Flowers, like people, have different fates. Some flowers quickly conquer our hearts and gardens, while others have a long and thorny path. And it is often impossible to understand what this is connected with. Such a mystery is the rhododendron flower, perhaps the most beautifully flowering and ornamental shrub growing in the middle lane.
Why rhododendron flowers in the XX century in Russia did not find their fans is very difficult to understand, but the fact is fact. Moreover, it is especially surprising that the lilac brought to us in the 18th century has become a native, folk flower for us, and the garden rhododendron growing in our Russia, we have bypassed our attention.
In this article we will tell you about the history of these plants, talk about the varieties of rhododendrons, show the different types of rhododendrons in the photo and give recommendations for growing them in the middle lane.
History of the garden plant rhododendron
In Russia, rhododendrons begin to grow at the end of the 19th century. E. Regel was one of the first to take up this culture in the Imperial Botanical Garden. And soon the nursery of the Pomological Garden of E. Regel offered 18 varieties of only soft rhododendron (Rhododendron molle). The same E. Regel bred about a dozen varieties of Caucasian rhododendron (Rh. Caucasicum). Various forms of the river were also selected. Japanese (Rh. japonicum). And also various natural species were widely used, such as r. coarse-haired (Rh. hirsutum) and p. Smirnov (Rh. Smirnowii) and others.
As a result, in the gardens of St. Petersburg at the end of the 19th – beginning of the 20th centuries, they were widespread and loved by gardeners. They were planted in large clumps and even alleys were created from them. In the work of S. Voronina “Gardens of the Silver Age” there are many examples of gardens in which rhododendrons were used. But it is enough to mention only one example that confirms the wide distribution and love of this culture of our compatriots, this is the memory of T.L.Schepkina-Kupernik about the estate of M.V. for 40 acres, such fiery azaleas, blazing like live fires in the June white nights … “
But after the revolution, these works were forgotten, and the varieties obtained by E. Regel disappeared in the abyss of time. Of course, the plants did not survive the difficult revolutionary and post-revolutionary years, and the collections and gardens perished. But why they did not receive the attention they deserved later is difficult to understand.
In recent years, there has been an interest in this culture, and garden centers are literally “inundated” with planting material. Rhododendron plants are becoming fashionable, prestigious plants in the “new Russian” gardens. But there are also many negative reviews of gardeners about this culture, which have been comprehended by the sad experience of growing rhododendrons. Low qualification of garden center employees, who often offer varieties that are unable to grow in our climate, and low culture of our gardeners, who acquire plants without thinking about the conditions necessary for growing them. And rhododendrons require the creation of special conditions for their successful growth, and they do not forgive mistakes, βpunishingβ the negligent gardener with their death.
Does it make sense then to start them and is it difficult to take care of them? To grow these plants in the garden or not, of course, is up to you. But if you see them at least once in color, this question will no longer arise. Therefore, they were included in the list of hits. You just need to choose the right place and create a planting hole with the necessary soil. Further care differs little from caring for other flower crops.
The second problem is related to the choice of planting material. There are hassle-free options, there are more difficult to care for and those that simply will not grow with us. Winter hardiness temperatures given in some catalogs do not always help in solving this issue.
Rhododendron seedlings are self-rooted and grafted. Own-rooted plants, propagated vegetatively, should be purchased. During micropropagation, deviations from the properties of the original variety are possible.
Types of rhododendrons and their photos
When choosing rhododendrons for your garden, preference should be given to winter-hardy species and varieties derived from them. The most unpretentious and winter-hardy species of deciduous rhododendrons. They will allow you to get the longest flowering, which will open the river. dahurian (Rh. dahuricum) at the end of April. After him the river will bloom. Ledebour (Rh. Ledebourii) and p. Canadian (Rh. canadense).
As you can see in the photo above, these types of rhododendrons bloom with pink-purple flowers.
Fraser’s rhododendron (Rh. X fraseri) is a hybrid of canadian and molly rhododendrons. Blooms early, following the river. Daursky and R. Canadian. The flowers are medium-sized, purple-violet, resembling moths. Bushes are undersized, up to 1.2 m high.
Rhododendron Japanese
In May, various forms and varieties of Japanese rhododendron (Rh. Japonicum) flare up with all sorts of colors. Together with him blooms bright yellow flowers yellow rhododendron (Rh. Luteum).
Japanese rhododendron is one of the most spectacular and at the same time one of the most unpretentious deciduous rhododendrons. Seedlings of this species are often found on sale. The flowers are large, fragrant, from pale salmon to scarlet red. The white-flowered and yellow-flowered forms of this species are known. In the fall, the bushes “flare up” with crimson foliage. The bush is 1.4-2 m high.
Do not confuse the various cultivars of r. Japanese with Japanese azaleas, also called Kurum azaleas. Japanese azaleas are derived from the blunt rhododendron (Rh. Obtusum), a semi-evergreen shrub. Although these azaleas are widely sold in our garden centers and markets and are given low temperatures of winter hardiness, they are not very suitable for cultivation in central Russia.
