Azalea garden planting and care in the open field of the Moscow region

A couple of decades ago, garden azalea was considered a greenhouse or indoor plant, but in the last decade in our country, gardeners began to grow the plant in the open field. Blooming bush azalea is incomparable - the branches are abundantly covered with delicate buds of a simple or double shape and various shades.

Where does the garden bush azalea come from?

In addition to white, pink, yellow, purple, red or orange color, there are varieties with multi-colored buds, which makes the plants even more decorative. Lush flowering subject to the rules of agricultural technology lasts 3 to 10 weeks.

The basis of hybrid varieties that can withstand the moderate winters of the Central Russian zone in the open field is Japanese, which is considered a national plant in its homeland. The ancestors of the greenhouse varieties are the heat-loving Indian azaleas.

Site selection: open ground in the Moscow region and other regions

Planting a seedling begins with choosing a suitable place in the garden. For those who are interested in planting a plant in the Moscow region, there are no fundamental differences. Azalea will not grow in a randomly selected area.

The choice of location depends not so much on the region as on the microclimate.

When transferring a seedling to open ground, the several conditions:

• A large amount of light is required without direct sunlight. Otherwise, the grown bush will begin to shed its buds, the flowering period will be significantly reduced, and the leaves will wrinkle.
• Evergreen species are recommended to be planted in areas with diffused light or partial shade.
• Deciduous varieties grow well in bright areas under the shade of large trees, provided that the roots of the plants do not interfere with each other. Best suited as companions yew, thuja, spruce, oak, larch... Alder, poplar, maple are not suitable for the neighborhood - their superficial root system takes moisture and nutrition.
• When landing next to buildings, any side, except the southern one, will work.

It is worth giving preference to areas with flat relief, where water does not stagnate in spring after the snow melts.

• Protection against gusts of wind and drafts is required, they cannot be planted at the corner of buildings and between buildings.
• Proximity to a natural or artificial body of water is perfect - moist air will prolong flowering and keep the foliage fresh.

When growing a garden azalea for normal development, the air temperature during the growing season should be + 20 + 25 ° С - almost all regions of central Russia correspond to these conditions. In winter, garden varieties are able to withstand a cold snap to -27 ° C, with more severe frosts, the plant will die.

Too cold winters, typical for the north of Russia, are destructive for the bush

Group plantings look the most decorative. When located in the garden, do not plant evergreen and deciduous species nearby, set the center of the site for tall varieties, and the near edge for undersized varieties.

Choose plants taking into account the color of the buds: yellow with orange, purple with white, pink with purple, red with white are best combined.

Soil and planting

Azalea will grow well only on loose and acidic soils, which contain sand, peat and coniferous soil. The acidity of the soil is necessary constantly maintain at the level of 4.0-4.5... For planting a seedling, early spring is suitable before the juice begins to move or the beginning of autumn - the bush will have time to take root in a new place before the cold weather begins and will normally endure the winter cold.

Garden azaleas have a shallow root system, so they don't need a deep planting hole. However, planting seedlings has some nuances:

• Dig a landing hole 0.5 m deep and 0.6-0.7 m in diameter.
• Lay a 15-20 cm drainage layer of sand, expanded clay and broken brick at the bottom of the pit - it will acidify the soil. It is undesirable to use lime materials (crushed stone, crumbs), otherwise alkalization of the soil is inevitable, which azaleas cannot tolerate.
• Mix the earth taken out of the pit with peat, humus and coarse sand to increase looseness and soil permeability.
• Pour the soil mixture onto the drainage layer and place the seedling on the hill, controlling the level of the root collar - after planting it should be slightly above the soil level.
• Gently fill the root ball with soil, compact the soil around the seedling, add soil and water if necessary.
• Mulch the soil around the bush with moss, peat, pine needles or crushed bark - mulch will prevent the growth of weeds and retain life-giving moisture in the soil.

Plants in containers can be planted throughout the summer, when removing from the container, the earth must not be crushed from the roots. Seedlings purchased from nurseries or garden centers should be watered abundantly before planting.

It is highly recommended to water the plant bought from the nursery abundantly

You can dip the root ball into the water for a while until air bubbles stop appearing from the water.

Purchase seedlings in a large container, the size of which corresponds to the overall size of the plant - in small containers, the roots do not develop well.

When buying, check the agrotechnical characteristics and check the viability of the bush: its branches should be elastic, healthy and strong. Sick and weak seedling it will not be possible to leave.

Mulching and feeding

For mulching bushes, crushed pine bark, fallen needles, steamed sawdust, small expanded clay, peat or tree foliage (except for chestnut and maple trees) are used.

Mulching retains moisture in the ground, prevents weeds from growing, protects surface roots from overheating in summer and from freezing in winter. When mulching, the root collar should be free.

Without feeding, there will be no abundant flowering, and for the normal growth of azaleas need additional food... There should be several top dressing during the summer:

• In the spring, add a solution of mullein (humus) in a ratio of 1:10.
• At the time of bud formation, a second mullein feeding is carried out with the addition of phosphorus-potassium fertilizer.
• When the last buds fall off, a third feeding is carried out with phosphorus and potassium in a ratio of 1: 2.
• Top dressing is applied at a distance of 0.2-0.3 m from the center of the bush.

When applying complex fertilizers, it is necessary to ensure that they do not contain chlorine and lime... Also, you cannot use wood ash - it changes the acidity of the soil, reducing it.

Watering, weeding and spraying

Watering the azalea should be abundant throughout the summer season. A slightly dry soil surface is a signal for the next moisture. Water the plant with rain or settled water, adding citric acid to the irrigation water once a month (1 tsp for 2 liters of water) - it increases the acidity of the soil.

As with any plant, it is highly recommended to take into account the seasonality when watering the bush.

With the beginning of autumn, watering is reduced so as not to provoke the growth of new shoots, which will not have time to ripen and freeze before winter. Before the beginning of winter, the plant is watered abundantly - water-charging watering will allow to endure frosts with minimal losses.

Besides watering, azalea loves sprinkling - humid air is favorable for the decorativeness of the plant and is a prophylactic agent against insect pests. However, during flowering, this procedure must be abandoned, otherwise spots will form on the flowers, spoiling the appearance of the plant.

Do not forget about weeding - during the entire growing season, you need to weed the site several times. Only this must be done carefully so as not to damage the surface roots of the azalea.

Transfer

The transplant is carried out according to the same principle as the landing. The best time to transplant a plant is early spring. Considering that azalea considered a capricious plant, it is recommended to choose a suitable day for transplanting according to the lunar calendar.

The planting depth must be kept at the same level.

Around the transplanted bush, it is recommended to make a side of moss or earth, it will help trap snow in winter and protect the roots from frost.

Pruning

Pruning bushes is carried out in three stages:

1. In the spring, they do sanitary pruning, cutting out diseased and dry shoots. The rest of the shoots do not touch - flower buds have been laid on them since autumn.
2. During flowering regularly remove wilted flowers.
3. After the last buds have wilted, formative pruning is carried out - dry peduncles are removed, shoots that are too long are shortened, branches are cut out that strongly thicken the bush.

The remaining shoots are shortened by no more than 1/3 of the total length - the next year the azalea will branch out and take the form of a lush and abundantly flowering plant.

When pruning a bush, keep in mind that the types of pruning depend on the season.

With any pruning, the places of the cuts are covered with garden varnish or any paint based on drying oil. Work is carried out in protective gloves to avoid skin irritation - the sap of the plant is poisonous.

Azalea is a slow-growing plant species and reaches maturity at 3-4 years of age.Therefore, young bushes do not form, but only carry out sanitary pruning.

Diseases and pests

Gardening can suffer from fungal infections and insects. The most common diseases are rust, leaf spot, and rot. In the fight against diseases, spraying with fungicides or copper sulfate is effective.

As a preventive measure against diseases, it is recommended to treat the bushes at least once a season before flowering with Oxyhom or after flowering with Fundazol.

Potential pests
Aphid	They will come to the rescue insecticide solutions - help to get rid of pests that interfere with the full growth and development of plants
Black thrips
Spider mite
Mealybug
Whitefly

Lightening leaves on azalea bushes, the color of which turns yellow over time, indicate a characteristic disease - calcareous chlorosis. It is treated by introducing solutions under the bush that help increase the acidity of the soil:

• table or apple cider vinegar - 100 ml per 10 liters of water;
• citric or oxalic acid - 2 tbsp. l. 10 liters of water.

For watering 1 sq. m. will require 10 liters of solution. Peat (1.5 kg per 1 sq. M) is suitable as a soil acidifier.

Lack of flowering

Florists are often faced with the fact that the garden azalea does not bloom... There are several reasons for this:

• alkaline or neutral soil;
• lack of scattered light;
• moisture deficiency;
• high air temperature;
• insufficient nutrition or, conversely, frequent and abundant feeding.

Subject to all the requirements for planting and caring for the plant, it will delight with lush and long flowering.

Reproduction: growing street Azalea from seeds and not only

The garden azalea is propagated by seeds, cuttings, layering and dividing the bush.

The choice of breeding method depends on how quickly you want to get the result.

The easiest way is to lean the side shoot to the ground, fix it with wire, sprinkle it with earth and water it regularly. After a while it will take root, and next spring the young bush can be separated from the mother plant.

Divide the bushes with a vein before the start of sap flow. With the help of a sharp object (spatula, spatula), part of the bush is separated and transplanted to a new place. In this case, the mother bush should have a well-developed root system and several healthy shoots.

