Content
Rhododendron The Hague is a hybrid that has become widespread due to its decorative appearance and winter hardiness. To grow this variety, choose a suitable place, prepare a plot and a seedling. During the growing season, shrubs need some care.
Description of the rhododendron The Hague
The Hague is an evergreen hybrid rhododendron that belongs to the Finnish series. It was developed by specialists from the University of Helsington and the Mustila Arboretum. By 1973, several winter-hardy hybrids had been bred. Among them was the Hague variety.
Rhododendron The Hague is a bush with a regular crown shape. For 10 years, the plant reaches a height of 1.5 m. The crown is dense, pyramidal or round. The bark is gray, smooth. Vegetative buds reach a length of 50 mm, they are pointed, scaly, green-yellow.
Rhododendron leaves are dark green, simple, alternate. The length of the leaf plate is 7.5 cm, the width is 5 cm. The petiole is up to 5 cm in size. The Hague variety produces pink flowers, collected in inflorescences of 8 - 12 pcs. On the inner side of the petals are reddish specks. The length of the flowers is up to 6 cm, the width is up to 1.5 cm. After flowering in the fall, light green fruits ripen with a length of 2 - 4 cm.
The Hague variety begins to bloom at a young age. In southern Finland, flowers bloom in mid-June. In northern latitudes, the buds swell later. Long flowering from 2 to 3 weeks.
Rhododendron The Hague in the photo:
Winter hardiness of the Hague rhododendron
The Hague variety is characterized by increased winter hardiness. Plants can withstand temperatures as low as -36 ° C. The hybrid is well adapted to Russian conditions. It is planted in the middle lane, in the northwest and colder regions.
Growing conditions for hybrid rhododendron The Hague
To grow a rhododendron of the Hague variety, it is necessary to provide it with a number of conditions. The plant requires a certain microclimate, which includes lighting, air and soil moisture, soil composition.
Conditions for successful cultivation of the Hague rhododendron:
- diffused sunlight or partial shade;
- cold wind protection;
- acidic fertile soil, rich in humus;
- the flow of fertilizers;
- soil moisture.
Rhododendron is ideal for shady areas of the garden. The plant gets along well next to evergreen and ornamental shrubs. Buildings, fences and large trees provide protection from the wind.
The shrub develops best on loamy and sandy loam soils. The permissible acidity is from 4.5 to 6.5. The earth should be good for moisture and air.
Planting and caring for the Hague rhododendron
Compliance with the planting rules is one of the conditions for successful cultivation of the Hague rhododendron. They start by choosing a suitable site where the plant will be as comfortable as possible. If necessary, improve the composition of the soil. Then the planting material is selected.
Selection and preparation of the landing site
The Hague rhododendron is not recommended to be planted in the lowlands. In such areas, moisture and cold air often accumulate, which is detrimental to the shrub.If a place is chosen on an elevation, then the wind rose and the intensity of the sun's rays are evaluated.
Good places for the Hague rhododendron are under the canopy of coniferous and deciduous trees, next to streams, artificial reservoirs and fountains. The plant is suitable for single and group planting. The ideal option is meadows surrounded by trees, a sparse pine forest, the northern parts of the garden, where the sun appears only in the morning and after lunch.
If you plan to plant several different varieties, then it is better not to have evergreen and deciduous varieties nearby. In addition, rhododendron is not planted next to maple, chestnut, poplar, elm, linden, alder. In these trees, the root system is located in the upper layers of the soil and takes up a lot of nutrients. The best neighbors will be pines, spruces, larches, oaks.
The preparation of the site for the variety The Hague begins with digging up the soil. Be sure to remove the remnants of previous plants, weeds, stones and other debris. If the soil is sandy and does not retain moisture well, then add a little clay and peat. Humus and coarse river sand are introduced into dense clay soil.
Seedling preparation
The Hague rhododendron seedlings tolerate transplants well. Their root system is located in the upper layer of the earth and does not penetrate deeply. For growing in the garden, seedlings are purchased from trusted suppliers. Bushes grown in containers take root best.
Before buying, the plant is carefully examined. Select specimens without cracks, mold and other damage. If it is possible to inspect the root system, then its appearance should also be assessed. The roots should be free from growths, soft or rotten areas.
Before planting, the seedling of the Hague variety is removed from the container. The root system is immersed in water for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, it is well saturated with moisture. If the work is carried out in the spring, then you can add 2 - 3 drops of the cornerosta stimulator.
Landing rules
The Hague rhododendron is planted in the spring. They choose a time when the soil warms up well and frosts pass. In nature, these evergreen shrubs grow on acidic soils saturated with humus. Therefore, a substrate is prepared that meets these requirements.
