Content
- Rhododendron plants - history and origin
- Rhododendron location - sun or shade?
- Rhododendron sowing and planting, what should be considered?
- Is it possible to prefer rhododendron from seeds?
- Transplant rhododendron - when is the best time?
- Rhododendron multiply - is it worth it?
- When is the best rhododendron planting time
- Rhododendron harvest time and flowering time - only ornament or ecologically useful?
- Rhododendron substrate - does that make sense?
- Rhododendron - good or bad neighbors?
- Tips & Tricks
Rhododendron plants - history and origin
The rhododendron can be found in fossils from the Tertiary and thus a very old plant species. Originally it comes from the Himalayas. In Dresden Herrmann Seidel planted the first hardy rhododendron hybrids in 1865.
Rhododendrons are among the heather plants (Ericaceae). There are 1150 species worldwide. Of these, 10 are native to Germany and are undoubtedly among the most beautiful flowering shrubs.
In 2019 alone, German nurseries produced 20 million rhododendrons.
Rhododendron location - sun or shade?
When you replant or implement a rhododendron, the question arises: where is the optimal location? Which floor does the evergreen ornamental shrub prefer?
Rhododendrons love light and shade under deep-rooted trees such as oak, pine and fir. Light foliage or canopy protects against direct midday sun and acts as the ideal backdrop for the voluminous rhododendron flowers. They thrive best in high humidity on thin, acidic humus layers with a pH of 4.0 to 5.0.
Rhododendron sowing and planting, what should be considered?
You can plant self-grown rhododendrons from the third leaf pair. But beware! The seedlings dry out quickly and are not particularly resistant. Low fertilizer inputs promote growth. With patience you will be rewarded with the first flowers at the earliest in the second year.
When planting young rhododendrons, the planting hole should be about 3 times the size of the bale. Note that rhododendrons are flat-rooters. Therefore, make the opening more wide than deep. Mix the excavation halfway with peat.
Well moistened you put the rhododendron in the middle of the planting hole. Fill up with the excavated soil mix and press lightly. Pour then - done.
Is it possible to prefer rhododendron from seeds?
If you want to prefer rhododendrons, collect the voluminous, fertilized seed pods in autumn. In a dry, warm place they open after about a week.
To prefer: fill special rhododendron seed soil approx. 5 cm high in seed pot. Then spread some finely sifted wet peat. Sow rhododendron seeds over and moisten with a fine mist. As Ericacee plants Rhododendron are light germs and do not need to be covered with soil! Keep moist in a bright, warm place without direct suns under a transparent hood. After about four weeks sprout the seedlings.
Transplant rhododendron - when is the best time?
A rhododendron prefers a half shady site and acidic soil with a pH of 4.0 to a maximum of 5.5.
For rhododendrons in the pot or garden, early fall or spring are equally recommended. As with all evergreen sycamore trees, they need sufficient time after transplanting to root before the first minus temperatures.
Rhododendron multiply - is it worth it?
Rhododendrons awaken the collecting passion in many hobby gardeners. Because the pleasure of creating two or more plants successfully is fun and cheaper than buying. But it takes time and patience. Most rhododendron varieties can be multiplied by refining them. The propagation by offshoots or cuttings is recommended only for certain rhododendron varieties. The 7 most common propagation practices at a glance, you can find here.
When is the best rhododendron planting time
To plant rhododendrons is, as with other trees, the best time of autumn from early September to mid-November. The spring planting season begins in early March to mid-May until the leaves are released. Provided it has plus degrees and the ground is no longer frozen.
Rhododendron harvest time and flowering time - only ornament or ecologically useful?
You like to surround yourself in the garden with lush flowers? Then not only the evergreen, hardy rhododendrons, but especially the colorful ones in the flowering period from January to August are an eye-catcher for your senses. Even the 3 to 6 mm long capsule fruits are only a feast for the eyes.
Because these are inedible for humans and animals - but every poison is also medicine. Asian rhododendrons are used as a cardiotonic and antihypertensive drug. Homeopathic for gout and rheumatism Siberian Rhododendron chryseum is recommended.
Rhododendron substrate - does that make sense?
In general, a substrate loosens the soil, ensures good air permeability and optimal nutrient supply. Special rhododendron substrate has a pH of 4.0 to 5.0.
In addition, the lava or slate components contained therein store water and prevent waterlogging. This also prevents mold growth in the soil.
In contrast to potting soil, nutrients do not wash out, but are firmly available in lava and mineralized algae for rhododendron. This means you do not have to constantly change the soil or over-fertilize - and the peat-free and therefore ecologically valuable!
Rhododendron - good or bad neighbors?
Rhododendrons love shady trees. But they have to be the right ones. Good neighbors are
Trees with deep roots - for example, oaks, ornamental cherries, fruit trees, magnolias or laburnum.
Birch, chestnut, linden, maple and willow compete for water and nutrients and are among the bad neighbors.
Tips & Tricks
An ideal partner for your rhododendron is the Kalmia. An evergreen laurel rose and magnificently flowering companion.