Propagation by cuttings takes from 1.5 to 4 months from the time of cutting the cuttings to their rooting. To achieve the result, you need to follow the recommendations of experienced gardeners:

• Cut the apical cuttings 10 cm long. The apical bud and lower leaves removeleaving 2-3 healthy leaves.
• Treat the sections with a growth stimulant. Embed the cuttings by 2-3 cm in individual pots or cups filled with a mixture of peat and sand. Moisten the soil.
• Cover the cups with cut-off plastic bottles to create mini greenhouses. A week after planting the cuttings, begin airing by unscrewing the lids or removing the caps daily for 10-15 minutes.

Micro greenhouses help maintain the right temperature

• For successful rooting, maintain an air temperature of + 20 + 24 ° C and water as needed, not forgetting to drain excess water from the trays.
• After rooting, transplant the cuttings into a container with fertile acidic soil.
• Plant in a year to a permanent place in the garden.

Propagation by cuttings is a troublesome and time-consuming process, but it has its advantages. If a neighbor in the country cuts cuttings from his bushes, you will immediately see which plant will bloom in your garden in 3-4 years.

The seed method of reproduction is practically not used by gardeners - with this method of reproduction, you will have to wait a long time for the first flowering.

Lovers of growing plants from seeds can try to germinate them in an impromptu daily ventilated greenhouse, keeping an eye on behind the substrate moisture.

Winter preparation and spring care

The buds of the next year are laid in the fall.Therefore, it is important to preserve the plant during the winter and help it survive the frosts.

Despite the relatively good winter hardiness of many varieties, it is more reliable to cover the shrub for the winter in order to ensure that flower buds, young branches and superficial roots are kept healthy:

• After water-charging irrigation, the soil under the bushes is mulched 5-10 cm thick.Under tall azaleas, the mulch layer can be increased to 30 cm.
• The branches of deciduous varieties are gently bent to the ground and fixed with wire... A multilayer shelter is made of corrugated cardboard, covering materials and spruce branches.

When organizing winter protection, polyethylene and other airtight materials are not used, otherwise the buds and shoots will mate and rot.

• For evergreen varieties, a frame is preliminarily made, which is installed before the ground freezes, the covering material is pulled onto the frame only with the onset of stable cold weather.

Do not use materials that are not breathable, otherwise the bush will rot

The frame is insulated with durable materials or roofing felt so that a distance of 20-25 cm remains between the walls of the shelter and the bush. To drain moisture under the structure lay flexible hose, the other end of which is taken out.

With the onset of the first spring days, you should not rush to open the azalea bushes, you need to wait for the complete melting of the snow cover on the site. Plants that have become unaccustomed to sunlight over the winter should be gradually accustomed to the spring rays, opening them briefly in the morning and gradually increasing the time.

Plants tolerate winter differently and must be cooked accordingly. For example, there is a procedure for how to prepare gloxinia for wintering and a dormant period.

The first time it is better to open the bushes on a cloudy day.

Azalea is a demanding outdoor plant. She needs to create certain conditions under which she will feel good. In response, the shrub will thank you with a huge number of flowers that will delight you for a long time. Planting several varieties of azalea with different flowering times at the same time allows you to enjoy a riot of colors throughout the summer.

Garden azaleas or, as they are commonly called according to the modern classification of species, rhododendrons are a huge family of flowering shrubs that can seriously differ from each other in size, shades and shape of flowers and even lifestyle.

Numerous varieties and varieties of cultivated rhododendrons can:

• be evergreen and deciduous plants;
• reach a height of 3 meters and rise above the soil by only 50-60 cm;
• differ in terms of flowering.

But all these plants have common features. Garden azaleas have rather graceful shoots, covered with light bark and slightly elongated oval leaves. The leaf plates are small, dense, with a noticeable nap. When the time comes for the azaleas to bloom, from late April to almost mid-summer, flowers with flat or funnel-shaped corollas appear en masse on the tops of last year's shoots.

Depending on the species and variety, you can enjoy a lush cloud of white, yellow, pink, lilac or purple flowers from three weeks to 2.5 months.

Deciduous varieties of garden azaleas have been successfully grown in Russia since pre-revolutionary times, and at the beginning of the last century they were actively used for landscaping and decorating parks near Moscow and St. Petersburg. Today, the selection work of botanists from all over the world has made it possible to easily select plants that, with good care, are very winter-hardy and bloom magnificently, grow in the middle lane.

Growing conditions for garden azalea

Garden azalea refers to perennial plants with rather slow growth. This should be taken into account when choosing a place for planting a plant and organizing care for a young bush. For the first time, azaleas bloom only 3-4 years after planting, growing up and reaching full development.

The ideal temperature for growing a garden azalea in the summer is 20-25 ° C, which is quite acceptable for most areas of the Russian middle zone. In winter, many varieties and hybrids can withstand temperatures as low as 27–32 ° C.

Yet the plant needs protection and year-round support. When planning the planting of a garden azalea, you need to be very careful about choosing a suitable place. In nature, rhododendrons are photophilous, but when exposed to direct sunlight:

• lose decorativeness faster;
• worse form flower buds;
• reduce flowering time.

Therefore, for an azalea, it is better to find a flat area protected from wind and flooding by spring waters in partial shade, where the bush will not suffer from summer heat, frost and gusts of cold air. For planting shrubs near the house, a north, east or west wall is suitable.

Rhododendrons grow well in the vicinity of larger trees. True, it should be borne in mind that the roots of the plants do not interfere with each other. Spruces with a taproot system, small-leaved lindens and oaks feel good next to the garden azalea.

For azaleas, the proximity to garden and park ponds is useful. Here, thanks to the natural humidification of the air, the plant blooms longer, and its foliage remains fresh.

Planting a garden azalea

The best time for transplanting or planting garden azaleas is early spring, when the plant has not begun a period of active sap movement. If, for some reason, rhododendrons are not planted at the beginning of the growing season, this can be done in September. For the remaining warm days and weeks, the shrub will have time to acclimatize and successfully overwinter.

Azaleas growing outdoors have a superficial root system. Therefore, a deep planting hole for the shrub is not required, but the preparation of a loose fertile substrate is necessary:

1. The depth of the pit may not exceed 50 cm.
2. In this case, the width should be 20-30 cm greater than the depth.

At the bottom, a powerful drainage layer is made from fragments of red brick, large expanded clay and sand. It is impossible to use limestone chips, since this mineral gradually changes the acidity of the soil and can cause withering and death of an already established bush of a garden azalea.

The soil removed from the planting pit is cleaned of turf, and then they add to it:

• peat cleared of coarse inclusions;
• humus;
• sand and other components necessary to ensure the looseness and structure of the substrate.

Before immersing the seedling in the pit, a small amount of prepared soil is poured onto the drainage layer in the center. The roots of the bush are carefully laid out on it so that the root collar of the azalea, when backfilled, must remain above the soil level. The soil around the plant is compacted and moistened. If the soil has settled, it is poured over, and the surface is abundantly mulched on top.

If you plan to plant a garden azalea purchased from a nursery or store, its root system should first be revived by lowering it into water or watering abundantly before planting.

Seedlings with a closed root system are easier to transplant, while their roots do not need to be cleaned of existing soil, but it is worth checking the health of the roots and removing the damaged ones.

Caring for your garden azalea after planting

During the entire growing season, garden azaleas need abundant watering. The soil should be moistened immediately after the surface layer has dried. Rainwater or settled water is best suited for irrigation. To maintain the increased acidity of the soil, citric or other food acid is added to the irrigation moisture once a month.

On hot days, in addition to the azalea flowering time, the shrubs can be sprayed with warm water to be a good support for the decorative effect of the shrub and prevent insect pests and fungi.

At the end of summer, watering is reduced, provoking the completion of the growth of the shrub and improving its preparation for winter.For the same purpose, the application of dressings is stopped, especially if granular agents of prolonged action were used for this.

Caring for a garden azalea includes mulching, which is designed to protect the roots of the plant from drying out in the summer and from frost in the winter. Under such a shelter, weeds develop worse and slower, moisture is saved. A layer of mulch from pine needles, steamed sawdust or shavings, chopped cut grass or even fine expanded clay is replenished and restored as necessary, but does not cover the root collar of the plant.

It is impossible to support a flowering shrub with one watering. Therefore, the azalea is fed at least three times a year.

• In early spring, plants are watered with infusion of mullein or humus.
• Before the beginning of the flowering time of azaleas, in addition to nitrogen, the shrub needs potassium and phosphorus in equal amounts.
• After wilting of most of the inflorescences, the plant is watered with a mixture of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers in a ratio of 1: 2.

Plants of garden azaleas are extremely negative about the introduction of fertilizers into the soil, which contain chlorine and lime. You should not use ash, which is popular with gardeners, for feeding.

Watering and feeding during the care of azaleas is carried out not under the root, but at a distance from the center of the bush at least 20 cm.This technique allows you to bring moisture and nutrients to the most active areas of the superficial root system of this garden culture.

Pruning azaleas in the garden

The plant begins spring with already formed flower buds, therefore, after wintering, only sanitary pruning of azaleas is carried out in the garden, when dry and diseased shoots are removed.

The formation of a shrub is carried out after the flowers have wilted. During the procedure, both dry peduncles and overly elongated branches are cut off. If you do not remove attention from pruning azaleas for several years, the bush gradually overgrows, the shoots block the access of light and air, which leads to the development of diseases and insect pests.