The order of planting rhododendron varieties The Hague:
- A hole is dug on the site with a width of 70 cm and a depth of 60 cm.
- If the soil is heavy, broken brick or rubble is placed on the bottom. The thickness of the drainage layer is 15 cm.
- Then proceed to the preparation of the substrate. They take sod land, high peat and coniferous litter in a ratio of 3: 2: 1. The components are thoroughly mixed.
- The substrate is poured into the pit.
- The rhododendron is planted to the same depth as in the container. The root collar is not covered, otherwise the plant will die.
- A hole is made around the bush, more earth is poured around the edges.
- The seedling of the Hague variety is well watered.
- A mulching layer of peat or needles with a thickness of 8 cm is poured under the plant.
Watering and feeding
Rhododendrons are sensitive to lack of moisture. Watering is especially important during the budding period. Their lack negatively affects flowering and shoot growth. The first signs of a lack of water are drooping leaves curled up in a tube. In this case, the rhododendron is watered abundantly.
It is best to use mild rain water for irrigation. Hard water contains a lot of calcium, which alkalizes the soil. To soften it, add 2 - 3 handfuls of high-moor peat to the container.
Subject to the planting rules, the Hague rhododendron does not need feeding. However, the intake of minerals will speed up the flowering and make it more abundant. The first feeding is carried out in May. It is best to choose ready-made mineral complexes for the shrub: Absolut, Forte, Farmland. They come in liquid or granular form.
During the season, the Hague rhododendron variety is sufficient for 2 - 3 dressings. The last time the fertilizer is applied is in July.At the same time, they refuse from substances containing lime and chlorine. From organic fertilizers, shrubs are suitable for rewent manure. It is applied in the fall or spring over the ground.
Pruning
According to the photo and description, the Hague rhododendron is growing slowly. For the shrub, sanitary pruning is carried out. In spring and autumn, it is examined, dry, broken, frozen shoots are removed. If the rhododendron grows too much, then you can cut out the extra shoots. The procedure is carried out before or after the start of sap flow, so as not to injure the plant.
To rejuvenate the old bush, its shoots are pruned by 15 cm annually. This stimulates the growth of new strong branches. All cut sites are treated with a special paste.
Preparing for winter
It is recommended to cover young rhododendron varieties of the Hague for the winter in the first years after planting. The plant is watered abundantly before the arrival of frost. Then it is covered with dry oak leaves and spruce branches.
In cold climates, rhododendron is insulated with a non-woven fabric that is attached to the frame. The shelter is removed in late March or early April. However, spruce branches should be left so that the plant does not suffer from sunburn.
Reproduction
For the Hague rhododendron, vegetative propagation methods are used. New plants are obtained using cuttings or layering. If you collect and plant seeds, this does not guarantee the preservation of the color of flowers and decorative properties of the resulting seedlings.
For cuttings in July, strong, half-freshened branches are chosen. They are cut to a length of 8 cm and placed in a growth stimulant solution for 15 hours. Then the cuttings are transplanted into a substrate consisting of peat and sand. From above they are covered with polyethylene or a glass jar. Rooting takes place in a high humidity and warm environment. In cuttings, the root system appears in 3 to 4 months.
For reproduction of rhododendron by layering, several strong shoots are chosen. They are lowered into prepared holes and fastened with staples. Then the branches are covered with earth and a 20 cm long top is left on the surface. The layers are watered and fed throughout the season. New branches appear from the eyes of the shoots. New shoots are planted from the mother bush after 2 years.
Diseases and pests
If agricultural technology is violated, the Hague rhododendron becomes susceptible to fungal diseases. Dark spots appear on the leaves and stems, which gradually spread. The main reasons for the appearance of a fungus are excess moisture in the air, poor soil aeration, and excessive watering.
Preparations containing copper help to fight diseases. This includes Fundazole, copper oxychloride, Bordeaux liquid. Plants are sprayed on a cloudy day or in the evening. If necessary, re-treatment is performed after a week.
Rhododendron is susceptible to attack by weevils, spider mites, false scutes and other pests. They feed on the juices of the bush, which inhibits its development and spoils its decorative appearance. To protect the Hague variety from insects, Iskra, Actellik, Karbofos are used.
Conclusion
Rhododendron The Hague is a great option for growing even in colder climates. The plant has a decorative appearance, unpretentious, tolerates severe winters. To grow a rhododendron, you need to select a suitable place on the site. Caring for the variety The Hague includes watering, fertilizing, preparing for wintering.
