, rich green. When blooming, the foliage is silvery-felt. The hybrid has a winter hardiness of -23 °C.

The flowers of the Sneezy variety are funnel-shaped, with corrugated edges, 6 cm in size. Their color is complex: from purple to pale pink. The upper petal has a dark red spot. The dome-shaped inflorescence consists of 15 - 16 flowers. The bush blooms abundantly, annually.

Rhododendron yakushimansky Fantastic

The Yakushiman variety Fantastica is characterized by high winter hardiness: up to -30 °C. The hybrid, up to 1.5 m high, has large flowers up to 6 cm in size, which are formed in inflorescences of 10 - 12 pieces. The buds bloom in early June. The color of the petals is light pink, with a bright border.

Rhododendron yakushimanensis Percy Weissman

The Percy Weissman variety is characterized by increased winter hardiness. The shrub tolerates cold temperatures down to -30 °C. The height of rhododendron is up to 1.5 m. Its leaves are long, dark green, leathery. The flowers are large, up to 6 cm in size, grow in inflorescences of 12 pieces. Petals of complex colors: from pale yellow to pink. The buds bloom in May-June.

Planting and caring for Yakushiman rhododendron

The key to successfully growing Yakushiman rhododendron is the right choice of planting location. Then the site and plant are prepared. During the growing season, the shrub is provided with care: watered, fed, prepared for wintering.

Selection and preparation of a landing site

Yakushiman rhododendron prefers partial shade, where there is sun only in the first half of the day. The plant is suitable for decorating the northern side of the garden, where more light-loving flowers do not take root well. The site must have protection from the wind in the form of a fence, building wall or larger bushes.

The bush develops well on peaty fresh soils, acidic or slightly acidic. The soil is constantly kept moist, but stagnant water is detrimental to the bush. Hybrids are suitable for decorating alpine slides, rocky gardens, paths and alleys. Rhododendrons of different varieties look impressive in group plantings. However, evergreen varieties are not planted next to deciduous ones.

After choosing a site, they begin to prepare it. The soil is dug up, weeds and remnants of previous crops are removed. If the soil is too heavy, coarse river sand and peat will be required. Rhododendron develops best in a substrate consisting of leaf soil, peat and coniferous forest litter.

Seedling preparation

For planting, choose Yakushiman rhododendron grown in containers. Such shrubs take root well in a new place. Before planting, they are removed from the containers. The roots are cleared of soil and placed in clean water. To improve the survival rate of the seedling, a root growth stimulator is added to the liquid.

Landing rules

Yakushiman rhododendron in the Moscow region and the middle zone is planted in the spring.They wait until the snow cover melts and the soil warms up. Plants tolerate transplantation without problems.

Planting order for Yakushiman rhododendron:

1. Dig a hole 60 cm deep and 70 cm wide.
2. Place a 15 cm thick drainage made of gravel or broken bricks at the bottom.
3. Pour the substrate into the pit with the addition of 100 g of complex mineral fertilizer.
4. Plant a bush. Do not deepen the root collar, but leave it 3 cm above the ground level.
5. Water the soil generously with acidified water.
6. Mulch the soil with peat and pine needles.

Watering and fertilizing

Yakushiman rhododendrons need regular watering. Do not allow the soil to dry out. In hot weather, 5-6 liters of water are poured under each bush. In the morning or evening, the plants are sprayed. Use warm, settled water. If it is too hard and contains a lot of salts, then a day before watering you need to place 2 - 3 handfuls of peat in the barrel.

Mulching helps retain moisture in the soil. Peat, moss and pine needles are poured into the tree trunk circle. Weeds are regularly weeded under the rhododendron. After watering, lightly loosen the soil. Plant roots are located close to the surface of the earth, so it is important not to damage them.

Yakushiman rhododendron is fed every 2 - 3 years. In spring, a nutrient mixture in the form of rotted manure is added to the soil. Plants benefit from mineral fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Purchase ready-made formulations or mix ammonium sulfate, superphosphate and potassium sulfate in a 2:1:1 ratio. After flowering, only potassium and phosphorus fertilizers are used.For young plantings, the dose of fertilizer is reduced.

Trimming

Yakushiman rhododendron does not require regular pruning. The crown of the bush is formed naturally. For the plant, it is enough to carry out sanitary pruning. In spring and autumn, rhododendron is inspected and dry, frozen, broken shoots are identified. They are removed using pruning shears. The procedure is carried out when the plant is at rest in order to injure it less.

Preparing for winter

Even cold-resistant varieties of rhododendron need to be prepared for winter. While the soil is not frozen, the plants are watered abundantly. Then they are covered with dry leaves and spruce branches. If a cold winter is expected, the shrubs will require additional insulation. A frame is built above them and agrofibre or kraft paper is attached to it.

In spring, the shelter is removed at the end of March - beginning of April. To prevent the leaves of the Yakushiman rhododendron from being damaged by the bright sun, the spruce branches are not removed at first. Otherwise, the bush will get burned.

Reproduction

Natural forms of Yakushiman rhododendron are propagated by seeds. They are harvested at the end of September - October. In the spring, the seeds are planted in boxes filled with a substrate of peat and sand. The material is not deepened, but distributed over the surface. Sprinkle a thin layer of sand on top and water generously. The boxes are covered with glass and kept warm. Shoots appear in 18 - 20 days.

Yakushiman rhododendron entrances react acutely to lack of moisture. Plants are protected from bright sun and watered regularly. The duration of daylight should be at least 16 hours. In June, seedlings dive into separate containers. In the summer they are kept outside, and in the fall they are moved indoors.Rhododendron is planted in a permanent place only in the 3rd year, when the seedlings are sufficiently strong.

Rhododendron cuttings are collected in the summer. For this purpose, half-lignified shoots 8-10 cm long are cut off. They are rooted in a container filled with sand and peat. The root system is formed within 30 - 45 days. Then the cuttings are transferred to containers with nutrient soil. They are regularly watered and fed with mineral complexes. Rhododendron is planted in open ground in the 3rd year.

Diseases and pests

If agricultural practices are violated, Yakushiman rhododendron may be susceptible to diseases and pests. With high soil moisture, signs of fungal diseases appear on plants: dark or gray spots. Bordeaux mixture, the drug Fundazol, and copper oxychloride help fight lesions. The shrub is sprayed leaf by leaf.

Yakushiman rhododendron attracts scale insects, weevils, spider mites, and slugs. Pests feed on the above-ground parts of plants, slow down their development and worsen their decorative appearance. The insecticides Iskra, Actellik, and Karbofos are used against insects. A working solution is prepared for spraying. If necessary, re-treatment is carried out after 1 - 2 weeks.

Conclusion

Rhododendron Yakushimanis is grown far beyond Japan. The shrub has a decorative appearance and fits well into the landscape design of the garden. To grow rhododendron, choose a suitable place on the site. During the growing season it requires watering and fertilizing.

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