Schlippenbach’s rhododendron
It is impossible not to recall one of the most beautiful rhododendrons – Schlippenbach (Rh. Schlippenbachii) , which, like all handsome men, requires increased attention.
It has rather large (5-8 cm in diameter) flowers of a very delicate pale pink color with pink-purple specks, which have a delicate aroma. The flower buds of Schlippenbach’s rhododendron can be damaged by spring frosts and in winters with frequent thaws, and the bushes themselves suffer in severe winters, so for the winter it requires good shelter and can only be recommended to experienced gardeners.
You should not strive to start the Kamchatka rhododendron (Rh. Kamtschaticum) , which is often recommended in our literature, based on the place of its growth. It is not so easy to care for, because northern plants often feel as uncomfortable with us as southern ones, since not all species are satisfied with a noticeably longer growing season due to longer warm weather. It can only be recommended to experienced flower growers.
The main assortment of deciduous rhododendrons is made up of varieties bred using several species, which does not allow them to be attributed to any one of them. Often they are combined into different groups depending on the parental pairs used and the place of breeding.
Highly resistant to our climate features many varieties of popular groups Knap Hill (Hill NEP) and Exbury (Eksburi) , created in England Vatererom A. and L. Rothschild, respectively. These two groups are related and are often combined into one. The varieties of these groups constitute today the main world assortment of deciduous rhododendrons and are widely represented in our market. Many hybrids of these groups are winter-hardy down to -30 Β° C.
The varieties of the Northern Light group, created in the USA, have the greatest winter hardiness and, therefore, reliability in culture in central Russia among deciduous rhododendrons. They can withstand frosts down to -42 Β° C. The pink rhododendron (Rh. Roseum), blooming with fragrant pink flowers, and the sticky rhododendron (Rh. Viscosum) with white or pinkish flowers, are quite winter-hardy in the middle lane. The latter is interesting for its late flowering and very fragrant flowers.
Closes the flowering of rhododendrons in July , the tree rhododendron (Rh. Arborescens) , blooming with white or pinkish flowers with a strong pleasant aroma.
Photos of rhododendron varieties
We bring to your attention a photo of the varieties of rhododendrons suitable for our climate.
“April Snow” (April Sno) – early-flowering hybrid of Daurian rhododendron. The flowers are snow-white, double. Densely branched bush up to 1.6 m high.
Rhododendron “Klondyke” (“Klondike”) is a very bright variety. As you can see in the photo, the rhododendron of this species has orange buds, fragrant, large, rich yellow flowers and crimson-red leaves. The height of the bush reaches 1.2-2 m.
“Liesma” (“Liesma”) – a hybrid of the Japanese rhododendron. The flowers are very large, shiny, of a blazing salmon color. The bush is 1.2-2 m high.
“Mandarin Lights” (“Mandarin Lights”) – with reddish-orange large flowers with a well-pronounced orange spot on the upper lobe, with a light aroma. The bush is low, up to 1.0-1.5 m.
Rhododendron variety “Narcissiflora” (“Narcissiflora”) has very fragrant star-shaped semi-double flowers of lemon yellow color. The bush is 1.0-1.8 m high.
Rhododendron “Persil” (“Persil”) blooms with white flowers, the upper petal of which is decorated with a large yellow spot. Plant height 1.4-1.8 m.
“Cunninghams White” (“Cunninghams White”) – a hybrid of Caucasian rhododendron, is one of the most popular varieties. It blooms with white flowers with a yellowish-green spot on the upper petal. It is very unpretentious and viable, but needs a reliable winter shelter, since the flower buds can withstand temperatures down to -21 Β° C. The bush is 1.4-1.8 m high.
Not so extensive, but quite varied and the choice among evergreen rhododendrons. The rivers have the highest winter hardiness. katevbinsky (Rh. catawbiense), p. short-fruited (Rh. brachycarpum) and p. Fori (Rh.fauriei), the latter is considered by some botanists to be a species of p. short-term.
Rhododendron Fori is a very winter-hardy species with large evergreen leaves. White flowers with a slightly noticeable pinkish and greenish speck on the upper petal are collected in spherical inflorescences. Plant height 1.5-2.5 m.
Accordingly, the hybrids of these species have high winter hardiness. But do not forget that the winter hardiness of hybrids is also determined by other parents of this variety, so the hybrid may have a noticeably lower winter hardiness than the species.
If you grow Katevba rhododendron from seeds, then the seedlings will be better adapted to local conditions, and the color will vary, and you will get plants with flowers of different shades. Therefore, even using species of plants, a relatively varied spectrum of coloration can be obtained.
Smirnov’s rhododendron, r. largest, r. Yakushimsky, p. Metternich, r. Caucasian. However, their hardiness is lower, and problems can arise in severe winters. Accordingly, the hybrids of these varieties are quite winter-hardy. But among them, some varieties are capable of hibernating under cover, while others do not hibernate with us. Therefore, it makes sense to start these species and their varieties when you have already gained experience in growing the previously noted rhododendrons.