When pruning azaleas, it is important to remember that the buds are laid on annual shoots, so this year's growth is not affected. After pruning, large hemp is treated with garden pitch.

Young shrubs up to 3 years of age can not be formed, carrying out only the removal of dead shoots.

Winter care for azaleas

Future flowering depends on the care of the azaleas throughout the year, as well as how the plant overwinters. Certain varieties of garden rhododendrons can survive Russian winters without shelter, but in this case it will not work to guarantee the health of the shrub:

1. Flower buds at the ends of the shoots are the first to suffer from the cold.
2. With a lack of snow, sometimes not only young branches but also the root system freeze out.

To protect the plants, autumn starts preparing for winter with abundant watering of the soil under the bushes of garden azaleas. Then the root circle is covered with an additional layer of mulch, for which pine needles, peat or fallen leaves are taken. A layer of such protection for small plants can be 5-10 cm, up to 30 cm of insulation is poured under tall bushes.

Branches of deciduous varieties of azaleas growing in open ground:

• gently tilt to the soil;
• fixed with wire;
• covered with corrugated cardboard, special materials or another layer of spruce branches or peat.

It is not worth covering azaleas with film or other airtight materials, since there is a high risk of developing rotting and rotting buds and young shoots.

Azalea evergreens are covered with a pre-made frame so as not to damage the shoots and future buds. Inside the shelter, the plant should not be constrained. And it is necessary to insulate the structure with roofing felt or non-woven materials only in the established cool weather, if this is done on warm days, next spring it will not be possible to avoid the loss of some of the flowers.

Caring for azaleas in winter is to protect plants from wind and moisture condensing during thaws.If the winter has little snow, the bushes need to be additionally protected by creating man-made snowdrifts at their base. During the rainy season, azaleas are loosely covered with a film, leaving the possibility of moisture escape.

With the onset of spring, the shelter is removed only after the snow cover melts and the establishment of positive average daily temperatures.

During acclimatization and care of azaleas, they are constantly monitored to avoid sunburn of delicate tissues and wilting of a plant that is deficient in nutrition and moisture.

Garden azaleas are a rewarding culture. Shrubs always respond with lush flowering and growth to adhere to the agrotechnology of growing azaleas in the garden and competent, regular care. No matter where the gardener lives, today you can find many amazing varieties of azaleas that have different colors and different flowering times.

Video about rhododendrons - azaleas in the garden

Garden azaleas are distinguished by the presence of elegant shoots, covered with light bark, and are also characterized by elongated rounded leaves. Before the onset of the azalea flowering, and this is the end of April and the middle of summer, unique flowers with flat or funnel-shaped corollas begin to massively appear on the tops of last year's shoots.

If you want your garden to be decorated with such a beautiful flower as garden azalea, planting and maintenance in the open field must be carried out correctly. We will tell you how, when and what to do.

Very interesting! You can observe the unique flowering of azaleas for three weeks or 2.5 months, depending on the species, as well as the variety.

Deciduous species of garden azaleas have been cultivated with great success in Russia since tsarist times. At the beginning of the last century, deciduous azalea was used for landscaping or decoration of many park areas near Moscow and St. Petersburg. Recently, there are varieties that are quite winter-hardy, which bloom profusely and develop in the middle lane.

See also: "Unpretentious perennial flowers for summer cottages that bloom all summer"

The remedy from which plants grow by leaps and bounds! Just water your plants with it ...

Conditions for keeping a garden azalea

The garden azalea is a slow growing perennial flower. This factor must be taken into account in the case of selecting a site for its further planting, taking into account the provision of proper care for it. The first bloom of azaleas can be observed only in the 3rd or 4th year of life.

The optimum temperature for healthy growth and all-round development of the garden azalea is in the range of + 20-25 ° C, which is quite suitable for most regions of central Russia. In winter, most varieties are able to survive frosts from -27 ° C to -32 ° C. Despite this, the plant needs constant protection and support. It is very important to choose the right place.

How much the garden azalea will please you with its color largely depends on the place where it grows and develops. Despite the fact that it belongs to light-loving plants, azalea does not tolerate direct sunlight. If you plant it in an open area, without shelter from the sun, then:

• it will quickly lose its picturesqueness;
• it will not form flower buds well;
• it shortens the flowering period.

In this regard, for a rhododendron, you should find a flat area, protected from cold winds or flooding, and also located in partial shade to protect the plant from the upcoming heat, frost and northern cold winds.

See also: "Marigolds: varieties with photos and names"

Planting a garden azalea

Growing azaleas outdoors begins with determining the planting period. The best moment for planting is considered early spring, when sap flow has not yet begun. Otherwise, the planting can be postponed to September, if in the spring it was still not possible to plant it.

The main thing is to know how to plant a garden azalea correctly so that it can please others with its unsurpassed flowering. This is due to the fact that the rhododendron has a superficial root system, which means that you do not need to dig a deep hole to plant it:

1. The optimum pit depth is 50 cm and no deeper.
2. The size of the pit is determined by its depth, with the addition of 20-30 cm. It will not be difficult to calculate - it is 70-80 cm.

The bottom of the pit should be covered with broken brick, large expanded clay and sand. This formation will serve as drainage. Other materials, especially limestone chips, should not be used, as it will change the acidity of the soil.

The planting technology boils down to the fact that the soil that is removed from the pit is fertilized with the addition of:

• peat;
• humus;
• sand or other components that provide the lightness of the substrate.

Immediately before planting, a layer of prepared soil is poured onto the drainage layer. Moreover, they are sprinkled in such a way that a small hill forms in the center of the pit. The plant is placed in a hole, after which the roots are carefully spread over the surface of the hill. After backfilling with soil, you need to check that the root collar is located above the surface of the substrate. After that, the soil in the pit is slightly rammed and moistened. In the process of subsidence of the soil, it is added, and the top of the soil is mulched.

Azalea care

It is also important how to care for the azalea outdoors. Throughout the entire time of active growth, garden azalea needs frequent watering. Watering is carried out as soon as the topsoil dries out. It is best to use rainwater or settled tap water for irrigation. It is equally important to maintain the acidity of the earth at the right level. In this regard, citric or other food acid should be added to the water for irrigation once a month. During periods of steady heat, in addition to the flowering period, it is advisable to spray it with warmed up water, which will help maintain the decorative effect of the flower and serve as a preventive measure against fungal diseases and pest infestations.

Considering the fact that Azalea has taken root near Moscow, landing and leaving in the Moscow region is not accompanied by any problems. The main task is to correctly determine the planting zone and correct subsequent care.

Caring for an azalea in winter begins in the fall, when its feeding and watering are reduced. The sooner the plant is prepared, the easier it will survive the winter. During this period, mulching of the root zone is considered the best method of care, which can protect the root system from frost in winter. In order for the plant to overwinter without problems, the roots should be additionally insulated. This is especially true if there is little snow in winter and there is a possibility of plant death.

Pruning azalea

With the onset of spring, you should make a sanitary pruning of the flower. Only dried or diseased shoots are removed. The fact is that the azalea meets spring with already formed flower buds.

The main work on the formation of the bush is carried out after the termination of the flowering period and the complete wilting of the flowers. Pruning a flower allows you to revive the bush and allow light to penetrate deep into the crown, which is important. When pruning, it should be remembered that future flowers are formed on annual shoots, so it is not recommended to prune them. From these actions, it will depend on how lush its flowering will be for the next year.

See also: "How to feed roses in spring, for lush flowering in the garden"

Content

1. Types and varieties
2. Garden soil and planting
3. Location selection
4. Watering
5. Preparing for winter
6. Fertilization
7. Pruning
8. Propagation by apical cuttings
9. Reproduction by layering
10. Care problems

Azalea (Azalea) is one of the most impressive flowering shrubs that turn the garden into a bright colorful show in spring and early summer.

From year to year, the culture is becoming more and more popular, and breeders are creating more and more unusual varieties. Today, there are more than a hundred hybrids and varietal forms of garden azalea, the care of which in open ground is not as difficult as many believe.

Popular species and varieties

Among the types of high decorativeness, large-flowered and Japanese azaleas are popular.

Deciduous (large-flowered) varieties are characterized by high growth and large flowers of various shapes. The flowering period is late May and early June. The most popular winter-hardy varieties: Chanel, Freya, Klondike, Tunis, Sonya, Starus, golden Golden Lights and Golden Sunset, one of the most beautiful varieties of late flowering bright orange Gibraltar ".

Variety "Gibraltar"

Japanese azaleas are characterized by slow growth and a more compact form of bush not exceeding 60-100 cm. There are dwarf varieties not exceeding 30 cm in height. The shrub grows more in breadth than upward, so it can be used as a ground cover. Flowers delight gardeners with all shades of pink, lilac and purple. Leaves usually fall off in the winter, but not in all varieties. Several popular varietal forms: “George Arendés”, “Kermezina”, “Rosinetta”, “Silvester”, “Rubinstern”, “Marushka”, “Blue Danube”.

Variety "Blue Danube"

The duration of flowering, depending on the species and variety, varies from 3 weeks to 2 months, and the first time the culture blooms for 3 years.

Growing rules

Choosing garden soil and planting azaleas

Cultivation of azaleas requires the creation of appropriate conditions and an important factor necessary for successful cultivation is, first of all, the substrate that ensures the correct development of the shrub and the intensity of flowering. The plant belongs to acidophilic crops, which require an increased level of soil acidity, approximately 3.5 - 4.5 pH.

