These plants love shade and unsaturated air, due to the fact that their natural habitat is the mountain forests of Asia, and also North and Central America. When growing them, it is necessary to provide conditions close to natural; therefore, it is necessary to choose shaded areas protected from the wind. The air must be moist.

Rhododendrons - cultivation and care

Rhododendrons feel great under tall trees. To ensure sufficient moisture, you can plant them near a stream or near a pond on summer cottage. In this case, they will grow beautifully, and there will be no need to “rescue” them. As for the soil, it must be light or average. Moreover, it is important to maintain moderate moisture and acidity.

Rhododendrons grow in fertile, permeable soil rich in humus. Shrubs are best planted in the spring, however, shrubs obtained in containers can be planted throughout the growing season. The plant should be constantly watered with flexible water - would be better suited for this purpose water after rain. Moreover, this is a very economical solution, since it simply falls from the sky.

Rhododendrons - varieties that are resistant to frost

After 30 years of research, Finnish researchers have developed winter-hardy varieties rhododendrons, which are resistant to frost down to -40 °C. It is necessary to pay attention to them, because these plants are suitable even for the coolest regions. The attractiveness of these varieties, which are resistant to frost, of rhododendrons is not at all inferior to other popular varieties; at the same time, they have miniature bushes and rigid stems that cannot break under the weight of snow.

Rhododendrons: varieties that are resistant to frost - the photo was taken in early June, when this magnificent plant shows all its beauty.

Below is a description of rhododendron varieties that can be grown in cool regions.

Rhododendron (in Latin Rhododendron), otherwise known as azalea, is a type of shrub that belongs to the heather family. These plants love shade and moist air because their natural habitat is the mountain forests of Asia and North and Central America. When growing them, it is necessary to provide conditions close to natural, so you should choose shaded areas protected from the wind. The air must be moist.

Rhododendrons - cultivation and care

Rhododendrons do well under tall trees. To ensure sufficient moisture, you can plant them near a stream or near. In this case, they will grow beautifully, and there will be no need to “save” them. As for the soil, it should be light or medium. In addition, it is important to maintain moderate humidity and acidity.

Rhododendrons grow in fertile, permeable, humus-rich soil. Shrubs are best planted in the spring, however, shrubs purchased in containers can be planted throughout the growing season. The plant should be watered regularly with soft water - rainwater is best suited for this purpose. This is also a very economical solution, since it simply falls from the sky.

Rhododendrons - frost-resistant varieties

After 30 years of research, Finnish researchers have developed winter-hardy rhododendron varieties that are frost-resistant down to -40 °C. It's worth paying attention to them because these plants are suitable even for the coldest regions. The beauty of these frost-resistant varieties of rhododendrons is not inferior to other popular varieties, while they have compact bushes and tough stems that do not break under the weight of snow.

Rhododendrons: frost-resistant varieties - photo taken in early June, when this beautiful plant shows all its charm.

Below is a description of rhododendron varieties that can be grown in cold regions.

• "Helsinki University" is the most famous and popular frost-resistant variety of rhododendron. The bush is vigorous, after ten years it has a height of 1.5 to 1.8 m. It captivates with the beauty of pink flowers with an orange spot in the center. Its young leaves are reddish in spring, and in summer they are colored like living greens. Rhododendron variety "University of Helsinki" can withstand temperatures up to 39 degrees below zero. It's worth having in your collection.

  Rhododendron - Rhododendron "Helsinki University"

  "Helsinki University" is an extremely hardy, medium-sized rhododendron variety. It was one of the first Finnish rhododendron varieties, and was first introduced at the 350th anniversary of the University of Helsinki in 1990. Mother plant There was a Mustila rhododendron, but its pollinator is not known.

  Beautiful flowering envelops the bush in mid-June. The flowers are pink, with a spotted pattern. "Helsinki University" strongly resembles the "Haaga" variety. The easiest way to distinguish varieties is by the color of the buds: in “Haaga” they are more reddish. In addition, the filaments of the flowers of "Haaga" are pink, while those of "Helsinki University" are lighter.
  