P. Tigerstedt and M. Uosukainen at the University of Helsinki achieved especially great success in breeding winter-hardy rhododendrons. Their varieties are distinguished by high winter hardiness, and they can be grown in our gardens.
Unfortunately, not all varieties are highly decorative and not all bloom profusely every year.
So, Β«Pohjola’s Daughter” (Poholaz Doughty “) often only pleasing decorative evergreen leaves, buds because withstand temperatures up to -20 … -23 Β° C.
When choosing evergreen rhododendrons for your garden, do not forget about cute babies: p. coarse-haired (Rh. hirsutum), described below, p. dense (Rh. impeditum), p. equally high (Rh. fastigiatum), p. rusty (Rh. ferrugineum). These low, dense evergreen shrubs overwinter fairly well under the snow.
Rhododendron harsh-haired – a dense stocky bush (up to 0.7-1 m) with small evergreen foliage. Blooms profusely with intense pink funnel-bell-shaped flowers. There is a white-flowered form. It tolerates an increase in soil acidity. It is winter-hardy, but it is better to cover young plants for the winter.
Rhododendron rusty also blooms with pink flowers. There is a white-flowered form. Rhododendrons are dense and equal in height, they are distinguished by violet-blue flowers and a dense compact shape. Bushes up to only 0.7 m high. Also their varieties are resistant in culture, although here it is already worth exercising caution.
Rhododendron “Katevbinsky Grandiflorum”
“Catawbiense Grandiflorum” (“Katevbinsky Grandiflorum”) – old, reliable rhododendrum variety, blooming with light purple flowers with a golden brown pattern on the upper petal. The bush is powerful, dense, broadly round, up to 2.5 m high.
Photo of pink rhododendron flowers
The variety of rhododendron Β«HellikkiΒ» ( Β«Hellikki”) stands out catchy intense pink-red flowers. The variety requires a carefully selected area that is open enough, but at the same time protected from the winds and shaded from the midday heat. If you create conditions that suit him, you will be rewarded with luxurious bloom. The bush is 1.2-1.8 m high.
Rhododendron “Helsinki University” (“Helsinki University”) is an excellent variety that pleases with resistance. As you can see in the photo, the flowers of the Helsinki rhododendron variety are pale pink, covering the entire bush. The plant is not tall, 1-1.6 m.
“Kalinka” (“Kalinka”) is a very viable low (up to 1.0 m) hemispherical hybrid of the Yakushiman rhododendron. Blooms profusely pink flowers with a white center.
Rhododendron “Roseum Elegans” (“Roseum Elegance”) – a variety of the XIX century, but still has not lost its relevance due to the vitality and abundant flowering of lilac-pink flowers. The bush is up to 1.5 m high. In recent years, less hardy clones have begun to appear.
Rhododendron “Haaga” (“The Hague”) has lilac-pink flowers with discreet red-orange freckles and slightly wavy edges, which are collected in large globular inflorescences. It blooms very profusely. After flowering, the bush is decorated with shiny dark green foliage. Plant height 1.5-2.0 m.
“Homebush” (“Homebash”) – the original variety of rhododendron, in which pale pink double flowers are collected in large spherical inflorescences. Bushes are dense, upright, up to 1.5 m high.
Rhododendron “Raisa” (“Raisa”) is a low (up to 0.7 m) rounded bush with rather large evergreen foliage, blooming with bright red-pink flowers. M. Gorbachev chose him from the hybrids presented to him to name him in memory of his wife Raisa. One hundred bushes were donated to the park of the hospital named after R. Gorbacheva in St. Petersburg.
Rhododendron “Nova Zembla”
Β«Nova Zembla” ( Β«Nova Zembla”) , perhaps the most popular red variety. The flowers are ruby ββred with dark purple-brown specks and golden anthers. Rhododendron bushes “Nova Zembla” are powerful, fast-growing, up to 2 m high. In central Russia, it needs a reliable shelter. The sometimes quoted winter hardiness of -32 Β° C is a clear exaggeration.
Description of rhododendrons of dark shades
“Rasputin” (“Rasputin”) – one of the darkest varieties in color. The flowers are deep purple in color with a large dark purple spot on the upper petal. Requires shelter for the winter, although the last harsh winters endured without shelter under the snow and bloomed. The bush is 1.4-2 m high.
“Bogumil Kavka” (“Bohumil Kavka”) – Czech variety with dark purple flowers with brown spots on the upper petals. The description of the rhododendron of this variety is similar to the description of the Rasputin rhododendron, but the bush has a more spreading shape, with stems of purple-violet tones, about 1 m high.
“Fireball” (“Fireball”) has a very bright red-orange color of flowers and crimson-red autumn foliage. The bush is 1.4-1.8 m high.