Before planting azaleas in garden soil, you need to properly prepare it. After digging a hole to a depth of 40-50 cm, the extracted soil is mixed with components that increase acidity - peat and compost based on needles or crushed bark of coniferous trees, taken in equal proportions.

For good water permeability, add 2 parts of coarse sand and spread a high drainage layer of expanded clay and sand on the bottom. You can immediately purchase ready-made soil for azaleas and rhododendrons.

When planting a plant, be careful with the roots so as not to damage the beneficial mycorrhiza (fungus root with a symbiosis of fungus and roots) living on the root system of azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, etc. soil and climatic conditions.

The plant is planted in a prepared hole by transferring so that the surface of the root ball is only slightly below the soil level. The earth is compacted around.

After planting the azaleas in the garden soil, the bush is well watered and the soil around it is covered with a thick layer of garden pine bark mulch, which has a beneficial effect on the development of the shrub: it maintains the acidity of the soil, improves its structure, protects the root system from drying out, and prevents the growth of weeds.

See also: Soil mulching function and types of garden mulches

Before planting a shrub, read the information about the height and width of the selected variety. The garden azalea is a long-lived and slow-growing plant, so consider the future size of your plantings to give them enough room to grow. Usually the distance between large bushes is 1-1.5 meters, and between small Japanese varieties - 0.5-0.7 m.You can plant container plants from the nursery all season - from April to early October.

Location selection

In caring for garden azaleas, it should be borne in mind that plants love partial shade and do not react well to the midday sun, which causes flowers to drop, foliage wilting and a decrease in flower buds. Shrubs grow best under the crowns of trees, especially conifers: pines, spruces, larch trees, as well as next to any bodies of water that provide air humidity.

The best place for them will be a place protected from the wind. Windy areas increase the negative impact of low temperatures and dry out the soil, often leading to the death of plantings.

Sort "Silvester"

The culture has a shallow root system, therefore it cannot extract water from deeper layers of the soil and is quickly flooded with poor drainage. For this reason, it is important to choose a position where the plant will not be severely affected by drought and heat, and at the same time will not be exposed to root flooding.

How to water

Outdoor care for azaleas involves frequent but moderate watering and spraying of foliage in hot weather. The shrub loves slightly moist soil and does not tolerate drying out.

It is best to water in the early morning or late evening, not very abundantly, using cool rain or soft water. The frequency of watering is about once every 2 days as the top layer of the soil dries up, in the heat it is watered every day. Since September, the frequency of watering is reduced.

Preparing for winter

To prepare for winter, especially for azaleas with evergreen leaves, it is very important to moisturize the soil well in the fall, before frost. After watering the substrate, lay a layer of 10 to 30 cm (depending on the height of the bush) around the bushes of compost pine bark, peat and oak leaves to protect the roots from drying out and temperature changes. In spring, this mulch will enrich the soil with valuable humus.

In regions with harsh winters, choose deciduous varieties that are resistant to very low temperatures. In varieties sensitive to cold, the ground part of the bushes is insulated with the help of agrofibre or special frames insulated with spruce branches or roofing material. With the onset of spring heat, the shelter is immediately removed.

How to fertilize

In the first year after planting, the plants do not need additional fertilization, but in subsequent years, the plantings should be regularly fed with fertilizers for acidophilic plants (heather, erica, camellia, rhododendron) in accordance with the instructions.

See also: Rules for growing hydrangeas in the garden

Since azaleas are sensitive to the salinity of the substrate, it is better to use granular dressings with a delayed effect, slightly dripping them around the bush at a distance of 20 cm from the center. Conventional liquid fertilizers are fed for the first time in early spring, and then every 2 months, they are diluted in water for irrigation.

The last dose of fertilizer should be applied by the end of July. Spring dressings should contain elements such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus in equal proportions; after flowering, phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are applied.

It should be remembered that azaleas are unable to absorb iron, as a result of which they begin to suffer from leaf chlorosis. This is very common in acidophilic plants, so it is important to maintain the acidity of the substrate.

Nitrogen deficiency is manifested by yellowing of the leaf and a decrease in size, while phosphorus deficiency is manifested by darkening of the leaves, loss of gloss, brown spots appear in the area of ​​the central vein. If we observe the yellowing of the edge of the leaves and their curling upward, then this is a reaction to potassium deficiency.

Azalea chlorosis

Pruning azalea

Garden azalea does not require radical pruning - it is enough to remove diseased, deformed, damaged and too long branches. If the bush is very thickened, then it is thinned out to provide access to light, air circulation and improve its appearance.It is important that pruning is carried out no later than 3 weeks after flowering, before the buds are laid.

Azalea topiary figures

You should also regularly get rid of faded buds to keep blooming profusely. For decorative purposes, azaleas, especially Japanese ones, are perfect for creating topiary figures.

How to propagate an azalea outdoors

The most common and effective methods are cuttings and layering.

Propagation using apical cuttings of azaleas

Evergreen varieties take root best. The rooting process of deciduous forms is limited in time, since cuttings taken from young shoots of the new season that have not completed their development are suitable for the procedure. The leaves on such cuttings are still small, light green, the vegetation bud continues to grow. Rooting will not occur on old shoots. Cuttings are harvested at the end of June. In evergreen varieties, the tops of the shoots can be taken until the end of July, immediately after flowering.

Dip the cuttings into powder for root formation

The length of cut cuttings is 15-20 cm. We remove extra leaves and lateral branches, faded inflorescences from them. Before diving into the substrate, the cut of the cuttings is dipped into a powder that stimulates the formation of roots.

Then we plant in a mixture of equal parts of perlite, peat and humus soil. Water well with a shower head and place the pots in a clear plastic bag to create a greenhouse environment.

Water the cuttings well

We put the pots in partial shade so that the sun hits the cuttings in the morning or evening. From time to time we remove the package for watering and airing. The substrate must be moist, not wet, otherwise the cuttings will rot.

Greenhouse for cuttings

The formation of young leaves is a sign of successful rooting. In mid-September, young seedlings can be planted in open ground and for the first 2 years they can be covered for the winter with a layer of foliage, spruce branches and a lot of snow.

Reproduction by layering

Low bushes with long side shoots are most suitable for this breeding method. In the spring, we tilt the shoots to the ground and fasten them in a special shallow hole in the form of a trench. We fall asleep with fertile soil and water it regularly. The next year, the layer should give a new shoot, after which we cut it off from the mother bush and plant it as an independent young plant.

Problems in the care of garden azaleas in the open field

The culture, like other plants, is vulnerable to pests and diseases. Most often, fungal diseases develop caused by excess moisture:

- leaf spot, when brown spots of various sizes appear on the leaves, bearing spores of the fungus;

- powdery mildew;

- late blight, which is manifested by drying and dying off of shoots;

- gray rot;

- rust.

If diseases develop, the plant must be treated with fungicidal preparations, which work well as preventive measures.

Garden azalea is often affected by such pests as: a dangerous rhododendron bug, aphids, a strawberry mite that damages flowers, buds and young leaves, a weevil and its larvae, an azalea moth. From pests, it is necessary to treat the plantings with special insecticides.

Application in garden design

Azaleas are ideal for Japanese and Chinese-style gardens. They look spectacular against the backdrop of the lawn, creating picturesque groups. They can be planted both in large gardens and in small areas. Plantings look great in a company with any conifers, heather, camellias, decorative deciduous barberry, euonymus, Japanese maples, hydrangea, weigela.

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Azalea is a shrubby type of plant that blooms quite luxuriantly and beautifully. Therefore, many gardeners of the Moscow region and not only want to decorate their garden with it.Although for this they will have to make a lot of effort. In order to grow an azalea in the open field, you need to follow special rules for caring for it, and if this is not done, then it is unlikely that the shrub will delight the gardener with a beautiful and lush flowering.

Azalea and its features

Azalea plant belongs to the heather family and is one of the hybrid varieties of rhododendron. Sometimes it is called that - rhododendron. Even some experts believe that rhododendron - this name is more correct. However, rhododendron and azalea have one difference. It consists in the number of stamens. That is, the rhododendron has ten of them, and the garden or Japanese azalea has only five.

There are many types and varieties of plants (more than two hundred varieties) and they all may be somewhat different and have their own characteristics. For example:

• there is a deciduous shrub and evergreen;
• when growing, the timing of the appearance of flowers may be different;
• some can reach a height of up to three meters, while others do not grow more than half a meter.

Despite such differences, all types of these plants have some similarities. For example, their shoots are covered with a light bark and they have oval-shaped leaves, slightly elongated in length. The sheets themselves are large and rather dense, have a small pile, which is visible to the naked eye.

Azalea flowering time - from late April to mid-July. When this period comes, buds begin to form on last year's shoots, which then transform into graceful flowers with corollas of a funnel-shaped or flat appearance. Their flowers are found in all sorts of shades, depending on the variety of the shrub. They can be yellow, pink, white, lilac and other colors.

The cultivation of some species of Japanese azalea or rhododendron has been known since the time of the revolution. That is, even at that time, they were already successfully used for landscaping parks and squares in Moscow and the Moscow region. Thanks to breeders, it is not possible to choose a shrub variety suitable for the climate so that it tolerates frosts well, is winter-hardy, blooms with lush flowers and grows in the middle lane. In the photo, they look very sophisticated.

Under what conditions can you grow garden azalea

The most important thing to do is is to choose the right place for planting a plant... It is on this that the success of its cultivation depends. The plant does not like direct sunlight, that is, it is necessary to pick up a light, but at the same time, slightly darkened place. But at the same time, Azalea loves diffused sunlight.

