Rhododendron, that this is the first question of new flower growers who are just starting to breed unique plants in the flowerbed. The name Rhododendron is translated from Greek as "rosewood." The plant belongs to the genus of flowering shrubs, the Vereskov family. Distinguish more than 1000 species. Among them there are evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous bushes. According to the description, this is a small long flowering bush, which differs not only in appearance, but also in its whimsicality in relation to breeding and cultivation.
History of a Rhododendron Garden Plant
At the beginning of the 19th century, the first variety of this flower was introduced into Russia, which later “took root” in the winter gardens of the aristocratic class. Many varieties and species were bred, among which Uralsky was especially popular.
Rhododendron Overview
In the period from revolutionary events until the Second World War, many gardeners did not even imagine what rhododendron is. In the already post-war period, fancy trees or shrubs began to appear on flowerbeds and alleys, which attracted the attention of flower lovers. As a result, the plant became widespread. Blooming specimens began to appear in homes, gardens and verandas.
Garden view of rhododendron
Where rhododendron is common
Rhododendron is a whimsical plant, if you grow a bush in unnatural conditions for it, it is unlikely that it will take root. To minimize problems, it is necessary to recreate the conditions of natural growth as accurately as possible.
Wild rhododendron can be found in North America, the Far East, the Caucasus, Ukraine. Some varieties may be found in some countries of the Northern Hemisphere. Therefore, the exact nationality of the plant is not precisely determined.
Wild "pink shrub"
Popular varieties and varieties
Rhododendron is the largest flowering bush of the Vereskov family, like Ledum, but not many of its species are especially popular. Which varieties are most relevant:
- Japanese;
- Schlippenbach;
- Mountainflower.
- Treelike;
- Sikhotinsky;
- Bukhan;
- Yellow.
Plant species
Among these varieties there are room and garden options. Each member of the family has its own distinctive external characteristics.
Important! Bulbous rhododendrons are much easier to grow than others.
Rhododendron, how many blooms in time
Before you plant such a specimen in the garden, you need to know how much rhododendron blooms and how it happens. Each variety has its own flowering time. But there is a more or less general framework.
Features of flowering:
- When the buds open, a pleasant aroma is emitted.
- The flowering period is 2-3 weeks.
- The bush blossoms in the spring.
- Bluebells can have a diameter of 4 cm to 8 cm.
- Inflorescences number from 3 to 10 copies.
note! The month when rhododendrons bloom is determined by weather conditions.
The uniqueness of this plant lies precisely in flowering.
What color are rhododendrons
This plant has a not too wide palette. Inflorescences can be of such shades:
- red;
- yellow;
- pink;
- orange.
Rhododendron, whose flowering is unique in itself, is still attractive, since the shades of the buds are unique.
Chemical composition
Scientists conducted studies in which the chemical composition of the aerial parts of the plant was indicated. 11 active compounds were identified which relate to terpenoid and phenolic compounds.
Additional Information! Home varieties may contain slightly fewer compounds due to the hybrid constituent.
The most defined are:
- routine;
- quercetin;
- n-ringenin;
- arbutin;
- R-sitosterol.
Dried Rhododendron Flowers for Medical Use
The remaining compounds are found in lower concentrations.
Poisonous or not
The rich chemical composition raises one question: is rhododendron poisonous or not? Many medicines use plant components in specific proportions. The medicinal properties of the bush have been known for a long time and are actively used, but such substances as tannins, arbutin, rutin, and poisonous glycoside (andromedotoxin) are present in the foliage.
Important! In large quantities, the components can be toxic, therefore, in the process of manufacturing such drugs, pharmacists adhere to accurate dosages.
Types and varieties of rhododendron
Species and varietal diversity is huge. Rhododendron leaves, like flowers, are diverse. This separation can be made in accordance with the varieties, among which the most popular are:
- Adams. Shrub with a height of 20 to 30 cm. The buds have a pronounced aroma and pale pink color. Foliage can withstand severe frosts, since the patina is very dense. It grows on rocky slopes and in gorges.
