Rhododendron Helicki: description
Content:
Rhododendron heliki is a frost-resistant plant with pink flowers. Due to its frost-resistant properties, it has gained popularity on the territory of Russia (especially the central part of the Russian Federation, the Urals).
History
Rhododendrons were first seen in Asia, parts of America. They live in mountain forests, love shade and lack of wind.
The Helliki variety was bred by Finnish scientists and is considered the best version of the breeding of this species - bright flowers, frost-resistant properties. Helliki got its name in honor of the woman who was engaged in the direct breeding of the plant.
The plant was bred in Japan
Detailed description
Helliki is slow in growth. It will be possible to fully grow it in only 2-3 years. In 8-10 years it can reach up to 2 meters in height. In this case, the roots of the plant are located very close to the surface of the earth. Therefore, care for the rhododendron must be done with extreme care so as not to damage the roots.
In addition, Helliki is a shade-loving plant, so when planting at home, it is recommended to choose a place in the shade. With prolonged exposure to the sun, the hellikki rhododendron can get burned.
Winter hardiness is high. Withstands low and high temperatures, calmly refers to temperature changes. At the same time, with sharp drops, it does not require special care. Feels normal in temperatures down to -40 ° C.
The color of the rhododendron buds is bright, it immediately attracts the eye. Shades - from pale pink to red, and in the center - a yellowish "pad".
Bright rhododendron flowers attract attention
Growing
Frost-resistant rhododendrons require several conditions for successful growth and flowering. If all conditions are followed faithfully, helliki will grow and do not require specialized care.
Rhododendron care
To care for helix you need to know:
- how to plant a rhododendron correctly: choose a place so that the street rhododendron feels comfortable, the planting conditions should be close to the natural habitat of the flower;
- how to choose the soil;
- how to water a flower so as not to accidentally overflow it with water;
- what and how to fertilize the plant;
- how to deal with pests and diseases;
How to choose a place on the site
The place on the site must be chosen based on several conditions:
- Helliki loves moisture, so the ideal place to stay is close to a body of water (pond, lake, river). If this is not possible, then in hot times it is imperative to spray the plant with water so that it does not get burned.
- Evergreen rhododendron hellikki does not like direct sunlight. If possible, plant it near a tall tree. But it is impossible to completely plant a flower in the shade, since the flowers of the helix will be small and pale.
- Plant at a distance from the roof so that in winter the snow does not fall from the roof directly onto the flower and does not damage it.
Despite the fact that rhododendrons are fairly frost-resistant varieties and have great advantages over other varieties, it is important to create suitable conditions for them.
What should be the soil
The soil should be with a high acidity content, it should be good for air to pass through. The roots of the flower are shallow, which is why the soil needs soft. When using rough, hard soil, nutrients and air will not enter. This will entail a slow death of the roots and the "aboveground" part of the plant.
Ideal soil for planting rhododendron - sour high peat
How to properly water and fertilize
Watering the flower is carried out with slightly acidified water. You can dilute water with sulfuric acid (1 ml per bucket of water - 8-10 liters) or citric acid (2-5 grams per 1 bucket of water). Watering an adult plant is recommended 2-3 times a week for 1 bucket of water.
It is recommended to water the seedling more often - up to 5 times a week - half a bucket.
As for fertilizers, the Japanese rhododendron loves humates, which must be sprayed over the top, i.e., over the leaves. Humates are sold in specialized stores. For example, potassium humate is enriched with microelements, due to which it allows Helix to get enough of the missing vitamins and minerals.
Sodium humate helps rhododendron adapt to frost and temperature extremes
The flowers of a rhododendron, which is periodically fertilized, last an order of magnitude longer than the flowers of a plant that is not fertilized with sodium humate. Humates can be added to other fertilizers as well. It is recommended to fertilize the plant 2-3 times a year.
What to do if it does not bloom
Heliki rhododendron blooms once a year, mainly in the summer season, so you don't need to wait for flowers from it at other times of the city or more often.
Rhododendron may stop blooming altogether for the following reasons:
- improperly chosen planting site: if the flower is planted in a too shaded place, the helix may stop blooming altogether, or the flowers will be small, faded;
- excess nitrogen in the soil;
- lack of moisture;
- long exposure of the flower in the sun and burns.
In order to return the ability to bloom to the rhododendron, it is recommended to do the following:
- Sprinkle the leaves of the plant to avoid burns and normalize moisture.
- Water the plant only with acidified water, since ordinary water does not contain the necessary substances for its development.
- Fertilize the flower with vitamins and minerals
- To restore normal soil microflora, use potash fertilizers.
Diseases and pests
The most common pest is the rhododendron bug.
A sign of the appearance of a parasite on a plant is black dots on the back of the leaf.
To get rid of the pest, use specialized products that can be found in gardening stores.
In order to avoid burns, it is recommended to spray the leaves of the plant with water in hot weather. Also, if the heat is on for several days in a row, increase the number of waterings up to 4 times - for an adult plant, and increase the amount of water to 1.5 buckets on average.
Prevention of various problems
Preventive measures for each flower are individual - it all depends on the region of planting, place, soil. General conditions, under which most problems can be avoided:
- The water for watering the plant must be clean; it is also advisable to rinse the buckets before watering.
- Do not pour rhododendrons with water. They, of course, love moisture, but it is important not to overdo it with watering.
- Check Helliki regularly for pests. The sooner pests are identified, the faster they can be removed without harming the flower.
- In hot weather, be sure to spray the top of the plant with water.
- Fertilize rhododendron with special fertilizers 2-3 times a year.
Hybrid rhododendron hellikki is a beautiful winter-hardy plant that can be grown in Russia.The plant's flowers are vibrant and will be eye-catching every summer if the plant is well cared for and cared for.