A densely shaded area for planting is also not suitable, because this plant loves light. The northern side of the site, which is illuminated by the sun in the early hours and before lunch, is perfect for planting it. And after that the bush is in the shade.

Also, for certain varieties of Azalea the amount of light should be different... For example, when growing a deciduous type of shrub, a place is suitable where the sun's rays break through the shadow a little. That is, it is better to plant it near tall trees. And evergreen shrubs require diffuse lighting.

In addition, when choosing a place to plant this fussy, you should pay attention to the neighbors with whom Azaleas will have to grow. The shrub will comfortably grow next to oak or larch. But with such plants as linden, maple, poplar, alder. The roots of these plants are too close to the surface of the ground to absorb the moisture needed for the garden azalea.

Also, the plant does not like places where the wind blows and there are drafts, so it is not planted at the corners of buildings or between them. Will grow very well near water bodies... For example, next to an artificial pond, near lakes, etc., because in those places the air is well humidified.However, despite the fact that Azalea loves moisture, the site should not be flooded in the spring during the melting snow.

How to plant Azalea correctly

If there is a desire to grow shrubs in the country, then in addition to the place, you also need to take care of the quality of the soil... It does not suit the loamy type of soil or limestone, in which Azaleas are assured of death. When the soil in the place where the planting will be carried out is not suitable for the plant, then it is necessary to remove the soil layer on top, about half a meter thick, and replace it with one that is suitable for the growth of the shrub. You can replace it with a special composition, which is sold in shops for gardeners, or you can make it yourself. For this, sour turf, sand, peat and coniferous soil are mixed in equal proportions.

When the soil is prepared, they dig a not too deep hole - 40-50 centimeters. It is made about 60-80 centimeters wide. Then, drainage is laid at the bottom of the pit, which can be broken brick with sand or something else. The main thing is not to use a limestone composition for drainage. From it, the soil will become acidic. Drainage is done up to twenty centimeters thick. Then landing is carried out in the following way:

• the dug hole is thoroughly soaked with water,
• the shrub is pulled out of the container in which it was planted and, without shaking off the remnants of the earth from the roots, is placed in the prepared recess.
• the plant is placed in the center of the prepared pit so that the level of the coma coincides with the edges of the pit.
• the place that remains must be filled with the remaining soil and compacted slightly from above.

How care is required for a garden Azalea after planting

After the plant is planted, it need special care... After all, azalea belongs to the fastidious types of plants. For example, it must be watered regularly, as the soil dries up and only with the water that has already settled. Watering with lemon juice can be done once a month. The calculation is taken for five liters of water - five pieces of fruit. For one adult shrub, you need to use two and a half liters of liquid.

If the bush is still young, then you can get by with one and a half liters of water. Great for watering plants with groundwater or rainwater.

Closer to the month of August, they begin to sharply reduce watering, which helps to stop the growth of the shrub before providing it with winter rest.

A few words about leaving, must be said about mulching... Mulching is carried out using leaves or pine needles, scattering them around the bush. You can not use the leaves of chestnut and maple, because they are characterized by a rapid rate of decomposition. In addition, an alkaline reaction proceeds from them.

In the summer of azaleas, mulching helps protect against drying out, and in winter from frost. Mulching is done once a season, if necessary.

It is also worth finding out if the plant needs pruning. It is necessary to remove wilted flowers, as well as shoots that have become too long or have been damaged. The resulting sections must be processed after trimming. This is done with drying oil or you can use a garden varnish.

You can skip trimming, if all the shoots of the plant are healthy... If everything is in order, then it is better not to injure the bush once again. It can take a long time to recover from pruning. Even flowers may not appear on time. It is better to correct when the bush becomes old. Pruning in the spring should also not be done.

The plant loves spraying, which is not carried out during its flowering, because the flowers do not like this procedure. But in the rest of the time - please.

It is recommended to feed the azalea that grows in the open field in the spring. You can use a solution of cow dung. A little potassium and phosphorus are added to this solution. Wood ash is not suitable for feeding.So the plant must be looked after.

How to protect an azalea in winter

In advance, you need to start preparing the shrub for the coming winter, because the buds are laid in the fall. Azalea bloom in spring depends on how the plant has endured the winter. It is necessary to prepare the shrub for winter with the fact that in the fall you need to start abundant watering. This must be done before the soil begins to freeze.

In the fall, the plant is not fed, because top dressing can provoke active growth, which is not needed at all during this period.

Root space cover with a deciduous or peat pillow. You can also use pine needles. Young plants need 5-6 centimeters thick, and adults and tall shrubs need a pillow of twenty or thirty centimeters.

Such preparation of the Japanese azalea or rhododendron for winter, especially in the Moscow region, allows you to survive the winter in the best way. Such a difficult care is required for the plant.

Garden azalea flower

Azalea garden planting and outdoor care

Flowering shrubs are especially popular among the inhabitants of the garden. Their graceful branches are covered with beautiful foliage and densely crowned with bright buds. They delight the eye during the period of decorativeness, they can turn an unseemly corner into heavenly bushes, decorate the facade and revive the garden plot. Azalea garden planting and outdoor care has a special splendor, behind which it has a lot of subtleties. To learn all the nuances of growing a luxurious representative of flora in the garden, the material from this article will help. Particular attention will be paid to preparing for a successful wintering, because for the climate of Siberia and Central Russia, this moment in caring for shrubs is key. You will also learn the features of agricultural technology, reproduction and ideas for the use of exotic plants in landscape design.

Azalea garden, features of the species, photo

Azalea - this name is proudly carried by some species included in the genus rhododendron. Although they were previously separated into a separate genus, due to their genetic similarity, they were combined into one genus - Rhododendron. The difference between them is only in the number of stamens, of which there are 5 in azaleas, and more than a dozen in rhododendrons.

The genus belongs to the Heather family. Both names are also considered to be synonymous. In addition, beautiful and stately representatives of the genus are often called pink trees. This name comes from the Latin name Rhododendron, which consists of the words "rose" and "tree". Indeed, some members of the family are of enormous size and bloom, like roses, with large bright buds.

It is interesting! Along with albicia, sakura, wisteria and delonix, rhododendrons are recognized as the most beautiful flowering trees in the world.

In fact, the majority of cultivated species are represented by shrubs and shrubs, 60-300 cm high. The greatest distribution of wondrous plants is observed in Asia - China, Japan, the Himalayas.

Garden azalea is the collective name for hybrids derived from the Kurum rhododendron traditionally grown in Japan. Botanist Ernest Henry Wilson brought the first samples of exotic species to Europe. Since the beginning of the 20th century, they were actively hybridized with the participation of the Sims rhododendron, but the low frost resistance of the original species was passed on to their “children”. By the middle of the century, more resistant hybrids were obtained that can be grown outdoors even in harsh climates. They are based on Japanese rhododendron, known for its high decorative qualities, unpretentiousness and frost resistance. But initially the Asian guest was cherished and raised exclusively in indoor conditions and greenhouses. At the moment, breeders have managed to breed more than 3 thousand garden hybrids.

Representatives of the genus are so diverse that any gardener can get himself a rose tree based on personal preferences.In addition to differences in the height of individuals, there is a variety of forms of pubescent leaf blades and their size. There are petiolate and sessile leaves, whole-edged and with a serrate edge, oval and obovate. Foliage also differs in the duration of its life - deciduous, evergreen, semi-deciduous (with a two-year life cycle).

Shield or racemose inflorescences are buds from 1 to 20 cm in diameter with an asymmetrical corolla. The color of the petals is very diverse, which gives gardeners and landscape designers an excellent opportunity to create unique compositions.

Common features are:

• fruit in the form of a five-leaf box with rod-shaped seeds;
• slow growth rates;
• superficial root system of the fibrous type;
• life expectancy over 20 years;
• the possibility of vegetative and generative reproduction.

Attention! All members of the genus are poisonous. Each part of the shrub contains the strongest poison rhodotoxin, which causes a disruption in the conduction of nerve receptors and suppression of the central nervous system.

The neurotoxin has found application in medicine; drops are made from it for the treatment of heart diseases, effective drugs for epilepsy. The delicate scent of the buds attracts pollinators, but causes paralysis and even death of insects. If they survive, feasting on poisonous nectar, then the "drunk honey" made by them can cause hallucinations, depress the central nervous system of a person. Beekeepers are strongly advised not to plant azaleas near their homes.

Growing conditions

The decorativeness of a rose tree will directly depend on the space allocated to it in the garden and the care provided. We will talk about this in the relevant sections of the article.

But it is important, when choosing a place for planting, to build on the biological characteristics of the plant. The structure of the root system and the habit (appearance) of the shrub makes it possible to plant it far from everywhere. The roots of the exotic are fibrous, lie in close proximity to the soil and tend to grow in breadth in order to increase the feeding area. This feature does not allow planting exotics near neighbors with the same type of root system - linden, elm, maple, birch, willow. When planted next to these trees, a struggle for nutrients and territory is inevitable.

In the wild, the Asian woman grows under the canopy of other trees, so such a neighborhood is preferable for her. Feel free to plant exotics in the shade of oak, pine, larch, fruit bushes. Their root system is arranged differently - the central root goes deeper in order to get water for itself. Be sure to step back from the tree trunk circle at least half of the projection of its crown.

Advice! If it is not possible to plant an Asian guest away from the described unfavorable neighbors, experienced gardeners recommend isolating the food area by laying plastic wrap in the soil.

