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Rhododendron Chania is a variety derived from an evergreen shrub. The plant is considered a rare crop for temperate climates. The culture of the Khanya variety is recommended for cultivation in the central part of Russia.
Description of the rhododendron Khan
It is a compact shrub up to 1 m high. The leaves of the plant are dark green all year round. From late May to June, it forms lush inflorescences of a pale pink color. Dark brown anthers are located in the central part of the bud. Flowers have a pleasant scent. According to reviews and descriptions of gardeners, the Khanya variety rhododendron, shown in the photo, has acclimatized well in the cold winters of Russia.
The peculiarity of this variety is its short stature. Thanks to this, Khan's rhododendron is used in border plantings. The shrub forms a compact but sturdy root system.
Winter hardiness of the rhododendron Khan
Rhododendron Chania is considered a winter-hardy variety. It can withstand temperatures in cold weather down to -28 degrees.
Planting and caring for Rhododendron Chania
Rhododendron Chania is planted in spring. You can transplant in summer, but not during flowering. After this period, the plant should also not be touched for 2 weeks.
Selection and preparation of the landing site
Rhododendron Chania requires fertile soil. It should be acidified. The shrub is light-loving, but it cannot be planted in an area where direct sunlight enters. It tolerates shade well, therefore, the north side of the buildings is determined for planting. Rhododendron Chania can be planted near an artificial reservoir, under the crown of other trees.
Seedling preparation
A shrub sapling of the Khanya variety should be purchased from a specialized store. Gardeners prefer those that have a closed root system. Their survival rate is higher. Saplings with open roots are cheaper, but their survival rate is lower. Before planting, young plants are prepared for this procedure. The roots are placed in water, kept until the end of the release of air bubbles, after which they begin to plant.
Landing rules
Before planting Han's rhododendron, make a hole. Gardeners use dimensions in a depth to diameter ratio of 40 by 60 cm. Any drainage that is available is laid on the bottom. Then the soil is prepared, the planting is carried out:
- Take a mixture of peat, loam and clay in a ratio of 2: 1: 0.5.
- The soil in the hole is tamped, a depression is prepared for the root system.
- Place the seedling in the groove.
- They fill up the soil, tamp it.
The vaccination site is left above ground level when planting. The root collar is placed flush with the ground. Around the circumference of the trunk circle, an earthen roller is made to retain moisture.
After planting, the rhododendron is watered. To a height of 5 cm, the near-trunk place is mulched. Peat, oak bark, pine needles or moss are used. If there are buds during planting, some of them are removed so that the plant takes root better. Further care consists in weeding, watering, feeding, and removing pests.
Watering and feeding
Rhododendron Chania is a moisture-loving shrub. Requires abundant moisture during bud formation and flowering. Water it 2-3 times within a week. One bucket of liquid is consumed for each bush.Use warm, soft water.
It is recommended to collect moisture when it rains. Tap water can be made soft by adding a handful of peat to it the day before use.
Rhododendron needs acidic soil, so the water is acidified with citric acid. For this purpose, take 1 tbsp. l. means for 10 liters of water. Table vinegar is used - 40 mg per 1 liter of liquid. Water abundantly until the soil is 30 cm wet. The need for moisture is determined by the leaves. Watering is needed if the leaves are dull and soft.
Rhododendron Chania responds well to feeding. From the beginning of spring to the end of July, nutrients are regularly added. They practice feeding in liquid form. The manure is mixed with water, maintaining a ratio of 1:15. It is used as a top dressing. Before this, the shrub must be watered.
Mineral fertilizers are also recommended:
- ammonium sulfate;
- potassium phosphate;
- potassium sulfate;
- superphosphate.
Pruning
Han's rhododendron needs minimal pruning. The plant itself forms a beautiful bush shape. Remove damaged, protruding branches. Pruning for rejuvenation purposes. It is performed in the spring before sap flow. Shoots are cut, the cuts are treated with garden varnish. To make Han's rhododendron look lush, pinch the tops of the shoots. If the bush has suffered from frost, a gradual pruning is performed. First, the shoots of a part of the bush are removed up to 40 cm. In another year, the second part is cut off. Rhododendron blooms for a long time and profusely if you remove wilted buds. Under these conditions, it will form the buds of the next season.
Preparing for winter
Rhododendron Chania requires preparation for winter. When autumn is dry, it is moisturized. Use 10-12 liters of water per bush. In rainy autumn weather, additional moisture is not needed.
Before the onset of cold weather, the root zone of Khan's rhododendron is covered with a layer of peat. In areas with cold winters, the bushes are covered with any material. Branches of coniferous trees are placed between the shoots, the bush is pulled together a little with a rope.
According to other recommendations, a frame is made of slats, covered with any material, except for a film.
Reproduction
Once a rhododendron shrub has been planted, gardeners can propagate it on their own. To do this, they practice different ways:
- When propagated by seeds, the shrub blooms after a long time, 6 or 8 years. Sow them in containers with moist soil, do not cover them with earth. Cover with glass, leave in a warm place. Seedlings appear within a month. As soon as a couple of leaves grow, they are transplanted into separate containers. The first year young seedlings live in a greenhouse or indoor conditions. Planted only next year.
- Lignified branches of rhododendron are used for grafting. Cut the cuttings 8 cm high. The leaves at the bottom are removed. They are kept in a root formation stimulator for up to a day. Buried in a soil mixture of peat and sand. Close with a cut plastic bottle. The cuttings give roots within 4 months. After that, the rooted shoot is transplanted into a container with peat and oak bark, in a ratio of 2 to 1. It hibernates indoors at a temperature of +12 degrees.
- Reproduction of rhododendron by layering is a more affordable way. In the spring, the green shoot is placed in a longitudinal recess. The middle part is covered with soil, for reliability it is pinned in any way. The top of the shoot is tied to a peg, directing it vertically. In the future, the same care is carried out for the layering as for an adult bush. Where the shoot is sprinkled with soil, it forms roots. The next spring, it can be detached and dropped off at the desired location.
- When transplanting, a large bush of Han's rhododendron is divided, planted in new holes. A year later, young bushes form flowering shoots.
Diseases and pests
The Khanya variety, like any rhododendron, can suffer from fungal infections.
The cause of rhododendron diseases is poor soil aeration, excess moisture.Copper sulfate will cope with leaf spot and rust. Cancer-affected shoots and leaves are removed. To prevent chlorosis, iron chelate is added during watering. For the prevention of diseases, the shrub is treated with Bordeaux liquid.
Of the pests, they often notice:
- mealybugs;
- scale insects;
- weevils;
- spider mites;
- rhododendra flies;
- slugs and snails.
Slugs and snails are collected, the plantings are treated with the fungicide "Tiram". Spraying with Diazinon kills ticks, flies and weevils. Other pests will be destroyed by Karbofos.
Even after flowering, the healthy Hanya rhododendron bush shown in the photo looks attractive.
Conclusion
Rhododendron Chania is an unpretentious and winter-hardy plant. Practically does not get sick. With minimal maintenance, it will decorate any garden.
