Planting and caring for rhododendrons in Siberia, choosing the best varieties

An evergreen perennial shrub, rhododendron (azalea), has won the hearts of gardeners around the world. The plant is considered heat-loving, unable to tolerate frosty winters and temperature changes. But thanks to the efforts of breeders, varieties of zoned rhododendrons were obtained that are suitable for growing in Siberia; it is worth finding out in advance how to properly plant and establish a plant care system in regions with a cold climate.

Site requirements

Rhododendrons are heat-loving plants that do not tolerate direct sunlight. With excessive exposure to the scorching sun, burns form on the leaves, and the foliage begins to fall off.

Note: It is recommended to plant rhododendrons on the eastern or western side of the site.

Wind protection

Azaleas form fairly tall bushes from 0.5 meters to 2 meters in height, depending on the variety. The site must be protected from drafts and gusty winds, otherwise the bush will form an irregular shape, the leaves will become noticeably smaller, and the flowers will fall off at the bud stage.

Illumination

Rhododendrons are plants that prefer partial shade and do not tolerate prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. When choosing a place to plant shrubs in Siberia, it is important to follow the rule of the “golden mean”: the area should be well lit, but the plant should be covered at noon by the shadow of other shrubs and trees.

Groundwater

Stagnation of moisture at the roots of Japanese shrubs is extremely undesirable; plants cannot grow in wetlands with high groundwater levels. When planting rhododendron, expanded clay and sand are poured into the bottom of the planting hole as drainage.

Neighbours

Single and group plantings of rhododendrons are carried out in various park areas, squares, and personal plots. Shrubs look most impressive next to various types of trees, but they must be planted at a respectful distance from each other so that the plants do not compete with each other for nutrients and sunlight.

Invalid

Unfavorable neighbors for azaleas:

• maple;
• chestnut;
• Linden;
• birch.

All trees with a highly developed superficial root system and a wide crown are undesirable neighbors of rhododendrons.

Favorable

An ideal neighborhood is obtained from a combination of azaleas and fruit trees. This is how Japanese gardens are created. Best friends of Japanese bushes:

• cherry;
• Apple tree;
• cherries;
• pear;
• apricot.

These options look good in compositions with roses and various types of deciduous ornamental bushes, as well as in combinations with coniferous trees.

The soil

Under natural conditions, the shrub often grows on rocky soils. Rhododendrons do not need abundant organic fertilizers; they prefer loose soils with high acidity. Alkaline soils are not suitable for this type of plant.

Recommended varieties

Zoned varieties with increased frost resistance are suitable for cultivation in Siberia. Particular attention should be paid to representatives of the Finnish selection.

Amursky

A hybrid variety of evergreen shrub with increased frost resistance. The variety was bred for growing in Siberia and in areas with cold climates. Forms spherical bushes with large pink flowers, the flowering period lasts from May to June.

Daursky

A perennial branching shrub with flowers of an original bright lilac color.It can reach a height of 2 meters, is winter-hardy, and can withstand winter temperatures of -29 ⁰C. It is distinguished by its early flowering period, budding in April.

Caucasian

An extraordinary low-growing shrub with large delicate white flowers. Natural areas of growth are the foothills of the Caucasus, common in Abkhazia. Shrubs of this variety are nicknamed “Alpine rose”. Can form rhododendron thickets. Has medicinal properties. Suitable for growing in southern regions.

Japanese

Deciduous evergreen shrub up to 2 meters high. It is distinguished by abundant flowering and the original color of the leaves - it forms yellow-red-orange flowers with a bell shape. Distributed in England and Japan. In winter it needs additional shelter.

Northern Light

Rhododendron varieties of the Northern Lights series are distinguished by high winter hardiness, recommended for cultivation in Siberia and the Urals, and include a series of American hybrids. They form powerful spreading bushes with different flower colors.

Katevbinsky

A gorgeous spreading bush more than two meters high, completely covered with flowers from May to June. Forms a powerful dense crown. The flowers are bright purple, bell-shaped, and have a dark brown trunk. It belongs to the category of long-livers; it can grow in one place for more than a century.

Helliki

Super frost-resistant hybrid of Finnish selection, ideal for growing in Siberian gardens. Forms a chic leafy bush of small height. The flowers are bright, crimson or red. Able to withstand frosts down to -36 ⁰C. Growing in acidic soils stimulates the bush to actively flower.

Mikkeli

Representative of the Finnish selection.Winter-hardy variety from the Katevbinsky rhododendron series. Obtained by crossing the Smirnov rhododendron and the Tigerstedt hybrid. It is a highly branched, spreading bush with flowers reminiscent of lilies of the original pink color. Suitable for growing in Siberia and the Volga region, in the Urals.

Haaga

Rhododendron from Finnish selection, a descendant of the Katevbinsky bush. It forms a bush of a beautiful spherical shape with large pink inflorescences; it begins to bloom in mid-June. The variety is characterized by increased frost resistance and disease resistance.