Decorativeness of landings

To achieve maximum decorativeness of azaleas, it is better to use group plantings. Each group should consist of at least three shrubs with different color buds. It is recommended to allocate 1 m2 of area to each individual. In this case, tall shrubs should be in the center, and undersized around the perimeter. It is not recommended to mix deciduous and evergreen species in one group, since in spring and autumn the decorativeness of the group will be greatly affected.

White buds are ideally combined with purple and yellow, pink. An orange-red or yellow mix is ​​also a great option. It is good to combine shrubs in a group with low-growing conifers - thuja, yew, ornamental fir trees.
Pink trees differ in terms of flowering time. The decorative period lasts about 3 weeks, but by combining several varieties with different flowering periods on the site, you can achieve the creation of a piece of paradise that will delight you throughout the summer.

Purchase of seedlings

Before you buy a seedling, study the possibilities of your site to select the best individual. If there is not enough space, choose compact undersized varieties, if there is where to "swing", get a larger tree. Be sure to consider the zoning of the chosen hybrid, because this item is the key to successful plant cultivation. In the South of Russia, any species and varieties of rhododendron can be planted, and planting in open ground in areas of risky farming is possible only with the use of frost-resistant varieties.

You need to purchase seedlings only in specialized local nurseries. When several generations of exotics grew in the same area, they developed sufficient acclimatization.

Attention! Avoid buying in the markets or from those who trade "by hand". The acquired seedling may turn out to be of a completely different habit or suffer from mistakes in agricultural technology, get sick.

Pay attention to the appearance of the layer, the condition of its roots, age. The best age for planting is 2-4 years. The absence of injuries on the surface of the bark, neat healthy leaves, viable buds, elastic shoots, the presence of several branches - such qualities should be in the aboveground part of the seedling. The underground part must necessarily be clothed in an earthen lump, moderately moistened. Gently pull at the base of the shoots, if the seedling begins to stretch out with the ground, then it will take root perfectly.

How frost-resistant azalea differs from room

As mentioned at the very beginning of the article, azaleas can be grown not only outdoors. The compact varieties make excellent representatives of the window flora.

What is the difference between garden and indoor varieties? Potted crops have compact, densely leafy bushes that do not exceed a height of half a meter, often 25-30 cm. They can be larger (up to 1 m) if they are formed in the form of a standard tree, because the birthplace of exotic is Japan, where they are sensitive to the ancient art of bonsai ... Window flora is sold in garden centers all year round. Buds or flowers appear on it at the end of winter.

Seedlings of frost-resistant garden species are sold mainly in early spring or autumn. The height of a seedling at the age of 3 years is about 30-50 cm, its crown is much less common. If the purchase is made in the spring, then there should be no leaves on the bush.

Know! When visiting the garden center, you can find indoor rhododendron varieties in the pot crops section, and garden varieties in the outdoor crops section.

Planting a garden azalea

Garden rhododendrons are characterized by increased moodiness. For these shrubs, lighting, soil type, fertility, structure, soil acidity, correct neighbors are important. To comply with all these subtleties, you need to choose the right place and land using proven technology. But before that, let's figure out when to plant a wonderful Asian woman.

Most of the garden dwellers plant in early spring, before active sap flow begins. Our exotic is no exception. Although it can be planted at any time, except for flowering, it is better to rely on the natural biorhythms of the shrub. In the fall, you can buy seedlings at a lower price, so many gardeners purchase planting material by the end of the season. Autumn planting is possible for regions with a mild climate, it is important to be in time before mid-September. Such a period will allow the bush to have time to take root in a new place and successfully transfer the wintering.

On a note! If a seedling purchased in the fall was not planted within the recommended time frame, store it in a cool basement at a temperature of 10-12 ° C. A prerequisite for storage is good ventilation and very moderate watering or spraying.

Choosing a landing site

A shaded area of ​​the garden on the north side is suitable for an exotic. Diffused lighting is optimal for garden varieties, they will be comfortable under the shade of trees.In a too sunny area, the bush will lose its decorative effect, the flowering period will be shortened, buds will form poorly, foliage will dry out, bright inflorescences will quickly fall off.

When choosing a seat, the level of groundwater occurrence is important. An aquifer close to the surface can destroy delicate roots, causing them to rot. The place should be well protected from wind gusts and drafts. In winter, the maximum amount of snow should fall there. At the same time, excess water should not accumulate in the spring after thawing. Even the humidity of the air is important for a capricious Asian woman; she will grow healthy and strong near an artificial pond and will become its perfect frame.

What soil to plant

For rosewood, soil acidity is very important. It will certainly get sick and die if you plant it on loam or soil with a high lime content. Acidity in the range of 4.5-5.5 will make the existence of an Asian guest comfortable. To achieve such an indicator, gardeners bring in peat, potassium sulfate and even use solutions of organic acids (acetic, citric).

To get a good substrate for growing shrubs, prepare a mixture of leafy soil, sour peat and litter in a 3: 2: 1 ratio. The addition of sand will help to increase the looseness. If the soil is too light, it is fraught with freezing of the roots, add a little loam. It is unacceptable to use fertilizers that alkalize the soil - ash, sawdust, fresh manure, humus as substrate components.

Advice! To plant an exotic, it is not necessary to prepare the substrate yourself, you can purchase it at the garden center. The optimum composition will provide a mixture for heather crops.

How to land correctly

To plant a luxurious rose tree in your garden, use the following instructions:

1. For a compact root system of a seedling, it is enough to prepare a hole 40-50 cm deep and 60-70 cm in diameter.
2. The step between tall hybrids is 1.6-2.0 m, 1.2-1.5 m is enough for medium-sized hybrids, and 50-70 cm for undersized hybrids.
3. Place the seedling in a bucket of warm, settled water 6 hours before planting. Hold the roots until no more air bubbles.
4. At the bottom of the pit, lay out a drainage of brick chips, height 10 cm, in an even layer.
5. Pour a hill of prepared soil mixture on top of the drainage. Its height should be such that the root collar is 3-4 cm above ground level.
6. Gently spread the roots over the surface of the embankment, add soil mixture, compact a little.
7. After abundant watering, wait until moisture is completely absorbed and mulch. Use peat chips, needles.
8. If necessary, arrange a support and frame the ridge with large stones so that the soil does not erode after abundant watering.

Important! Mulch should not cover the root collar, its layer should not be less than 5-7 cm.

Be sure to straighten the roots during planting, prune them if necessary and partially free them from the earthy coma. If this is not done, the bush will take root badly, because in a cramped container the fibrous root system is tightly compressed, which makes further growth difficult.

Azalea transplant

If it is necessary to transplant an adult shrub, proceed in the same way as planting. Dig in the bush around the perimeter of half of the crown projection. Remove the earthen clod and transfer it to the previously prepared hole. It is not recommended to violate the integrity of the earthen coma. Be sure to make sure that the root collar is at the same level. It is better to replant the bushes in early spring.

Care after planting, pruning rules

Taking care of an Asian guest is not too difficult. When handled with care, the luxurious exot will give you a long and bright bloom.
Correct care is based on regular abundant irrigation, periodic spraying of foliage. Water for irrigation should be soft, settled, warm. Use rainwater or pond water.If this is not available, soften it by adding a little peat a day before watering. The exotic is very hygrophilous, but it will not tolerate the cultivation of the swamp.

Watering must be carried out in small portions, as soon as the top layer of the earth dries up. It is especially important to maintain irrigation during the budding and flowering period. It is useful to acidify the soil monthly when watering, using the juice of 5 lemons, dissolved in 5 liters of water. An adult bush will need 2.5 liters of such liquid, and a young one was flogged with 1.5 liters.

By the end of August, gradually reduce irrigation to slow down growth and speed up maturation of the wood. Watering in the fall is carried out only in the absence of natural precipitation for a long time.

On a note! The lack of moisture in the soil can be judged by the change in foliage turgor. Loss of shine and drooping of the foliage is a signal for urgent watering.

To prevent the plant from suffering from rapid evaporation of moisture and overheating of the roots, be sure to mulch the trunks. Mulch must be refilled periodically. Loosening after watering is unacceptable, because the most delicate network of roots lies in close proximity to the surface of the earth. Because of this, you cannot use a hoe for weeding, remove the weeds by hand.

Azalea will bloom more magnificently with timely fertilization, but it cannot be overfeeded either. Nitrogen in the form of mullein is applied only in early spring. It will help you wake up from sleep and start building up green mass. In further fertilizing, this microelement should not be, otherwise you may not wait for flowering, but the bush will become much more magnificent. Apply potash fertilizers such as potassium nitrate before flowering. Feed the shrub for the last time in mid-July using phosphorus complexes.

Remember! It is unacceptable to add wood ash - it will shift the pH level to the alkaline side, which will cause chlorosis of the foliage. Lime formulations and fertilizers with chlorine will lead to the death of the plant.

A feature of rhododendron is that pruning is not an obligatory measure, because the tree is able to independently form the correct crown. If there is no need to thin out the crown or slightly reduce its splendor, then the haircut is carried out in early spring. It serves to reorganize the bush.

In this case, all damaged and frozen branches are removed, a sick, weak growth is cut out. Sections thicker than 2 cm are treated with linseed oil, garden varnish. Rejuvenation is carried out in two stages, cutting out half of the branches at a height of 40 cm. The second part is removed in the next season. Do not forget to be careful when cutting, because the plant sap is poisonous.