- Saint Merrin. A small shrub with small emerald leaves and purple-blue buds. Frost resistant. It is better to plant such a variety on rocky slides in the garden. It blooms in early May, but it does not have any smell, as it is a hybrid.
Varieties of Rodndrons
- Dense. Such a subgroup got its name because of the dense pillow, which is formed by foliage and flowers. It grows and develops for a very long time. The leaves are gray, and the buds are bright with a slightly terry rim. He loves bright light and feels especially good on rocky slopes.
- Tree-like. The shrub has a tree-like trunk that resembles bonsai trees in shape. The buds are large and usually painted white or cream. Flowering begins in late May.
Each species has several varieties, but only a few are especially popular because of the unpretentious cultivation or spectacular appearance.
Interesting! Some varieties are mistakenly attributed to the genus of azaleas, due to external similarities, but this assumption is completely wrong.
Decorative use
It is important to know what year rhododendron blooms after planting in order to plant it in the right place. The shrub does not bloom for a long time, but it looks very impressive at the same time, so it is worth combining it with other tall plants.
It is best to grow a flowering bush next to specimens that bloom in different periods. Even the appearance of a non-flowering shrub attracts attention with its grandeur and bright foliage. At the same time, the rhododendron, whose height in some cases can reach 2-3 meters, does not interfere with the rest of the "residents" of the flower bed.
Rhododendron in the landscape
The beautiful landscape of the garden without the "pink bush" is simply impossible. Such an instance looks attractive against the background of the glossy green of any other bushes or other plants of medium height.
The use of bushes in landscaping
An additional condition is the introduction of flowerbed design where a flower, natural stone or wicker fence grows. Ideally combines culture with conifers and shrubs.
Advice! It is recommended that the representative of the Heathers be planted on slides made of natural stone. Here the plant will feel at home.
What diseases does rhododendron treat?
Shrub has a lot of useful properties. Means based on the aerial parts can be used to relieve inflammation, lower body temperature. The plant relieves pain, kills pathogenic microorganisms.
The healing properties of the plant:
- Eliminates digestive problems. This is especially true in the treatment of chronic colitis.
- Teas and infusions are used to treat bronchitis, tonsillitis and pneumonia.
- Drops with plant extract are relevant for restoring heart rate and improving blood circulation.
Important! It is forbidden to use infusions and teas from leaves, stems or flowers to treat a child.
Tea from a plant to treat many diseases
A useful and versatile bush has not only an attractive appearance, but also healing properties.
How to grow rhododendron from seeds at home
Rhododendron, whose seeds were harvested in the fall, is sown in April. For the basis, sphagnum peat and coniferous earth are used in equal proportions. First you need to moisten the soil and lay planting material on the surface, you do not need to sprinkle with earth. It is advisable to tighten the container with a film, creating a greenhouse effect.
How to grow rhododendron from seeds with maximum germination:
- Select at least 100 seeds.
- Spread planting material on wet gauze.
- Every day to spray the "plantation".
- When the first sprouts appear, they need to be moved from gauze to the ground.
Bush growing
When the rhododendron seedlings acquire full leaves, then an assessment of the "crop".
How long does rhododendron grow before planting in open ground
In the middle or end of June, picking and planting of sprouts is carried out. Young plants can bloom only the next year with normal care.
Juice from the petals of rhododendron daursky
The species assortment of the plant is quite diverse, but the Daurian variety is considered to be the most used in medicine. It grows in Siberia and is widely used by local shamans. The bush has a height of 2 m and is dotted with small leaves. It is from them that juice is obtained, which has the following medicinal properties:
- Lowers blood pressure.
- Soothes the central nervous system.
- Improves the functioning of the heart and circulatory system.
- It leads to the death of pathogenic microorganisms in the human body.
Daurian grade of rhododendron
Additionally, juice can be part of all kinds of medicines that treat diarrhea, improve the outflow of bile.
Rhododendron is a symbol of tenderness, beauty and love. A bush with a tree trunk and fragrant flowers is used in landscaping. Even low specimens can hardly be called grass, since the aerial part surprises with its grandeur. You can grow a flowering bush from seeds using the simplest technology. Additionally, the plant has medicinal properties that are used in folk and official medicine.