• The famous frost-resistant and fast-growing variety “Peter Tigersteadt”. Its height is 1.5 m. It has straight, stiff stems, dark green leaves and white flowers with a brown eye. Withstands frosts down to -34 degrees. Thanks to its rigid vertical shoots, it easily accumulates a cap of snow at the base of the branch.
  
• The frost-resistant rhododendron variety “Mikkeli” is also recommended; it is white, its leaves are very interestingly folded.
  

  Rhododendron - Rhododendron "Mikkeli"

  "Mikkeli", or "St. Michel" is a Finnish variety of rhododendron that combines magnificent appearance and excellent hardiness. The variety is a hybrid of two very hardy rhododendrons growing in Mustila. The mother plant was Tigerstedt's rhododendron short-fruited ( R. brachycarpum var. tigerstedtii), and the pollinator plant is Smirnov's rhododendron ( R. smirnowii). The hybrid "Mikkeli" inherited the best features of both species.

  In June, the red buds of the "Mikkeli" variety bloom with large light flowers, the pinkish shades of which gradually change to pure White color. The upper petals have greenish spots. New shoots are soft and covered with white fibers. The underside of old leaves is covered with yellowish hairs.

  Sometimes regrets are expressed that "Mikkeli" blooms poorly. This is typical for young bushes. As they grow older, they begin to bloom much better. In ten years, "Mikkeli" reaches almost two meters in height, and after years it can grow another couple of meters.

• Frost-resistant varieties “Helliki” and “Haaga” bloom pink, reaching a height of 1-1.3 m.

  Rhododendron - Rhododendron "Hellikki"

  'Hellikki' is an upright rhododendron with a rounded crown, featuring beautiful dark foliage and stunning flowers. It is an open-pollinated descendant of the Seidel hybrid, and appearance leaves, it can be assumed that the variety also contains Smirnov rhododendron genes ( R. smirnowii). New shoots of 'Hellikki' are soft, covered with white hairs, and the undersides of the leaves are covered with yellowish-gray, felt-like hair. Intense red flowers bloom until mid-June.

  "Hellikki" turned out to be quite a fastidious plant, especially when grown in open areas. It takes root better in almost complete shade, but is able, despite the shading, to bloom quite well. In ten years the bush reaches a height of more than a meter. Planted in the early 2000s in the Rhododendron Valley, the "Hellikki" bushes have taken root very well and produce abundant flowering.
  

• Rhododendron - Rhododendron "Haaga"

  "Haaga" is a hardy, medium-sized variety of rhododendron. Its flowers are pink, with dark spots on the upper petals. Beautiful flowering envelops the entire bush in mid-June. The mother plant of the "Haaga" variety was the Mustila rhododendron ( R. brachycarpum var. tigerstedtii), and the pollinator is the variety "Dr. H. C. Dresselhuys" with red flowers. According to its growth method, it is a bush of regular round shape, reaching more than 1.5 meters in height in ten years. The bushes, planted in the early 2000s in the Rhododendron Valley, have already reached two meters in height.

• Extremely pretty, reaching a height of 50 cm, are frost-resistant rhododendrons of the Elvira variety from the creeping group. The plant has dark red flowers. It grows very slowly, only up to 50 cm and can withstand temperatures down to -34 degrees without damage. This is a new product that goes well with miniature conifers.
  

• Rhododendron "Elviira" - Rhododendron "Elvira"

  “Elvira” is a short variety of rhododendron with red flowers. It was bred in the Mustila Arboretum through crossbreeding. seed plant became Rhododendron Mustila ( R. brachycarpum var. tigerstedtii), and the pollinator is the Forrest rhododendron creeping along the ground with red flowers ( Rhododendron forrestii var. repens). “Elvira” blooms in mid-May with red, cherry-colored flowers. In 10 years it reaches a height of about 60 cm.

  The variety turned out to be quite difficult to breed, and in the spring it is very vulnerable, especially if planted in an area that is too open. The plant feels best in areas with a lot of snow, and even in Northern Finland, where it is covered in a thick snow cover in winter.

