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Deciduous rhododendrons are a lush plant species. They differ in different configuration of sheet plates, the decorativeness of which is very attractive in any case. The second advantage of heathers is the wonderful flowers of different colors, similar to bouquets. Rhododendron Cannons Double differs from other varieties in the color range of inflorescences.
Growing a deciduous shrub has its own nuances, which you should familiarize yourself with in advance. With proper care, the plants develop well and decorate the site.
Description of Rhododendron Cannons Double
The main parameters of flowering plants that are of interest to gardeners are the size of the plant and its appearance. Rhododendron Cannons Double has very harmonious characteristics, thanks to which it gained recognition and popularity.
The bush is not tall, but spreading. An adult rhododendron reaches 1.2 m. The diameter even exceeds the height and is equal to 1.5 m. The crown is wide and straight.
Green leaf plates with a matte surface, narrow with a wedge-shaped base. The length of one leaf is about 10 cm.
Flowers are multicolored, double, tubular. The color varies, there are flowers of cream, pink, yellow shades. Up to 7-8 flowers are collected in one inflorescence, which exude a very pleasant aroma.
Cannons Double blooms very beautifully. Therefore, all costs and care measures are compensated at the time of flowering of the variety.
Planting and caring for cannons double rhododendron
The two most important points when growing a variety. The health and appearance of the rhododendron bush depends on how well they are performed. When planting, it is important to choose the right place, because rhododendron grows on the same area for a very long time. Variety care depends on the climatic conditions of the region, weather, soil composition.
Selection and preparation of the landing site
A very important step for gardeners. Cannons rhododendron variety is whimsical to the conditions in which it grows. On the site, a place is selected that meets certain parameters:
- It has good protection from direct sunlight and gusts of wind.
- Acidic soil without moisture stagnation.
- Lack of large trees with superficial roots in close proximity to rhododendron. For example, the roots of birch, linden, maple, willow dry out and thin the soil. Therefore, Cannons Double will feel uncomfortable with them.
Seedling preparation
For planting, seedlings at the age of 3 years with ZKS are best suited. However, one- and two-year-olds also take root well if the planting rules are followed. A plant with a lump of earth or in a container is preliminarily placed in a container with water. After the soil is completely saturated, the seedling is ready for planting. Plants without a container are planted in spring or autumn in September. Purchased ZKS rhododendrons can be planted during the growing season.
Landing rules
For the Cannons Double variety, a planting pit is prepared with a depth of 50 cm and a width of 70 cm.When group planting, 1.5-2.0 m are left between the seedlings.
The bottom is covered with a drainage layer. If the hole is deep, the thickness of the drain should be increased.
Spread a layer of soil 10 cm, put a seedling. Cover with soil.
The root collar cannot be buried, otherwise the flowering of the rhododendron cannot be expected.
The planted plant is watered, and the near-stem hole is mulched with a layer of 5 cm. Peat, needles, leaf litter are considered good material.
For a tall seedling, a support is prepared, which is removed after the rhododendron has taken root.
Watering and feeding
Care activities consist of the usual activities for gardeners. For the correct development of the bush, they must be performed regularly and in a timely manner.
Proper watering allows the plant to form buds correctly. It is necessary to use rainwater or settled water. Experienced gardeners advise adding some high-moor peat a day before watering. The condition of the foliage helps to determine the need for watering the plant. As soon as the shine disappears and the leaf plates become dry, you need to immediately water the rhododendron. If the leaves are curled up and down, then this is a signal of overflow. One bush consumes 10-12 liters of water with regularity 2-3 times a week. Cannons Double is very fond of regular spraying, especially in the summer.
Top dressing is needed at least 3 times per season. The first must be done before flowering, the second when the rhododendron has faded, the third at the end of July. For the first two, an instant fertilizer for rhododendrons or "Kemiru universal" is used. For one plant, 20-30 g of fertilizer or 2-3 g of "Kemira" diluted in 1 liter of water is enough. Additionally, 5 g of urea is added to the solution. The third feeding is done with superphosphate (30 g) and potassium sulfate (15 g). It is important at this point to completely eliminate nitrogen components.
Pruning
Pruning is needed for young Cannons Double rhododendrons to give the bush a beautiful shape. To do this, pinch the shoot next to the central bud. If the shape of the plant is not satisfactory, then a standard pruning of the stems is carried out. Also, remove all branches with a diameter of more than 24 cm, then process the cuts with garden pitch. Be sure to remove the buds in the first year of the life of the Cannons Double bush.
You can leave 1-2 buds to make sure that the selected variety is correct. Withered umbrellas are subject to pruning.
Preparing for winter
Before the soil freezes in the fall, rhododendron is watered abundantly. The branches are bent to the ground so that they are well covered with snow. Pre-cover the branches with spruce branches. In the spring, the shelter is removed gradually. At first, the plant is given the opportunity to ventilate, then little by little it is opened in cloudy weather. In warm areas, cover only the root collar with peat or leaves. Deciduous rhododendrons overwinter well. Cannons Double variety tolerates frosts down to - 26 ° С.
Reproduction
The deciduous variety of rhododendron reproduces vegetatively - by cuttings or rooting of cuttings. Both are considered uncomplicated and give good results.
- Cuttings. Rhododendron cuttings are harvested in the middle of summer. The length of each shank is 10-15 cm. The lower leaves must be removed. The cuttings are placed in Kornevin, then rooted in the mother liquor, creating the effect of a greenhouse. Future rhododendrons hibernate in the basement, and in the spring they are planted in the ground.
- Layers. A suitable branch is slightly cut, laid in a groove, fixed, covered with peat. It is important to constantly moisturize the soil. The next spring, the new rhododendron is separated from the parent bush.
Diseases and pests
If agronomic requirements are violated, the Cannons Double can be affected by fungal infections. Copper sulfate treatment will help with rust and leaf spot. If cancer is found, then all affected branches should be removed and burned. For prevention, rhododendron is sprayed in spring and autumn with Bordeaux liquid.
Ticks (rhododendron and spiderweb), thrips, scale insects, slugs - an incomplete list of parasites that can harm the plant. Insecticides are used against pests (according to the instructions).
Conclusion
Rhododendron Cannons Double is a very beautiful deciduous shrub. You can achieve lush flowering only by following the recommendations for growing. Therefore, choosing this variety, you should clearly adhere to the rules of planting and care.