Mauritz

A low shrub of Finnish selection with red flowers. An unpretentious variety with high frost resistance. The crown is dense and begins to bloom in early May. Withstands temperatures down to -30 ⁰C. Characterized by increased branching and requires pruning to give shape.

Peter Tigerstedt

An evergreen shrub of Finnish selection with snow-white, very large flowers reminiscent of an orchid. Has extreme winter hardiness. Taken as a basis for breeding a large number of different rhododendron hybrids.

Golden

An evergreen shrub intended for cultivation in Transbaikalia, Siberia, and Yakutia. Undemanding to soil, begins to bloom in early May. The inflorescences consist of 5-6 small flowers with a diameter of up to 5 centimeters, golden yellow in color.

Lebedura

Semi-evergreen shrub up to 1.5 meters high, characterized by strong branching. It produces bell-shaped flowers, collected in purple inflorescences. Known for its healing properties. Under natural conditions, it is found in Western Siberia and the Sayan Mountains.

Nova zembla

A perennial evergreen shrub of Dutch selection, loved by gardeners for its high decorative qualities.The height of an adult plant is 2 meters, forms a dome shape. Good winter hardiness is combined with the unpretentiousness of the variety. The flowers are large, up to 10 centimeters in diameter, rich ruby ​​color with original splashes of brown.

Roseum Elegance

Luxurious hybrid variety of English selection. It has good frost resistance and the ability to change the color of leaves. The bushes look gorgeous even without flowers. The inflorescences are large, consisting of pink flowers with fringe along the edges of the petals. Included in the Katevba rhododendron group.

Schlippenbach

Cold-resistant variety, adapted for cultivation in Siberia. Forms a spreading bush more than two meters high. It is distinguished by flowers that give off a pleasant strong aroma. Pink inflorescences. It begins to bloom at the age of 6 years.

Landing dates

The best time to plant young seedlings in the ground is early April. The soil should warm up to +10 ⁰C, the threat of frost should pass. Sowing seeds for seedlings begins in early February.

In the fall, it is better not to replant young rhododendrons; the plant will not have time to get stronger before the approaching winter period.

Open root system

Rhododendron seedlings are often sold with an open root system. On the one hand, the gardener can discern the degree of development of the root system, but on the other hand, unscrupulous sellers often do not create favorable conditions for young bushes. They survive less well and get sick longer.

Closed

Seedlings in pots are more viable. Planting is carried out together with a lump of earth, the root system is less damaged, and the plant takes root faster.

How to choose a seedling

The success of growing rhododendrons largely depends on the choice of a healthy seedling.Before purchasing, planting material must be examined for signs of fungal and bacterial infections and the degree of development of the root system assessed.

Appearance

What should a healthy seedling look like? Main features:

• The age of the bush is 2-4 years, it is during this period that the seedling takes root best.
• The root system is well developed, many branches extend from the base of the root, and there are no rotting parts.
• The leaves are uniformly rich in color, without spots or abrasions.
• The trunk is strong, without plaque or damage.

Pay attention to the manufacturer of the seed. For cultivation in Siberia, it is recommended to choose varieties of Finnish selection.

Bad Signs

If a young seedling shows signs of unfavorable conditions and symptoms of disease, the purchase should be postponed. Unfavorable signs are: the presence of pimples on the leaves, “wet” spots and nodules on the roots.

Landing in a permanent place

You need to choose a site for growing rhododendron right away; the plant does not like frequent transplants. Key parameters to consider when choosing a location:

• The area should be well lit, preference is given to the eastern or western side.
• You should maintain a distance between neighbors; some varieties of rhododendron form spreading bushes.
• The area should not be swampy and there should be no drafts.

The planting hole is dug deep enough. Drainage made of expanded clay and sand is installed at the bottom. After planting, the soil is compacted and the bush is watered abundantly. Rhododendrons prefer acidic soils.

Care

Rhododendrons are unpretentious plants. If the location is well chosen, they can grow on their own. The main stage of plant care is autumn preparation for winter.

Watering

Azaleas react extremely negatively to excessive watering. Do not allow moisture to stagnate at the roots. Plants are regularly irrigated during the dry summer period in the evening or morning hours at the root.

Spraying

The watering procedure is often combined with spraying the leaves. As a preventive measure against fungal diseases, add brilliant green to the aqueous solution: 10 drops per 10 liters of water. You cannot spray the bushes at midday in the sun, the leaves will get burned.

Weeding

Shrubs need to be hilled and loosened 2 times a month. The procedure is combined with weeding and mulching. Humus mixed with sand or peat is used as mulch.

Top dressing

Azaleas do not require abundant organic fertilizing to achieve abundant flowering; the plants are planted in acidic soils. Mineral complexes are applied in two stages: before flowering and after it.

First

In the spring, at the end of April, the bushes are earthed up and mulched with a mixture of sand and humus. Immediately before flowering, during the period of bud set, a complex of liquid mineral fertilizers “for azaleas” is applied.