  In Mustila, “Elvira” also proved to be a rather whimsical variety in terms of choosing a place for planting. On the Northern slope, close to family graves, where shade prevails in winter and there is a lot of snow, and in summer uniform humidity and abundance prevail sunlight, “Elvira” has grown into a magnificent dense bush with big amount flowers. But still, it took root noticeably worse than other young plants in the Rhododendron Valley.

• There are also new Polish royal varieties of rhododendrons, which, like the Finnish varieties, can withstand severe frosts and abundant flowering. Their advantage is resistance to diseases. The varieties in this group were named after Polish kings - Bolesław Horobry, Queen Jadwiga (photo 2), Kazimierz the Great and others. Bolesław Horobry: purple flowers with a delicate brown pattern. The bush is dense and develops well. The leaves are oblong and slightly convex. The variety is frost-resistant. In laboratory tests, the leaves do not freeze down to -30ºС. The variety is named after the Polish king Boleslaw the Brave, one of the founders of the medieval Polish state, the son of King Mieszko. (Photo 3). They can withstand frosts down to -30 degrees.
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There are many varieties that are not afraid of even 40 degrees below zero. Now these wonderful plants can be safely grown in the coldest regions of our country. We owe this mainly to Finnish scientists, as well as some scientists from other countries, for example, Poland. Researchers from the University of Helsinki have been working on new varieties for 30 years. It was a very expensive experience. They tested tens of thousands of plants to obtain those few exceptional specimens.

What are the advantages of frost-resistant rhododendron varieties?

• first of all, fantastic frost resistance;
• this plant is very impressive - all varieties have a pleasant compact appearance;
• rigid stems do not break under the weight of snow;
• they are adapted for harsh winters and become hardened to cold weather - this is important because rhododendrons set buds at the end of summer, and if they freeze, they will not bloom the next season.

What are rhododendrons combined with in landscape design?

If you decide to supplement the rhododendron flower bed with other plants, you should plant them on the intermediate floor between tall plants in the background and dwarfs in front. In addition, you can place plants of the heather family (with similar requirements), magnolia, wintergreen or blueberry nearby.

Good company also - this dwarf spruce, firs, yews and junipers. Varieties “Peter Tigersteadt”, “Hague” and “Elvira” will perfectly highlight and enliven the beauty of a monotonous coniferous garden. However, they should not be planted next to overly expansive Chinese juniper or shallow-rooted trees such as ornamental apple and plum trees. At the same time, they feel good in the company of beech and oak trees.

In a large pot, rhododendron can grow for up to several years. If you create him good conditions, he will be strong and cope with potential diseases.

Take note of our list of frost-resistant varieties.

Rhododendron is, without unnecessary exaggeration, a luxurious shrub that is not loved by flower growers. fewer roses, peonies and hydrangeas. No wonder we included it on the list.

Among the huge variety of rhododendrons, you can find plants for every taste: shrubs or small trees, with a heady aroma or a subtle one, with large flowers or compact ones. In addition, almost all rhododendrons thrive in light shade.

Check out the list of 10 more.

Unfortunately, the eastern origin of rhododendron often scares away residents of the middle zone. What if it doesn’t bloom or, even worse, doesn’t survive the frost and dies?

If you have long dreamed of planting a rhododendron seedling on your plot, but did not dare because of the cold winters, consider that the problem is solved! We have prepared a selection of 10 magnificent winter-hardy rhododendrons that can withstand temperatures down to -25 °C and even lower.

With all its advantages, rhododendron cannot boast of a complete absence of disadvantages. Perhaps the main disadvantage of growing this plant in your garden is that all its parts: flowers, stems, leaves are poisonous. If there are children and pets in your area, be sure to take note of the list of popular ones among gardeners.

Grandmother (Babuschka)

Rhododendron Grandmother- is as charming as its name. It belongs to the Japanese azalea species. This low-growing shrub is ideal for creating borders and low hedges.

This azalea will appeal to lovers of lush inflorescences. Who can resist these hot pink double flowers?

Flowering time	Bush height (cm)	Bush width (cm)		Peculiarities
May June	20-50	20-50	20-50	Slowly growing

Golden Lights

This rhododendron is a type of deciduous azalea. Golden Lights bushes are notable for their beautiful cone-shaped salmon-orange flowers, collected in clusters of 10 pieces. The delicate shade of the flowers contrasts effectively with the dark olive color of the leaves.