Since rhododendrons bloom on last year's shoots, formative pruning is carried out after flowering so as not to affect the flower buds. Remove wilted inflorescences and adjust the crown without affecting the young growth.

Exot is susceptible to fungal diseases, rot, spots, rust. They arise with improper agricultural technology and sharp fluctuations in the temperature background. Spring treatment with Bordeaux liquid will help protect the bush from the attack of fungi. If you find signs of disease, treat the bushes with a fungicide solution.

Important! Chlorosis of foliage is manifested by a weakening of the color of the plates. Correct the acidity of the substrate by adding peat or watering with lemon solution.

If pests are detected - aphids, thrips, spider mites, mealybugs, spray the bushes with a systemic insecticide.

Lack of flowering: causes and their elimination

Often, newly minted gardeners are faced with a lack of rosewood flowering. It may be due to the following factors:

• lack of light;
• lack of moisture;
• excessive amounts of nitrogen fertilizers;
• air temperature over 25⁰C;
• pest attack, disease;
• wrong soil composition;
• unsuccessful landing site;
• freezing of flower buds.

Eliminate the flaws of agricultural technology, and the plant will certainly bloom.Watch a helpful video on blooming garden azalea.

How azalea reproduces

An exotic guest will reproduce by seed and vegetative methods - cuttings, layering. Seed propagation is very unproductive, because the first flowering will have to wait up to 8 years. The entire period of development of seedlings must be carefully protected from the winter cold. The seeds are sown in a nutritious acidic substrate and keep the soil constantly moist. When the seedlings get a little stronger, they are dived into individual containers and grown indoors or in a greenhouse for 1-2 years. Then you can land them in a shady area, providing a reliable winter shelter every year.

Cuttings are cut from semi-lignified branches, treated with a growth stimulant and rooted in a nutrient substrate for 3-4 months. They hibernate indoors, and in spring they are planted on ridges for growing for 2 years.

Important! Cuttings and seed propagation are not popular with gardeners. The best way to grow your rose tree plantation is to harvest cuttings.

Deciduous varieties reproduce better by layering. Prepare a groove 10 cm deep and pin the lower shoot. Leave the crown in an upright position, take care of it together with the uterine bush. Next season, cut the layers with the root lobe and plant them immediately in a permanent place.

Azalea preparation for wintering

The heat-loving Asian beauty does not winter well in a harsh climate. Even frost-resistant species will need reliable shelter. Moreover, its organization directly depends on the region and variety.

How azaleas wintering depends on their species

By fall, all types of Asian guest are growing flower buds for the next season. Therefore, flowering in the next season directly depends on good wintering.

Preparation begins already in the middle of summer with the fact that the amount of watering is reduced and the top dressing is completely removed. Before the soil freezes, carry out abundant water-charging irrigation. Take care of the root system by wrapping it in a mulch blanket. Young growth is enough for 10 cm, and for adults 25-30 cm.

Further preparation tactics depend on the species. Deciduous shrubs are less susceptible to freezing, so the usual preparation measures are sufficient for them. Bend the branches to the ground, fix them with staples, sketch spruce branches on top. Cover with covering material to protect from the spring sun.

Important! Shoots must be bent until complete lignification.

Evergreen specimens are more susceptible to frost. They are covered with an air-dry shelter. Build a frame of metal mesh or U-shaped reinforcement with a 20 cm margin on all sides of the bush. After the temperature drops to minus marks, 2 layers of covering material are pulled over the frame.

When to open azaleas after winter

It is impossible to rush to remove the shelter. It is removed when the snow has completely melted and temperatures above zero are established. In order not to burn the delicate shoots and not to harm the flower buds, remove the shelter on a cloudy day for several hours. Gradually increase your exposure to sunlight. If there is a lack of moisture, be sure to irrigate.

Features of planting and caring for azaleas in the Moscow region, in the Urals, in Siberia

Zones of risky farming, including Siberia and the Urals, allow only frost-resistant hybrids to be grown. For the Moscow region, this principle is also suitable. It is sad when a heat-loving plant unknowingly dies in the very first winter, so the seedling must be selected in strict accordance with the zoning.

Planting in these regions is carried out only in the spring. If the shrub was bought at the fall fair, leave it to winter in the basement. Pay close attention to the described growing rules, they apply to any region.

In Siberia and the Urals, the summer is very short, so the use of imported granular formulations of long-term action for fertilization is highly discouraged.Such dressings are valid for at least six months. In the bush, the active growing season lasts only 3.5 months, and since July, feeding is optional.

Remember! The prolonged effect of imported fertilizer will provoke the growth of new shoots, which will make it difficult for the wood to ripen and lead to poor wintering.

For wintering in the Moscow region, conventional measures with bending branches are sufficient. In the harsh climate of Siberia, more substantial shelter will be required. Inside the frame, it is necessary to fill up dry leaves or shift the branches with spruce branches and pull them with twine. Be sure to use 2 layers of thick covering material. It will protect the kidneys from damping out and spring burns.

Garden azalea in landscape design, combination with other plants

In addition to group compositions, luxurious rhododendron caps can play the role of a tapeworm on a green lawn or create a wonderful ensemble with conifers. They will organically fit into any type of flower garden - mixborder, prefabricated flowerbed, rockery, alpine slide. Landing near an artificial reservoir or the facade of a building will allow you to get aesthetic pleasure from a magnificent Asian plant. Among the neighbors, bulbous perennials, peonies, hosts, hydrangeas and ferns will make a good company to exotic plants.

Conclusion

Garden azalea belongs to capricious crops, but subject to the rules of planting and care in the open field, it will give the gardener its enchanting flowering.

Video: planting and caring for garden azalea (rhododendron)

Garden azalea (Latin azalea) is a perennial plant with a rather slow growth. This must be borne in mind when choosing a place for planting a crop and carrying out further care for it. The first buds appear only in four-year-old bushes.

According to the botanical description, azalea can reach a height of 50 cm. The plant's temperature requirements are acceptable for most Russian regions. There are some hybrids that can withstand temperatures below -27 degrees. Despite its unpretentiousness, the garden azalea requires year-round protection and care measures.

1 Popular varieties

All the varieties of garden azalea known today come from two types:

• Indian azalea. It is a bushy plant that sheds leaves. Reaches a height of up to half a meter. On the surface of the bushes there are leathery leaves up to 4 cm in length, pubescent with reddish villi. Their plate is greenish, on the inside it is lighter. Indian azalea produces simple or double inflorescences. The color range is extensive - from snow-white to scarlet. Often there are varieties with a two-tone color.
• Japanese azalea. An evergreen plant that can withstand cold temperatures in winter. It is a sprawling bush that begins to bloom in May. Its leaves are large and glossy, up to 5 cm in diameter. Flowers are funnel-shaped, multi-colored.

Indian

Japanese

There are several other common varieties.

Liatris: care and planting in open ground

1.1 Kermesina Rosa

Adult crops grow up to 80 cm in height. Their width reaches 1 m. Flowers have the form of a bell with a two-color color. They have it bright pink interspersed with a burgundy hue. The edging of the petals is lighter. Blooms from May to June.

Hyacinths: planting in open ground, plant care, forcing rules

1.2 Esprinsessin

The bushes reach a height of 30 cm. The crown in diameter can be up to half a meter. The first flowers appear in May. They are terry, white with a pink center.

Clematis: planting in open ground and care features

1.3 Adonis

Blooms in May. The leaves are elliptical, olive green, glossy. It grows slowly. The flowers of such a shrub are snow-white, collected in inflorescences. The plant lives for a long time, up to 10 years.

1.4 Geisha Orange

Bushes grow up to 50 cm in height.Their width can reach up to 70 cm. Flowers are orange, have the form of a bell, concentrated on the tips of the shoots.

Blooms from May to June for a total of 3 weeks. The crown is formed from a large number of short shoots covered with dark leathery leaves.

2 Choosing a location

Garden azalea is a winter-hardy variety, so it can be grown in any region of Russia, including the Moscow region, the Urals and Siberia. There are no fundamental differences regarding planting a plant and further caring for it in these areas. The planting process begins with choosing the right place in the garden. It is not so much the region that is important as the microclimate prevailing in a particular area. A number of conditions are taken into account that are necessary for the successful survival of the seedling in the open field:

• The lack of the possibility of direct sunlight in combination with a large amount of light. If this condition is not met, the plant quickly stops producing buds, and the flowering period is shortened. At the same time, the leaves also suffer, become shriveled.
• For evergreen varieties, areas with partial shade or diffused light are most suitable.
• For deciduous species, planting on the soil under the canopy of large trees is recommended, provided that the roots of the plants do not interfere with each other's further growth. Suitable companions for bush azaleas are larch, yew, spruce, oak. Poplar, maple, alder have a root system, which for the most part develops in the surface layers of the soil. They take food and moisture from the nearby plants, and therefore the neighborhood with them is undesirable.
• When disembarking near buildings, you can choose any side, with the exception of the southern one.
• For outdoor azaleas, areas with flat relief are suitable. With the onset of spring, water does not stagnate in such areas due to melting snow. Draft protection must be provided. Crop should not be planted between buildings and at the corners of buildings. It is good if there is an artificial or natural reservoir nearby. Moist air helps keep foliage fresh and bloom for a longer period.

Temperature marks at which the garden azalea feels as comfortable as possible are + 20 + 25 ° С. Almost all regions of central Russia correspond to these indicators. In the cold season, plant varieties are able to withstand marks down to -27 ° C. But if the temperature drops below this figure, the flower will die.