On a note! You should beware of “overfeeding” plants with mineral and organic fertilizers; experienced gardeners reduce the recommended dosage by half, diluting the finished complex with water.

During the period of bud set, the bushes are sprinkled with wood ash as a preventive measure against pests.

Second

After the azaleas have bloomed, it is recommended to repeat the application of the liquid mineral complex. To maintain a beautiful and rich color of foliage, superphosphate or urea is added to the bushes in small quantities.

What not to use

When growing rhododendrons, fresh manure cannot be used. The plant may get burned and the roots may rot.

Shelter

Despite the fact that many varieties of rhododendrons are declared to be super frost-resistant, it is recommended to cover the bushes and prepare them for winter. In cold winters with little snow, the bush may freeze. As shelters, you can use spruce branches or special covering material. The roots can be sprinkled with fallen leaves.

Trimming

It is not recommended to prune azaleas for the winter; even foliage is retained on the bushes, which will additionally protect the plant in winter.

In the spring, sanitary pruning of the bush is carried out: dried leaves and branches are removed, and the shape of the bush is corrected using pruning shears.

Mulching

The favorite material for mulching rhododendron bushes is a mixture of sand with humus or peat. Mulching is carried out immediately after weeding and hilling.

Reproduction

It is not difficult to increase the population of beautiful shrubs in your area. Rhododendrons reproduce by dividing the bush, layering, cuttings and seeds.

Seeds

Sowing of seeds is carried out in February in seedling boxes. The seeds are placed in a checkerboard pattern at a distance of 3 centimeters from each other, carefully sprinkled with soil and watered with a spray bottle. The box is covered with film and placed on the windowsill. After 8 days, the first shoots will appear. A month later, the seedlings are planted in individual pots, and at the beginning of May they are planted in beds “for children” or immediately in a permanent place.

Cuttings

After the rhododendrons bloom, at the end of June or, conversely, in April, before flowering, branches containing 3 internodes are cut from the plants. The branches are dug into pots with soil, watered and placed on the windowsill under glass jars. After 3-4 weeks, buds form on the branch and leaves bloom, and the root system begins to form.

By layering

The lower strong branches of the bush are partially buried with earth. Future bushes begin to form in the internodes of buried branches, they take root and produce fresh leaves. A month later, young seedlings are separated from the mother branch and transplanted to a permanent place.

Dividing the bush

The simplest and most understandable way. In the spring, heavily overgrown healthy bushes are dug up and divided into 3-4 new bushes. It is recommended to plant young seedlings immediately in a permanent place. Don't forget to install drainage.

Protection from pests and diseases

In general, rhododendrons rarely suffer from fungal diseases with regular care and the right place of growth.

Fungal diseases

The process of rotting and infection with fungal diseases often begins due to excessive watering or the transfer of the disease from neighboring plants. To avoid unpleasant diseases, it is recommended to carry out preventive spraying of the plant with Bordeaux mixture, a solution of brilliant green or potassium permanganate. It is especially important to treat shrubs during the period of bud set.

Rhododendron bug

The main enemy of rhododendron plantings. The bug devours the foliage, the bush loses strength, slows down in growth, and looks sloppy. When infested with these insects, various insecticides are used; a different preparation must be used every year; the bug quickly develops immunity to the chemicals.

Mealybug

Relatives of the scale insect. They cover the stems of rhododendrons and feed on its juices. You can notice an infection with this parasite immediately; the worms are painted white and are clearly visible on the bush. “Aktara”, “Calypso”, “Fitoverm” are proven remedies against mealybugs. If the infection is weak, you can get by by treating the rhododendrons with laundry soap.

Slugs and snails

These parasites are capable of destroying all the leaves on the bush, disrupting the decorative qualities of the plant; fungi and bacteria are formed on the waste products of slugs and snails, which can cause an outbreak of infectious rhododendron disease.

As a preventative measure, shrubs are treated with wood ash or a solution of mustard powder. If infected, you can do without the use of pesticides. Slugs and snails can be collected from rhododendrons by hand; it is important to carry out this activity systematically.

Application in landscape

Rhododendrons are an indispensable attribute of Japanese gardens, alpine slides, and park areas. Shrubs are planted in groups or created as single plantings. Azaleas go well with roses and conifers.

In Japanese gardens, several species and varieties of rhododendrons with different flowering periods are planted. When one bush fades, another blooms. The effect of continuous flowering is created. Rhododendrons look great planted next to benches, swings and seating areas.

Group plantings are used to create hedges and borders. It should be remembered that rhododendron does not lose its decorative properties after flowering.

Through the efforts of breeders, residents of Siberia can create a Japanese garden in their garden. It is important to choose zoned varieties of rhododendrons with good frost resistance. In order to preserve your favorite plants for many years (rhododendrons can live for more than 100 years!), it is recommended to cover even the most frost-resistant varieties for the winter.