Rhododendron Katevbinsky Grandiflorum

Rhododendron Katevba is one of the most beautiful species, for its lush flowering the bush is popularly called the "rose tree". In addition to external beauty, flowers emit a light, delicate aroma.

Homeland of the plant

Rhododendron Katevbinsky appeared in Europe in 1809, brought it from North America. It was one of the first introduced species, which spread very quickly due to its unpretentiousness and winter hardiness.

Shrub in full size

In nature, rhododendron can be found in North America, in particular, in its eastern part, in the Allegheny Mountains. Shrubs form entire fields in open areas or grow in groups among forests. Emerald green specimens are also common in Japan.

The flower came to Latvia in the middle of the 19th century, in the climatic conditions of the Baltic States, the rhododendron blooms and bears fruit abundantly. Due to the ability of the shrub to endure frosts down to -30 ° C, it can be found in the Far East and Kamchatka.

Botanical Description of Rhododendron Grandiflorum

Rhododendron Katevbinsky (lat.Rhododéndron Catawbiense) is a type of evergreen shrub, the life of which reaches 100 years.

Under suitable growing conditions, it can reach a height of 2 to 4 m, the plant is wider than in height. By the age of 10 it reaches 1.5 m in height, adding 10 cm per year.

While the plant is young, its shoots have a felt surface, over time they become smooth. The leaves are oblong, at the ends can be both blunt and sharp, the maximum length is 15 cm, width is 5 cm. The upper part of the leaf is dark green, has 16 pairs of veins, the lower one is pale bare.

The most popular varieties:

• Cataubiens Grandiflorum (Rhododendron Catawbiense Grandiflorum);
• Album novum (Rhododendron Catawbiense Album Novum);
• Roseum elegance (Rhododendron Catawbiense Roseum Eleganсe);
• Purpureum (Rhododendron Purpureum Grandiflorum).

In the description of the rhododendron Catawbiense Grandiflorum, it is said that this is the oldest and most popular hybrid variety, which was obtained from a wild plant in the early 19th century. The crown reaches 3.5 m in diameter, the flowers are lilac with yellow and orange specks.

Flowering of the Katevbin rhododendron

Growers are not just so fond of the large-flowered rhododendron Catawbiense Grandiflorum. It is highly decorative all year round. Until the shrub blooms, it attracts the eye with bright, large, smooth leaves.

Flowering lasts only a month. Each inflorescence consists of 15-20 flowers. Inflorescences are bell-shaped and broad-funnel-shaped, reaching a diameter of 15 cm. Each flower is a bell and can be white, yellow, purple, red, purple or lilac.

For flowering to be spectacular and bright, the shrub must be watered and fed abundantly before and after this period. Thus, the plant will be saturated with nutrients and will not be depleted.

Rhododendron leaves close up

Breeding features

At home, rhododendron reproduces by layering and cuttings.

Cuttings are cut in early summer. Each branch up to 15 cm long is cut at an angle of 45 °, the lower leaves are removed, and the cuttings themselves are placed in a root formation stimulator for a day. After that, each shoot is planted in a fertile acidic substrate for rhododendrons and a greenhouse is made. Rooting will occur in about a month.

Reproduction scheme by cuttings

An easier way is to propagate by layering. To do this, the lower branches are tilted to the ground and sprinkled. The edge of the shoot is tied to a peg. After a few months, the cuttings will give roots; it will be possible to separate it from the mother plant in the spring.

Landing rules

Despite the unpretentiousness of the Grandiflorum rhododendron and the ease of caring for it, some conditions must be met. An improperly selected soil composition can lead to a lack of flowering or the death of the entire shrub. If you choose the right planting site, then nothing else will be required besides watering.

Boarding time

It is necessary to plant a plant in a permanent place before flowering - in early spring after frosts or in early autumn. Rhododendrons have a shallow root system, so the topsoil should already be warmed up, and the precipitation could not harm the shrub.

Flower shoots are sensitive to drought, so the demi-season is best for transplanting.

Place and soil for planting rhododendron ketevba Grandiflorum

Rhododendron Grandiflora tolerates shade well, but it will still feel better on the south side, but without direct sunlight. Places with diffused light are also suitable, such as under trees or a canopy.

Soil requirements:

• slightly acidic or acidic;
• wet;
• loose;
• rich in organic matter.

Before planting, the rhododendron can be placed in water so that it is saturated with moisture. The increased humidity of the soil and air is the key to good flowering. Therefore, it is recommended to install automatic sprinklers in the garden or to spray the shoots by hand every day.

If precipitation often falls in the region, this is fraught with stagnation of moisture, which leads to decay of the roots. To protect an ornamental shrub, it is better to plant it immediately on a dais. In a temperate climate, a drainage layer is made in the planting pit.

To acidify the soil, you can mix several types of soil: garden, peat, overripe coniferous, clay, add sand. Sand and clay should be no more than 20% to maintain breathability.

How rhododendron Grandiflorum blooms

Seedling preparation

It is best to use a seedling that is three years old, but the possibility of transplanting younger or older specimens is not excluded.

Before planting, the shrub is dipped in a container of water until air bubbles cease to emerge. Long roots can be cut, the rest can be simply spread out.

Fertilization

Rhododendron Katevbinsky Grandiflora absorbs many nutrients. On poor soils, its leaves will become pale and thin, and very few flowers will appear during the flowering period.

To avoid the above, from the beginning of spring until the end of flowering, the plants are fed. This is necessary for both young and adult shrubs. The last feeding is carried out when the bush has completely bloomed and new shoots begin to form.

Rhododendron catavbiens Grandiflorum are suitable for:

• organic fertilizers, in particular, semi-rotted cow dung, diluted in water in a ratio of 1:15;
• horny flour;
• sulphate calcium and magnesium;
• potassium nitrate.

At the beginning of spring, nitrogen preparations are introduced into the soil, in June, compositions with potassium and phosphorus, in July, nitrogen is excluded.

Rhododendron care requirements

In extreme heat, the rhododendron Grandiflorum needs abundant watering, 2-3 times a week the soil is moistened with acidified water.

In May, pinching can be done to form a more lush crown. Pruning negatively affects the growth and flowering of rhododendron.

No weeding is done near the shrubbery, since the root system of the rhododendron is close to the surface of the earth. Once every six months, rotted needles can be poured under the bush to preserve the acidity and looseness of the soil. Alternatively, vinegar, lemon juice, or formic acid can be added to the irrigation water three times a month.

Although the species is hardy, it is better not to risk it and help it survive its first winter. Before frosts, the shrub is watered abundantly, and the trunk is mulched. From above, the plant is covered with burlap or a hut is organized from wooden stakes.

Pests and diseases

Rhododendron rarely gets sick, and this happens in the case of improperly selected soil or stagnant water. In poor growing conditions, spotting, rust, chlorosis can appear. In this case, the plant is transplanted, watering is regulated, and treatment with iron chelate is performed.

Pests such as:

• bedbugs;
• shield;
• spider mite;
• aphid.

You can get rid of insects with the help of fungicides; for rhododendron, tyram and diazin are well suited.

As a preventive measure, in the spring and summer, every month it is necessary to spray the shoots with Bordeaux liquid.

The Katevbin rhododendron is the pride of any gardener. For the bright sun, acidic soil and abundant watering, the shrub will thank you with a gorgeous flowering.