Want to fill the garden with a subtle smell and lush flowering - plant rhododendrons. The plant from the Mediterranean grows well in the southern regions, in the north it is rather difficult to grow. In order not to meet with such a situation, when a beautiful shrub over a winter dies, plant only winter-resistant species. Well, we'll talk about growing and caring for rhododendrons.
Planting of rhododendrons
The first step in planting this spectacular plant is to determine the place where the rhododendron will grow. Completely open sites for him are not suitable. The bushes feel most comfortable under the rays of the afternoon sun scattered by branches of trees. At the same time, the tree crown should allow enough sun for a good growth of the flower.
In addition, being a moisture-loving crop, the rhododendron does not tolerate planting in soils closely located to underground waters. To the same extent, the shrub reacts poorly to places where cold air is retained or drafts are blowing. For this reason, depressions or small ravines for planting are not suitable.
With regard to soil quality, successful cultivation of rhododendrons is possible on acidic soil with a sufficient share of peat, sand and a small part of leaf soil.
The pit under the planting is dug in advance, where then a small amount of complex fertilizers and peat are deposited. Rhododendron transplanted together with an earthen coma, pre-moistened. And the root neck should be placed at the level of the soil surface. Treading the ground around the bush, the plant is watered abundantly.
Rhododendrons - features of growing
In the summer, it is not difficult to care for a plant. The main thing is to water it in time and also spray it, if the heat is on the street. However, to the tap water the flowers are poorly treated. It is better to store the rainy or running water.
The dried buds must be removed in order to stimulate further flowering. The first feeding is carried out in the summer for 2-3 years of growth of the transplanted plant. The best option is a ready fertilizer for rhododendrons. In the autumn, the bushes are fed 30 g superphosphate and 12-15 g potassium sulfate.
In any region, care for the rhododendron includes shelter for the winter. The exception is, of course, care for rhododendron at home. Prepare for the winter produced after the first frost. Above the bush put metal or wooden supports "house", which then lay a shelter of billet or sacking.