This rhododendron blooms early, already at the end of May. It can withstand the harshest winters - it is not afraid of frosts down to -42 °C.

Flowering time	Bush height (cm)	Bush width (cm)	Distance between bushes (cm)	Peculiarities
May June	90-180	90-180	90-180	Strong aroma, suitable for creating hedges

English Roseum

English Roseum- a hybrid of Katevbinsky rhododendron. He's not afraid of straight lines Sun rays, frosts and heavy rains - all these vagaries of weather will not interfere with lush flowering.

The flowers of this shrub are bright, lilac-pink, with orange “freckles”, and have the shape of a bell. They are collected in dome-shaped inflorescences of 8-10 pieces.

Rhododendron English Roseum Grows best in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils.

Flowering time	Bush height (cm)	Bush width (cm)	Distance between bushes (cm)	Peculiarities
May June	180-240	180-240	180-240	Suitable for creating hedges and mixborders

Karens

Rhododendron Karens belongs to the Japanese evergreen azaleas. This is a very showy, fairly compact shrub with reddish-purple flowers speckled with dark purple. In autumn, the leaves take on a wine-colored hue.

Flowering time	Bush height (cm)	Bush width (cm)	Distance between bushes (cm)	Peculiarities
May June	90-150	90-150	90-150	Strong aroma

Mount Saint Helens

This deciduous azalea is notable for its unprecedented frost resistance - it tolerates temperatures down to -32 °C.

Another distinctive feature of rhododendron Mount St Helens- unusual color of flowers. Their petals are a delicate salmon pink with golden tangerine spots. Elegant bell-shaped flowers are collected in brushes of 11 pieces. The dark green, glossy leaves of the shrub take on a rich bronze hue in autumn.

Flowering time	Bush height (cm)	Bush width (cm)	Distance between bushes (cm)	Peculiarities
May June	150-180	150-180	150-180	Suitable for creating hedges and mixborders

Nova Zembla

Nova Zembla- a luxurious hybrid of the evergreen rhododendron katebvinsky. Its size is amazing - an adult shrub reaches 2.4 m in height and 2.1 m in width. Of course, you cannot plant such a hero in a modest front garden, but in a large garden he will certainly attract admiring glances.

Rhododendron flowers Nova Zembla bright pink with dark burgundy spots, shaped like a bell. The flowers are collected in spherical clusters, so from afar the shrub can easily be confused with a peony.

Flowering time	Bush height (cm)	Bush width (cm)	Distance between bushes (cm)	Peculiarities
May June	180-240	170-210	150-210	Tolerates heat and direct sunlight well

PJM Elite

Rhododendron with a mysterious name PZHM Elite is a small-leaved evergreen hybrid of Carolina rhododendron and Daurian rhododendron of the sempervirens form (Ledum).

This shrub is quite compact, blooms luxuriantly, and tolerates frosts down to -32 °C.

Rhododendron flowers PZHM Elite raspberry-pink, cone-shaped, collected in brushes of 4-9 pieces.

White Lights

White Lights- one of the varieties of deciduous azalea. This rhododendron can withstand frosts from -34 °C to -42 °C! So you can safely plant it in middle lane and forget about winter shelter.

In May, the pink buds turn into large pinkish-pearl flowers with small golden splashes. Over time, the petals turn white. In autumn the foliage takes on a dark bronze hue.

Dwarf rhododendron belongs to the Ericaceae family of the genus Rhodothamnus. Natural varieties grow in the rocky Alps and are found in Germany, Austria, and Slovenia.

Dwarf rhododendron is a low-growing evergreen shrub that grows no more than 50–60 cm in height when mature. The crown is dense, cushion-shaped. The stems are numerous, raised, twining and creeping towards the ground. The leaves are small, up to 3–4 cm in length, dark green. They grow alternately, oblong in shape, sometimes they are convex. The leaf blade is covered with hairs or scales, depending on the variety.

The flowers are axillary, bell-shaped or cup-shaped, small, up to 4–5 cm in diameter. Inflorescences are collected in 2 - 3 flowers, densely planted. The colors are varied - soft lemon, pink, raspberry, dark red. The fruits ripen in a longitudinal capsule. The root is flat, 30–40 cm in height in an adult bush.