Group planting is the best option for gardeners who want to give maximum decorative effect to their backyard plot. Do not plant deciduous and evergreen varieties nearby. For tall varieties, it is better to highlight the center of the plot. Its near edge is more suitable for stunted ones.

Tall species of garden azalea are best placed in the center of the site, and undersized ones - at the edges

When choosing plants, it is recommended to take into account the color of the buds. Varieties with orange flowers look good with yellow ones, purple ones with pink ones, white ones with reds.

3 Soil requirements and planting

Japanese azalea grows well only on sour and loose soils. Peat, sand, coniferous soil must be present in the soil. Its acidity should always be in the range of 4.0-4.5. For planting a seedling, the beginning of spring or autumn is recommended. In the first case, the plant sap does not start moving. Landing in early September is good because the bush manages to take root in a new place before the cold weather begins. For this reason, it tolerates winter frosts.

The garden azalea has a superficial root system. For this reason, it makes no sense to equip a deep hole for it. And yet, planting seedlings involves some conditions:

• The depth of the planting pit should be 0.5 m, and the diameter should be 0.7 m.
• At the bottom, a drainage layer with a height of 20 cm should be laid.It should consist of expanded clay, sand and broken brick. The last component is designed to acidify the soil. It is undesirable to use crushed stone for these purposes, since this lime material leads to alkalinization of the earth. Azalea can't stand it.
• The soil dug out of the hole must be mixed with humus, peat and coarse sand. This measure increases soil looseness and permeability.
• On top of the drainage layer, you need to pour the soil mixture with a slide. It is necessary to install a seedling on it.
• The root ball must be carefully covered with soil and compacted around the plant. If necessary, add some earth and water. The level of the root collar should be slightly higher than the soil level.
• The soil around the bush must be mulched with peat or chopped bark. Such a measure will not allow weeds to grow and retain life-giving moisture in the ground.

Plants placed in a container can be planted throughout the summer. But, removing the bush from the container, you cannot shake the ground from the roots. If the crop was purchased from garden centers or nurseries, it must be properly watered before planting. You can dip the root ball into the water for a while and wait until air bubbles appear on its surface.

It is better to buy seedlings in a bulk container, the dimensions of which correspond to the size of the plant. Roots in small containers do not develop enough.

It is important to check the viability of the seedling in advance. The branches of the bush must be strong and healthy. You shouldn't expect to be able to get out of a weak culture.

4 Mulching and fertilizing

For mulching bushes, crushed pine bark, fallen needles, small expanded clay are used. For this purpose, you can also use steamed sawdust, tree foliage, with the exception of maple and chestnut crops. Carrying out this procedure, you need to ensure that the root neck remains free.

Top dressing is required: without them there will be no abundant flowering. Supplementary nutrition ensures normal growth of the azalea. In total, fertilizers are applied during the summer several times:

• Humus solution - used in the spring. A ratio of 1 to 10 is recommended.
• The next feeding with humus is carried out at the beginning of bud formation. Preparations based on phosphorus and potassium are added to the main composition.
• After the last flowers fall off, the azalea is fed with phosphorus and potassium in a ratio of 1 to 2.

Top dressing is applied at a distance of 0.3 m from the central part of the bush. When using complex fertilizers, it is necessary to ensure that there is no lime and chlorine in the composition. Wood ash won't do any good either. It changes the acidity of the soil downward.

5 Watering, weeding, spraying

Throughout the summer, the azalea needs abundant watering. If the surface of the soil is slightly dry, this means that another wetting is required. They use standing water or rainwater for this. Once a month, you can add a teaspoon of citric acid to 2 liters of water. This measure increases the acidity of the soil. As soon as autumn arrives, watering is reduced. This is necessary so that new shoots do not form. They do not have time to ripen before the cold weather and freeze. In order for the culture to endure frosts with minimal losses, abundant watering is carried out before the beginning of December.

Azalea has a favorable attitude towards spraying. Moist air increases the decorative properties of the crop and acts as a prophylaxis against harmful insects. At the time of flowering, spraying is excluded: it can lead to the formation of ugly spots on the buds.

Weeding is done several times during the growing season. Manipulation should be done with care so as not to injure the superficial roots of the azalea.

The transplant is done according to the same principle as the landing. It is held in early spring.Around the transplanted bush, they equip a side of soil or moss to protect the roots from frost in winter.

6 Cropping

Successful cultivation of a culture at home is impossible without proper pruning of the bushes. This process is carried out in several stages:

• In the spring, sanitary pruning is carried out, when dry and diseased shoots are eliminated. The rest of the branches do not touch, because flower buds have formed on them since autumn.
• Throughout the entire flowering period, wilted flowers are actively removed.
• As soon as the last buds wither, formative pruning is carried out. Its essence lies in the fact that dry peduncles are removed, and excessively long shoots are shortened. Such branches are also removed, which give excessive density to the bush.
• All other shoots should be shortened by no more than a third of the length. If you adhere to these rules, next year the culture will turn into a lush flowering plant. It is important to cover the cuts with garden varnish or varnish-based paint. Manipulations must be carried out with protective gloves, because azalea juice is poisonous.

Scheme for pruning an azalea garden

Azalea reaches maturity at 4 years of age. For this reason, not the formation of young bushes is carried out, but only their sanitary pruning.

7 Pests and diseases

Garden azalea is susceptible to fungal infections. Leaf spot, rust, rot are often found in her. Spraying with copper sulfate and treatment with fungicides help to effectively cope with them. As a preventive measure, it is possible to recommend the treatment of bushes once a season with Oxyhom. The foundation solution is used after flowering.

The full growth and development of azaleas are hindered by such pests as spider mites, mealybugs, whiteflies, black thrips. Insecticide solutions will help to cope with them.

The formation of calcareous chlorosis is indicated by the appearance of light areas on the leaves. Over time, they turn yellow.

Leaves affected by calcareous chlorosis

The use of special solutions applied under the soil helps to cure the disease. They increase the acidity of the soil. These include apple cider vinegar and table vinegar. They are taken with the calculation of 100 ml per 10 liters of water. Oxalic and citric acid also have proven effectiveness. They must be used in the amount of 2 tbsp. l. 10 liters of water.

7.1 Lack of buds

If the garden azalea does not bloom, the reason for this may be:

• alkaline soil;
• insufficient amount of scattered light;
• lack of water;
• too hot air;
• lack of nutrition or too abundant feeding.

8 Reproduction

Perennial propagates by cuttings, layering, seeds, dividing the bush. The choice of this or that method depends on how fast the result the gardener wants to get. The easiest way is to lean the side shoot against the ground, secure it with wire, sprinkle it with soil and start regular watering. After a while, the plant will take root. Next spring, the new bush will need to be separated from the main plant.

The division of the bushes is carried out in the spring, when the juice has not yet begun to move along the stem. Take a spatula or any other sharp object, separate part of the stem with it. After that, it is necessary to plant the escape in a new place. The mother shrub should have a strong root system and 2 or 3 healthy shoots.

Reproduction by cuttings takes from one and a half to four months - from the moment of cutting the cuttings to their complete rooting. Experienced gardeners recommend the following algorithm:

• Cut off a 10 cm stalk from the top of the plant. Remove the lower leaves and apical bud, leaving 2 or 3 healthy leaves.
• Treat the cut sites with a special growth stimulator.
• Deepen the cuttings by 3 cm into individual containers, for example pots. First, they must be filled with a mixture of sand and peat, after which the soil must be moistened.
• Cover the containers with cut-off plastic bottles. Get miniature greenhouses.A week after planting the cuttings, it is necessary to start airing. To do this, it is enough to unscrew the caps or remove the entire bottles for 15 minutes.

To ensure successful rooting, it is necessary to ensure that the air temperature does not drop below +20, and water if necessary. Excess water must be drained from the pan in a timely manner.

Once the cuttings are rooted, transfer them to a container with fertile soil. After a year, the seedlings can be planted in a permanent place in the garden.

Gardeners almost never use seed propagation. The fact is that it assumes a long waiting period for the first flowering.

9 Preparing for cold weather and spring care

The buds, which will appear next year, are laid in the fall. That is why it is important to ensure the safety of the plant during the winter and help it to endure frost with minimal losses. Many varieties are resistant to low temperatures. But for maximum reliability, it is better to cover the shrub for the winter. To ensure the safety of young branches and flower buds, you need to follow a few more rules:

• Mulch under the bushes in a layer of 5 to 10 cm.Under tall crops, the mulch layer can be up to 30 cm.
• Bend the branches of deciduous varieties to the ground and secure with wire. It is necessary to equip a multi-layer shelter, consisting of spruce branches, corrugated cardboard, covering materials.
• Do not use polyethylene when organizing winter protection. The same goes for other materials that are impervious to air: this will lead to rotting of the shoots and buds. For evergreen varieties, a frame should be made. It must be placed before the soil freezes. The covering material is pulled onto the base only after stable cold weather has been established.

To insulate the frame, roofing material and other durable materials are used - so that there is a distance of 25 cm between the bush and the walls of the ceiling.To remove moisture, a flexible hose is laid under the building. Its opposite end is brought out. With the onset of spring, do not rush to open the bushes. We must wait for the complete melting of snow on the site. Plants that have managed to wean themselves from sunlight will not immediately get used to the spring rays. For this reason, they must be opened for a limited period. It is best to do this in the morning, gradually increasing the duration of the sunbath.