Rhododendrons are a species of bush-type plants that can reach various sizes from 10 centimeters to 25 meters in height, although the most common varieties found in gardens usually do not exceed three meters.
Rhododendrons are a diverse range of shrubs that are divided into subgenera, among them the most popular is the azalea. There are more than 1,000 subgenera of rhododendrons identified in the world.
Rhododendron leaves have a rounded shape and is somewhat reminiscent of tennis rackets, with dark green tones and depending on the subgenus; they can be of various sizes. Its leaves are generally perennial, that is, it does not lose them with the arrival of autumn and it is usually highly appreciated for the large and colorful flowers it produces.
The flowers produced by these plants have various color ranges, from white and pastel shades to gold and red.
They usually appear solitary or in small bouquets of two , however, much of its spectacular beauty that makes it one of the favorite ornamental plants in any garden is that the flowers are produced all over the surface, so the plant in its whole can be seen covered with flowers, mainly in spring.
Generally speaking, these plants prefer sunny climates, but those with larger leaves are better suited to growing in shade. The variety of rhododendrons that are identified as azaleas differ because their leaves are smaller and the bushes do not reach more than eight feet.
The rhododendron is a plant appreciated worldwide, its origins go back to the East from where its use spread to Europe and to date subgenera of this plant are found throughout America, Europe and Asia; Such is its beauty and popularity that the Rhododendron is considered the king of the bushes and even Nepal has declared it its national flower, while Washington has also taken it as a floral symbol.
Despite being a plant that in its various subgenres has known how to adapt to different soils and climatic conditions, its cultivation and care have certain peculiarities that must be considered when contemplating having one of these plants in the garden.
What do you need to grow Rhododendrons?
- Healthy Rhododendron plants.
- Sheltered garden space.
- Shovel.
- Organic material.
- AP modifier.
Instructions for growing rhododendrons
Plant Rhododendron:
- It is possible to plant rhododendrons at any time of the year; however it is best to do it in the first days of spring when it is still cold or early in the autumn season. Rhododendrons planted in summer have a harder adaptation and therefore may take a season to produce beautiful flowers.
- To choose the space of the garden in which the rhododendrons are planted, it is important to take into account that the plant should be as sheltered as possible from strong winds. Placing them in areas of low ground, next to a wall or wall that breaks the wind or near a line of tall trees, are the ideal places to plant the rhododendron sheltered from the wind.
- The rhododendron is a plant native to the highlands of Asia, so it is naturally resistant to frost and cold. However, its various subspecies have adapted to various climates so most rhododendrons grow strongest and most flowery when grown in partial or partial shade. If it is planted in a cold climate, it will need to be in direct contact with the sun for about five hours a day, while if the area is more tropical, two to three hours of sun exposure will suffice.
- Once the space in which the rhododendron will be planted has been chosen, the soil must be prepared. These plants require enough nutrients for their adequate sustenance, so it is essential that a composition of soil and organic material be made in the area in which they are intended to be cultivated. The organic material can be bark, special crop soil, sand, or compost.
- The rhododendron plant requires soil with an acidic pH, otherwise the roots will rot. It must be ensured that the composition of the soil has this acidity or, otherwise, a PH modifier must be added to the mixture of organic material. In the case of de-alkalizing, the most appropriate thing is to add mortar, sulfur or ferrous sulfate.
- It is also important to ensure that the soil has adequate irrigation relief; the roots of the rhododendron cannot resist being wet for too long. Although they require a large amount of water for their growth, it must be properly filtered and not produce any waterlogging in the roots.
- Once the land is prepared, a hole is made where the rhododendrons will be placed, which should not be deeper than forty-five centimeters since the roots of the rhododendron are not very deep. If you plan to plant more than one plant, the distance between them should be at least 90 centimeters to prevent them from stealing space and nutrients from the soil.
- Place the plant or plants in the prepared holes and cover with the same soil preparation. It is recommended to water the soil after planting, so the soil will settle and provide a firm space for the plant to take hold better.
- The rhododendron can also be grown from seeds that are planted in the ground in the same way as a cutting, however it is not recommended since, depending on the subgenus in question, it can take from two to ten years to produce its first flowers.
Tips for Growing Rhododendrons
General Care
In the summer season, it should be watered regularly, making sure that it receives at least 2.5 cubic centimeters of water weekly.
It is also advisable to place bark mulch five centimeters deep around the plant to help keep the plant cool.
The rhododendron plant should be fertilized once a year, at the beginning of spring to favor its flowering. However, too much compost can rot the roots of the plant.
The rhododendron is not a plant that is commonly attacked by pests or fungi; however it is possible that a caterpillar becomes fond of its leaves, so it should be periodically validated that these insects do not exist around the garden.
It is not necessary to carry out maintenance pruning so that the rhododendron grows healthy and strong, however it will be favored if the flowers, leaves and dry branches or with a deteriorated appearance are removed.
Toxicity
It is very important to consider that rhododendrons in all their species are poisonous. Both the leaves and flowers and, in general, the entire plant contain a toxin called Granayotoxina, which causes, at the slightest intake, irritation and stomach pain and cardiac arrhythmia.
In cases where the leaf or pollen of the plant is consumed, convulsions will occur that can lead to coma and death.
These symptoms appear from a few minutes after ingestion to less than three hours. In ancient times its honey was used as a poison in various wars in Asia.