History of origin

Dwarf rhododendron is an alpine endemic in the East. Their range is limited; unfortunately, natural species belong to rare plants, many are listed in the Red Book.

Dwarf rhododendron is an ornamental shrub; with its participation in modern breeding, many intergeneric hybrids of Calmiopsis, flowering Phyllodoceae of the Veresaceae family have been bred.

What is the difference from other types?

The main difference between the dwarf species of rhododendron is that the exotic is a calciphile, that is, it lives in nature in calcium, limestone, and chalk soils on rocky slopes. Some species bloom again in August–September.

Low-growing varieties and their photos

Rhododendron ludlowii 'Wren' is a low-growing evergreen shrub that is almost hugged to the ground. The height of the dwarf bush reaches 20 - 30 cm. The flowers are bright lemon, medium in size. The leaves are evergreen, small, oblong, up to 2.5 - 3 cm in length. Frost resistance is average, but with spruce shelter it tolerates frost well.

The shrub is creeping, low-growing, its height reaches 50 - 60 cm. The crown is dense, knitted, cushion-shaped, prostrate. The flowers are bell-shaped, deep scarlet, shiny. The leaves are medium-sized, oblong, elongated, dark green in color, maybe darker.

The root is superficial, fragile, and easily damaged when loosened. Blooms early, in May. Can grow in sun and partial shade. Frost resistance is average, tolerates temperatures down to -27 ºС

Krumlov

The bush is dense, evergreen, dwarf. It grows up to 50 cm. The crown is very dense, wide, with a diameter of up to 80 - 90 cm. The leaves are small, wide, oblong, up to 4 - 5 cm in length. The flowers are soft lilac and bloom in mid-May.

Able to tolerate frosts down to -26 ºС, provided the planting site is protected from gusts of wind, in diffuse shade or in sunny places with shading. Bred in the Czech Republic, named after the town of Krumlov - the birthplace of the exotic.

Amethyst

The bush has a peculiarity - the crown is very thick, it is called thick rhododendron. The evergreen shrub is dwarf; in adulthood it does not grow to half a meter. The flowers are collected in large inflorescences, small in size, tightly planted on the stems, forming a thick dense crown. The shrub blooms at the end of May, dark purple flowers with a blue tint.

The leaves are oblong, medium-sized, 2–3 cm long, quite wide, leaf diameter is 2.5–3 cm. The structure of the foliage is scaly on both sides. Frost resistance is moderate, up to – 26 ºС. Prefers partial shade and humus-rich substrate.

A creeping variety of dwarf rhododendron, the bush extends along the substrate at a height of 40–50 cm. The flowers are medium-sized, up to 5 cm in diameter, funnel-shaped in shape, dark red in color with dark spots on the central petal. The petals are twisted and wavy.

Inflorescences - domes collect up to 10 flowers. The leaves are round, up to 4–6 cm in diameter. The bush is especially intolerant of drought. The variety is highly frost-resistant, provided it is covered and has a mulched layer of substrate, it can withstand temperatures down to – 30 ºС.

Bloom

When and how does this happen?

The flowering of dwarf rhododendron is generous, abundant, and occurs in May or at the very beginning of June. Lasts 3 weeks. The crown is dense, compact, and during flowering the leaves are almost invisible. Many varieties can bloom again in late August - early September.

Dwarf rhododendron is usually replanted before and after flowering. During bud ripening, the temperature should be reduced to 10 – 12 °C. After flowering, very elongated shoots are cut off. Old inflorescences should be trimmed immediately after flowering for future flowering.

What to do if there are no buds?

For abundant flowering and the formation of new buds, you need to feed the bush with superphosphate. You should also check the bushes for fungi and garden pests.

Use in landscape design

Dwarf rhododendrons are used to create alpine slides and mixed rocky gardens - mixborders. The varieties look good in compositions with thujas, cypresses and other coniferous plantings.

Care

Choosing a suitable location

For dwarf varieties optimal place plantings - semi-shaded areas. It is good to plant these varieties near pine needles; under its diffused shade, the flowers are protected from the burning sun and gusty winds.

