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Rhododendron Königstein was created in 1978. Danuta Ulioska is considered its originator. Slow-growing, low shrub, frost resistance zone - 4, suitable for growing in most regions of Russia.
Description of rhododendron Königstein
Rhododendron Königstein belongs to the semi-evergreen species. The shrub is covered with small lilac bell-shaped flowers during flowering. The flowering is very abundant.
The height of the bush at the age of 10 does not exceed half a meter. The diameter of the crown is about 80 cm. The maximum height of the plant throughout its life is 1 m. Do not confuse the Königstein variety with the Königsgem White rhododendron, a tall shrub with white flowers.
The leaves of the Koenigstein azalea are small, oval, leathery, dark green in color. The root system is fibrous, superficial. The rhododendron prefers acidic soil, like others and representatives of the Heather family. Its roots enter into symbiosis with fungi - mycorrhiza, which help to absorb nutrients.
Winter hardiness of the azalea Konigstein
Azalea Königstein tolerates frosts down to -27 ° C. It belongs to the semi-evergreen species - one part of the leaves sheds in the fall, and the other in the spring. An adult plant does not need shelter for the winter.
Planting and caring for the Koenigstein rhododendron
Rhododendrons are easy to grow in the suburbs. These beautifully flowering shrubs are not afraid of the winter cold with proper planting and proper care. Unlike most ornamental crops, they only thrive on acidic soil. It is best to plant the Königstein rhododendron next to conifers - undersized decorative fir or pine trees. Plants do not need frequent feeding.
Selection and preparation of the landing site
The soil on personal plots is most often of neutral acidity. That is why rhododendrons planted in ordinary garden soil do not grow. They need to prepare a special potting mix. It includes the following components:
- loamy earth;
- sour brown peat;
- pine litter.
All parts are taken in equal proportions and added to the planting hole. The size of the pit depends on the soil on the site, the age of the seedling. For two-year-old azaleas with a well-developed root system, the depth of the hole is made 50 cm, and the diameter is 80 cm. A drainage from broken brick is placed at the bottom to protect the roots from moisture stagnation. Then the prepared earthen mixture is poured.
Seedling preparation
The best time to plant rhododendrons is spring. They endure a transplant well. It is better to choose container seedlings in garden centers.
When buying, it is advisable to get the rhododendron out of the pot and check the condition of its root system. The roots should tightly entangle the earthy ball, be white. The plant is transplanted into open ground from a container using the transshipment method.
Landing rules
To understand where it is best to plant the Königstein rhododendron, you need to take a closer look at how it grows in nature. These shrubs choose the proximity of plants with a deep root system. It will be good for a rhododendron under a plum, apple, pear, pine, oak.It cannot be planted next to poplars, maples, spruces, birches. A place in light partial shade, protected from the wind, is suitable.
The seedling is placed in the hole so that the root collar is flush with the soil. This will create favorable conditions for the growth of new young shoots. After planting, the ground in the near-trunk circle is watered and mulched with coniferous litter or pine bark. A properly planted rhododendron lives for a long time and pleases with flowering for 40-50 years.
Watering and feeding
For abundant flowering, Königstein rhododendrons must be fertilized once every 2-3 years with rotted compost or manure. Instead of organic matter, you can use mineral fertilizing - special fertilizers for rhododendrons. The second time potassium-phosphorus fertilizers are applied after flowering, this will help to form flower buds for the next year. The soil is acidified annually by adding 1 tsp to a bucket of water. electrolyte.
If the summer is dry, the Konigstein azalea is watered as the soil dries out. Mulch will help keep moisture longer. In summer, a bucket of water is poured under each adult bush 2-3 times a week. Rhododendrons love to be sprayed over the leaf after flowering. If there is not enough moisture, the leaves droop, brown spots appear at the edges, as in fungal diseases.
Pruning
After the end of flowering, wilted inflorescences are broken off. Azalea Konigstein does not need a shaping haircut, as it grows slowly. Sanitary pruning is done after flowering because spring flowers bloom from buds that form in the fall.
Preparing for winter
In snowy winters, adult azaleas do not need shelter. Young seedlings are covered with spruce branches in the fall for the first 3 years after planting. Water-charging irrigation, which is carried out in October, helps to increase the winter hardiness of the Königstein rhododendron. After that, mulch is poured into the trunk circle with a layer of 20 cm.
Covering bushes in February with burlap or craft paper serves as a hedge against drying of flower buds and leaves under the sun. At this time, the roots of the plant cannot absorb moisture from the frozen ground, and green leaves begin to actively evaporate it.
Reproduction of the Japanese koenigstein azalea
Species rhododendrons are grown from seeds, and cultivated varieties, such as Japanese azalea Konigstein, from cuttings. 2-year-old seedlings are planted in open ground.
Cuttings are harvested in late May, June or July after flowering. To do this, choose young annual shoots with a length of at least 10 cm. They must be firm, lignified, green branches are not suitable for rooting. Break it out with your hands, leaving a small heel of the bark.
Rooting order:
- Before planting, the base of the cutting is dipped in Kornevin powder.
- For rooting, sour peat mixed with sand is used.
- The stalk is deepened to the leaf stalks, covered with a jar to create a greenhouse.
Rhododendrons take root for a very long time. This process takes 4-6 months for them. Cuttings planted at the end of May will give roots in September-October and bloom around the 3rd year after planting in open ground.
Königstein rhododendrons reproduce well by layering. To obtain a seedling, the branch is bent to the ground, fixed and sprinkled with earth. After 2 years, a young bush is disconnected from the mother plant and transplanted to a new place.
Diseases and pests
Königstein rhododendrons hardly get sick. The key to success in growing is the right choice of place and planting in acidic soil. If the summer is hot and the air is dry, a spider mite or rhododendron bug can settle on the bushes. For prophylaxis, spraying with tobacco infusion with the addition of soap is carried out. If there are many pests, treatment with the "Phosphamide" emulsion is effective.
For fungal diseases (root rot, rust and spotting), rhododendrons are treated with fungicides, Bordeaux liquid.
Conclusion
Rhododendron Konigstein blooms profusely with bell-shaped lilac flowers in spring, fits well into the landscape of the infield. For successful cultivation, the plant must be properly planted - add sour peat and coniferous litter or soil for azaleas to the planting pit. In ordinary neutral soil, the Koenigstein rhododendron will hurt and soon die.
