Description of rhododendron variety Roseum Elegance, features of planting and care

Even novice gardening enthusiasts can grow rhododendron Roseum elegans. This luxurious evergreen shrub attracts attention with its bright flowers and pleasant scent. It is unpretentious to growing conditions and is able to develop normally even in the shade. In order for the bush to delight you with its fragrance and elegance for as long as possible, you need to know how to plant it correctly and what care to provide.

Species Definition

Rhododendron Roseum Elegance is a hybrid form that stands out for its excellent decorative characteristics and increased winter hardiness. The plant belongs to the group of Rhododendron Katevbinsky, common in North America.

Detailed description

Rhododendron belongs to the Heather family. In total, there are almost 3000 of its varieties, with Roseum Elegance being one of its brightest species. In nature there are creeping shrubs and tall trees (30 meters).

Leaves

The hemispherical tall bush (3 meters) forms a very wide crown, almost 3.5 meters in diameter. This elegant plant has medium-sized leaves, their shape is elliptical, the color is dark green, but at first reddish-brown. The structure is dense, the surface is shiny.

Flowers

Beautiful pink flowers with reddish splashes grow quite large in size, they are 7 centimeters in diameter. In shape they resemble a wide funnel, the edges of the petals are slightly wavy. Roseum Elegans rhododendron flowers are formed into dense inflorescences, collecting 15 pieces in each.

Bark

The color of the bark on the trunk and branches of the evergreen shrub is dark green.

Root system

The plant has a superficial type of root mass.

Fetus

The rhododendron roseum elegans shrub produces seed pods.

Temperature

The ornamental plant tolerates frosts down to -32 degrees quite painlessly. He is not afraid of heat of +30 degrees.But for normal growth and development, it needs a temperature range from -15 degrees to +20 degrees.

History of origin

English breeder Anthony Water worked hard to create a plant resistant to sub-zero temperatures, the rhododendron Roseum Elegance. The work was carried out in 1851.

Peculiarities

The main distinguishing feature of rhododendron Roseum Elegans is its increased resistance to frost and the ability to change the color of leaf blades.

Landing

To obtain the desired result, rhododendron Roseum Elegance must initially create comfortable conditions for rooting and vegetation.

Selecting a location

Considering that the ornamental shrub reaches a height of three meters and prefers to grow in partial shade, choosing a clearing for planting it is on the north side of the garden. Rhododendron Roseum Elegance looks especially impressive near a residential building or along a fence; it can also be used as a hedge or to decorate an alley. But, if possible, then it should be planted near a reservoir.

Soil preparation

For rhododendron Roseum Elegance, the optimal soil is a soil with a slightly acidic environment. Coniferous litter has a beneficial effect on the underground part of the evergreen shrub.

Pit preparation and planting scheme

It is recommended to plant rhododendron seedlings Roseum Elegance in May-April. If you plan to plant several plants, then you should dig holes at a distance of two meters. The size of the hole should be twice the size of the root system of the bush. The soil is required to be permeable and fertile, consisting of peat, leaf soil and pine needles.

Planting algorithm:

1. A drainage cushion made of expanded clay should be placed in the bottom of the hole, then a layer of soil mixture.
2. Place a rhododendron seedling Roseum Elegance in the center of the hole and spread its roots to the sides.
3. Then sprinkle with soil and carefully compact to eliminate voids.
4. The bush is watered and mulched on top with peat, pine bark or pine bedding.

Care

Caring for rhododendron Roseum Elegance is not difficult, the main thing is to moisten the soil in a timely manner, add nutrients and prune.

Watering

Taking into account the tall growth of rhododendron, the optimal volume of water per planting is 30-50 liters. From time to time, the bush should be watered with acidified liquid, using citric acid or lemon juice for this purpose. The sprinkling method has a positive effect on it.

Top dressing

It is recommended to alternately apply fertilizers of organic origin and mineral complexes under the bush.

Trimming

To maintain the compact size of the crown, given its spreading nature, it is necessary to prune. It is best to do this at the end of the flowering phase.

Transfer

If necessary, rhododendron Roseum Elegance can be replanted, but work should be planned for spring or summer. Thanks to the shallow root system, it is quite easy to remove the bush from the ground.

Preparing for winter

Despite the high level of winter hardiness, it is still worth covering the shrub during the frosty period. Spunbond and lutrasil are used for these purposes. The material will perfectly protect the branches from freezing.

Protection from diseases and pests

If you adhere to the correct agricultural technology, then the Roseum Elegance rhododendron is practically not in danger. Only when there is excessive moisture in the soil, increased acidity, or the presence of sunburn, the shrub begins to hurt and is affected by fungal diseases. They can only be controlled with fungicidal agents.

If the rhododendron suffers from an invasion of snails and slugs, then they must be removed manually. And against pests such as spider mites, rhododendron bugs, flies and mealybugs, it is effective to use insecticides that do not harm beneficial insects (bees).

Removing faded inflorescences

To prevent inflorescences that have already bloomed from spoiling the appearance of the shrub, they should be removed.

Bloom

Decorative planting is very popular among gardeners precisely because of its abundant and long flowering.

When and how

The flowering phase begins in June and lasts approximately 3 weeks. The shrub impresses with its bright, incredibly beautiful flowers that densely cover its crown.

Care before and after

Before the flowering stage, it is recommended to regularly moisten the evergreen shrub as the top layer of soil dries. When it is warm outside, spraying should be done. At the end of this stage, all flower stalks must be cut off so that the flowering next year is also luxurious.

What to do if it doesn't bloom

If there is no color, it is recommended to transplant the shrub to another place.

Reproduction

There are several ways to propagate the crop - cuttings, seed and layering.

Cuttings

This vegetative propagation method will require blanks up to 8 centimeters long. They are cut off in the second half of June from the apical parts of the branches. The bottom cut must be oblique. Before planting in a soil mixture of sand and peat, they are kept in a solution of a growth stimulator.

The prepared cuttings are placed in a greenhouse, where the temperature is maintained at 25 degrees and a high level of humidity.After three months, roots will form and they can be transplanted into personal containers. They need to be kept cool until next year.

By layering

This method of breeding rhododendron is considered the simplest. It is enough to bend the branch to the ground, cut it a little, secure it with a hairpin or peg and sprinkle it with soil. It should be irrigated regularly throughout the season; replanting to a new location can only be done the next year.

Use in garden design

It is very advantageous to plant a bush against the background of coniferous plantings. A composition of several varieties of rhododendron looks presentable.

Prevention of various problems

To prevent troubles, it is necessary to treat the bushes with Bordeaux mixture in the spring and autumn. A competent approach to growing crops will relieve any ailments in the future..

Reviews

Roseum Elegans has proven itself exclusively on the positive side.

Anna, Saratov

“I planted a rhododendron on my plot, and I never cease to admire it. It blooms profusely and doesn’t require much care.”

Vladimir, Moscow

“I purchased a Roseum Elegance seedling and planted it in partial shade. The flowering is bright, long, and tolerates winter well.”

Alexey, Volgograd

“The shrub really grows into a lush plant with a pleasant smell. It fits effectively into the flower arrangement on the site.”