What should the soil be like?

The soil for dwarf rhododendron is loose, drained, moist, but not waterlogged. Required substrate:

• leaf soil - 3 hours;
• peat – 2 hours;
• coniferous litter – 1 hour;
• mineral fertilizers - 60 - 70 g per 1 planting hole.

Important! It is undesirable to add sawdust, black soil, or ash to the substrate.

Best time planting dwarf rhododendron - early spring. Planting pattern:

The composition of the mulch is peat, pine needles, layer up to 6 cm.

Temperature

The variety is frost-resistant, withstands temperatures down to an average of -25°C. Dwarf rhododendron prefers cool, humid climates, optimal temperature– 10 – 12°C.

Watering

Watering for dwarf rhododendron requires abundant watering in hot weather in summer and moderate in autumn. In winter, watering is reduced by 2 times.

Water should be:

• acidified;
• cleaned
• settled;
• rainy

Each bush consumes up to 10 liters of water.

Attention! Spray the bushes every day in summer to maintain the necessary air humidity.

Top dressing

For dwarf rhododendron, it is important to use organic fertilizers: rotted manure is diluted in water 1:15, the solution should be infused for several days. Intensive fertilizer - once a week until the end of summer. Combine with watering. Feed the flowers with potassium and phosphorus, solution: 8g per 10 liters of water.

In early spring you can feed with special complex fertilizers.:

• ammonium sulfate – 2 hours;
• superphosphate – 1 hour;
• potassium sulfate – 1 tsp;

The solution is diluted - 30 g of mixture per bush.

For young bushes, fertilizer doses are reduced by 1.5 - 2 times.

Trimming

Pruning is done 20 days after the end of flowering. Regular pruning of old shoots by half is also advisable.

Damaged stems, dried leaves and flowers are cut off in a timely manner.

Transfer

Dwarf rhododendron transplantation is carried out in early spring or at the end of September. Bushes usually tolerate replanting well, provided that the old earthen ball is preserved.

How to prepare for winter?

These varieties with average frost resistance are best covered with burlap and pine branches. Remove the cover in the spring, in parts, preferably on a cloudy day.

Reference! Mulching before wintering is necessary to prevent the roots from freezing.

Reproduction

Dwarf rhododendron in home floriculture is propagated by cuttings:

1. In spring, cuttings 8 cm long are cut.
2. The cuttings are dipped for 24 hours in a solution with a root growth stimulator.
3. Planted in a prepared special substrate to a depth of 2 cm.
4. The seedlings take root very slowly.
5. IN open ground seedlings are planted for next spring.
6. Young seedlings are grown in the cellar.

Diseases and pests

1. They attack the flower and garden snails and slugs. You need to collect them manually and destroy them.
2. Spider mite destroys leaves and stems. For minor damage, spraying with a soapy solution will help.
3. From rhododendron bugs and flies, scale insects Treating the stems and branches with fungicides - karbofos or thiram - will help get rid of it.
4. Weevil- a common flower pest. Spraying with any insecticide will help here.
5. From leaf mosaic virus Treating the substrate around the trunk circles will help; diseased branches and leaves need to be cut out.

Advice! Prevention against pests and diseases should be repeated 3–4 times every 8–10 days.

Prevention of various problems

To get rid of rust, powdery mildew, chlorosis, gray rot and other fungi, treatment is required - watering and spraying with fungicides. You can feed the flowers with potassium-phosphorus fertilizers.

Problems can arise from damp soil, unsuitable substrate, incorrectly applied fertilizers or fungi.

Dwarf rhododendron will beautifully cover flower beds and areas with its blooms only with proper care, sufficient watering and good moisture.

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I got my first evergreen rhododendron ten years ago. I chose a site for planting rhododendron in partial shade, under the canopy of tall trees. The acidic soil that these plants prefer was provided to them by nature itself.

