Rhododendron yellow: deciduous, pontus azalea
Content:
Rhododendron yellow is a unique frost-resistant species that does not require any special conditions for lush flowering. It is enough to put it in the right place, and nature will cope with everything else.
History of origin
It appeared in culture back in 1792 - it was during this period that plant hybridization began in England. A few years later, the hybridization center moved to Belgium and many varieties of yellow rhododendron appeared there.
Yellow rhododendron
The word "pont" in the language of the ancient Greeks means the Black Sea, and Azalea Pontica means "the Black Sea". But this name did not catch on, firstly, because the area of distribution is much larger and it occupies half of Europe. Secondly, because a similar name has already been taken by another species - the Pontic rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum), which is covered with purple flowers in summer.
Botanical description
The maximum height of the shrub is 4 meters, although on average it grows to 2 at home. The yellow deciduous rhododendron is actively growing in width and can reach a diameter of 6 meters.
Description of shoots and flowers:
- shoots of a young shrub are glandular-hairy, later smooth;
- leaves are oblong, up to 12 cm long and 1 to 8 cm wide;
- petiole length 7 mm;
- 7-12 elegant flowers are collected in the inflorescence;
- inflorescence - an umbrella-shaped shield with a diameter of up to 5 cm;
- the color of the petals is yellow or orange.
The flowering period coincides with the appearance of new leaves and takes place in several stages. Some specimens begin to bloom in April, however, mass blooms occur in June. Fruiting begins in October and seed viability is> 80%. Although the plant is highly frost-resistant, annual shoots and flower buds can freeze, and sometimes completely lignified branches suffer.
Flowers similar in shape, but pink in color, bloom in the Raimund variety.
Rhododendron Glouing Ambers featured
Distribution and ecology
Where can you find yellow rhododendron in nature:
- eastern and southeastern Europe;
- western and eastern Transcaucasia;
- Ciscaucasia;
- Asia Minor;
- Caucasus.
The shrub prefers poor, gravelly soil. It develops well in dry forests, clearings, forest edges, in open areas. You can find it on the plains and in the mountains at an altitude of 0 to 2000 meters above sea level.
What is the difference from other types of Rhododendron
It is known that all representatives of the genus Rhododendron grow exclusively on acidic soils. The correct composition of the soil affects the flowering and vitality of the plant as a whole. But this does not apply to the Pontic azalea. It is grown on almost any soil, even the most scarce, which does not affect its appearance.
Another important distinguishing feature of the plant is the ability to reproduce by root shoots, while other species reproduce by cuttings or layering.
An important feature of the species is its toxicity. The substance andromedotoxin, which is dangerous for all living things, is contained both in the ground part and in the roots.
How this plant is used in life
Rhododendron tolerates changes in weather and dry periods, so it is advisable to plant it on the streets and in city yards.
Pontic azalea looks good singly and in groups of several pieces, resulting in uniform thickets. Such a composition will look good in the middle of a lawn or next to a tree group.
Yellow goes well with any other color, so it can be safely planted with other types of azaleas that are available for cultivation in the region. It is popular to plant shrubs next to conifers, for example, thuja or juniper.
Growing conditions for yellow rhododendron
For the rapid growth and flowering of rhododendron, it is enough to choose the right planting site. This is a light-loving plant that tolerates partial shade well, but not the complete absence of the sun.
Gorgeous azalea inflorescences
If the spring and summer were not dry, and the amount of precipitation fits into the norm, the plant does not need additional watering. If there is no rain, it is recommended to water the azalea once a week. while this should be done in the evening.
The shrub can be fed twice a month. This is done when the plant begins to bloom, that is, from April to June. Mineral and nitrogen fertilizers alternate.
The following raw materials are used as natural fertilizers:
- crushed coniferous bark and sawdust;
- coniferous litter;
- high-moor peat;
- heather land (soil from coniferous forests, where a lot of heather grows).
The easiest way to apply such fertilizers is mulching.
Selection and preparation of the landing site
The planting site is made shallow, but wide, which is associated with the ability of the shrub to creep. The best option is a depth of up to 30 cm, a width of up to 2.5 m.
Landing in lowlands or places where groundwater flows nearby is not allowed. There should be no drafts on the site.
Before planting, it is enough to clear the area of weeds. A pre-prepared substrate is laid in the planting pit. In the absence of blanks, it is enough to add clay or peat to retain moisture.
Landing
In nature, yellow rhododendron adapts to all soils, so it can be planted in any substrate in the garden. But if you still prepare a special composition of the earth for it, the plant will feel better.
Recipes for self-preparation of soil mixtures:
- sod land, sand, peat in a ratio of 1: 1: 2;
- leaf land, sand, peat - 1: 1: 2;
- heather land, sand, peat - 1: 1: 2.
Diseases and pests
Azalea is a fairly disease-resistant plant, but with improper care it can also suffer.
The most common problems with rhododendron are:
- Lack of flowering. It is observed with an incorrectly selected type of soil, lack of watering or fertilization, when planting in bright sun.
- Phytophthora. It manifests itself in the form of yellowing and further leaf fall, possibly rotting of the roots. Antifungal drugs and copper sulfate can cope with a mild form of the disease. A heavily affected shrub is dug up and burned.
- Rhododendra cicada.The insect is dangerous by the ability to transfer fungus from diseased plants to healthy ones. Cicada lays infected eggs in late August, and symptoms of blackened buds can be seen as early as spring. For prophylaxis, the plant is treated with fungicides or copper sulfate, already affected buds and buds are removed mechanically.
- Chlorosis. At first, the tips of the leaves turn yellow, then turn brown and fall off. The disease is caused by improper care, with an excess of clay in the soil or feeding the bush with ash. To restore the balance, ferrovite and iron chelate are added to the soil.
- Attack of parasites: thrips, mealybugs, ticks, weevils. They can only be removed with insecticides or soapy water. Snails and slugs are hand-picked.
Azalea Pontic differs not only in its bright appearance, but also in ease of care. The landscape, decorated with shrubs, which gives off a wonderful southern scent, will become the hallmark of the owner of the site.