Rhododendrons are deciduous, semi-evergreen and evergreen shrubs, and less often small trees. The shoots are bare or sometimes pubescent, the leaves are simple. Flowers are in inflorescences, of various colors, from white to shades of purple-violet and yellow, with a height of 30 cm to 1 m. Rhododendrons are relatively easy to transplant, they have a compact, superficial root system. Despite this, it is preferable to use plants grown in containers with a closed root system for planting.

variety "Daughter of the North"

My first rhododendron bloomed and made me happy. But the next spring it began to turn yellow, in the fall it completely wilted, and did not survive the winter.

That same year, in the fall, I planted rhododendrons of the varieties "Elvira", "Maurits" and "Haaga" from a Finnish nursery, which are sold here in St. Petersburg. These plants winter well without shelter in our climate zone (5a), bloom and grow successfully in the summer. The variety "Haaga" forms quite tall bushes. In my garden, these plants are still young, but they have already bloomed for three seasons, delighting me with delicate pink-violet flowers. I almost lost one of the specimens when I was loosening the soil under the bushes, close to the roots. The disturbed rhododendron began to shed its leaves, and I had to remove some of the dead branches. By the end of summer, my rhododendron recovered and began to grow, it had new leaves.

variety "Helsinki University"

Now I have evergreen and deciduous rhododendrons growing, Finnish selection, recommended for cultivation in climate zones 3 - 4-5. These are the varieties “Haaga”, “Elvira”, “Maurits”, “Helsinki University”, etc.

Last fall, I purchased a new rhododendron variety “Daughter of the North”, the most frost-resistant in my collection, down to -36 C.

variety "Mandarin light"

Rhododendrons are very responsive to careful care. For normal growth and development of plants, the soil must be fertilized once every 2-3 years. In the spring, I add one bucket of nutrient mixture and decomposed compost to the tree trunk circle. As soon as buds begin to appear on the bushes, I feed them with mineral fertilizers containing ammonium sulfate, superphosphate, and potassium sulfate.

When the rhododendrons fade and begin to grow, I water the bushes abundantly for better regrowth of young shoots. Thanks to care, young branches and leaves become denser and ripen.

variety "Daughter of the North"

For successful overwintering, I water the bushes abundantly before the start of winter, before the soil freezes. All my plants are frost-resistant, do not need shelter, only protection from being broken by snow. For winter, I tie the branches of rhododendrons to the trunk, and put a support for the bush.

In spring, after a snowy winter, the bushes gradually straighten their branches and evergreen leaves. The buds enlarge and soon buds appear, scarlet, lilac, lingonberry, orange, white and lemon-colored.

variety "Elvira"

Biological description

Evergreen shrub. At the age of 10 years it reaches a height of 60 cm and a width of 60-100 cm.

In culture

Withstands temperatures down to −32 °C.

It is picky about the planting site, as it is easily damaged in spring. sunburn. It is recommended to plant in areas with high snow cover.

Diseases and pests

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Notes

Excerpt characterizing Rhododendron "Elviira"

– You must have been very sad to be so far from home?
– Yes, how can I tell you... At first, it was even interesting while my mother was alive. And when she died, the whole world darkened for me... I was too young then. But she never loved her father. He only lived by war, even I had only value for him that he could exchange me for marriage... He was a warrior to the core. And he died like that. But I always dreamed of returning home. I even saw dreams... But it didn’t work out.
– Do you want us to take you to Tristan? First we’ll show you how, and then you’ll walk on your own. It’s just...” I suggested, hoping in my heart that she would agree.
I really wanted to see this whole legend “in full”, since such an opportunity arose, and although I was a little ashamed, I decided this time not to listen to my very indignant “inner voice”, but to try to somehow convince Isolde to “take a walk” on the lower “floor” and find her Tristan there for her.
I really really loved this “cold” northern legend. She won my heart from the very minute she fell into my hands. The happiness in her was so fleeting, and there was so much sadness!.. Actually, as Isolde said, they apparently added a lot to it, because it really touched the soul very strongly. Or maybe that’s how it was?.. Who could really know this?.. After all, those who saw all this had not lived for a long time. That’s why I so strongly wanted to take advantage of this, probably the only opportunity, and find out how everything really was...
Isolde sat quietly, thinking about something, as if not daring to take advantage of this unique opportunity that had so unexpectedly presented itself to her, and to see the one whom fate had separated from her for so long...