The Rhododendron they are really spectacular bushy plants. They are very resistant to low temperatures, do not require special attention, and bloom during the spring that it is a pleasure to see them. Some flowers that, by the way, are very elegant, with very bright colors. But, of course, they do need some care.
If you want to know how to have them perfectly healthy, then we are going to tell you all about them.
Origin and characteristics of the Rhododendron
The Rhododendron are plants that originate mainly from Asia, although you can also find them in North America. They grow to a height that ranges from 10 centimeters to 30 metersdepending on the species. Most are evergreen, but there are others that are deciduous. The leaves are dark green and grow in a spiral.
Its flowers appear grouped in inflorescences of pink, red or white during the spring and part of the summer.being able to cover the entire plant. Thus, they alone create an incredible show, full of color, and life, as they attract pollinating insects such as bees, which, by the way, can become your allies in the garden, since thanks to pollination you can get better harvests.
It is important to say that they are poisonous plants. Its pollen and nectar contain a toxin called grayanotoxin, and in addition, no other part of the Rhododendron should be consumed.
Main species
The genus Rhododendron is made up of more than 1000 species, the following being the most popular:
rhododendron catawbiense
Image – Wikimedia / Kor! An (Andrey Korzun)
The rhododendron catawbiense is an evergreen shrub native to the eastern United States that reaches 3 meters in height. Its flowers are between 3 and 4,5 centimeters in diameter, and are purple in color.
rhododendron ferrugineum
Image – Wikimedia / Jean-Pol GRANDMONT
The rhododendron ferrugineum It is an evergreen shrub than in the mountainous regions of Europe, such as the Pyrenees or the Alps. Reaches a low height, between 0,5 and 1,5 meters highand its flowers are pink.
Rhododendron indica
Image – Wikimedia / Kor! An (Andrey Korzun)
The Rhododendron indicawell known by the common name azalea, is an evergreen shrub native to China that grows between 0,5 and one meter in height. Its flowers are small, between 2 and 3 centimeters, and of different colors (white, pink, purple, bicolor, …).
Rhododendron ponticus
Image – Wikimedia Commons / A. Barra
The Rhododendron ponticuswell known as rhododendron or ojaranzo, is a shrub native to Turkey and southern Spain. Reaches a height of approximately 1 meterand its cheerful and pretty purple or reddish flowers are about 4 centimeters.
Rhododendron simsii
Image – Wikimedia Commons / Dryas
The Rhododendron simsiialso called azalea, is an evergreen shrub native to eastern Asia that reaches a height of up to 2 meters. Its flowers are of very diverse colors, from white to dark red.
How to care for the Rhododendron?
They are very easy to grow plants, if we take into account a number of things before taking them home. Namely:
Location
It is important that you place your plant abroadotherwise it will not be able to grow well. She must feel the passing of the seasons so that she can know when to bloom, or when to start the winter dormancy period for example.
If you decide to have it in the garden, you do not have to worry about its roots since they are not invasive. Now, it is very advisable to move it at least 1 meter away from the wall or wall so that they can have a correct development.
Light and Shade
Does not like full sun. Ideally, place the Rhododendron in an outdoor area that is very well lit, but in which it is protected from the direct light of the star king. A good place would be under large trees, or in a patio with a roof.
Irrigation
Requires moderate wateringsince it does not withstand drought. Therefore, it may be necessary to water up to 3 times a week during the driest and warmest season of the year, and up to 2 times a week in winter. Use rainwater, or if you cannot get acidic water (you can add the liquid of half a lemon to 1l of water to acidify it), or water for human consumption.
Earth
Shipping is acid plants. This means that the substrate or the soil in which we want them to grow must be acidic; that is, it has to have a low pH.
- the garden: the earth, in addition to being acidic, must be fertile, and capable of draining water quickly.
- Flower pot: it is advisable to use substrate for acidic plants (on sale here!).
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In addition to water and good soil, your Rhododendron will need compost from time to time. from early spring to early fall. Taking this into account, it is advisable to fertilize it with a fertilizer for acidic plants, like this one that they sell here!.
Pruning
They do not require pruning, but can be pruned in early spring if you want to control its growth.
Rusticity
If we talk about its rusticity, its ideal temperature range is between 30ºC maximum and -5ºC minimum, but there are some species that support up to -18ºC, such as Rhododendron augustinii which produces bluish flowers.
What uses is it given?
Image – Flickr / ** Mary **
They are very beautiful plants that they are used only to decorate. They are commonly planted in gardens in temperate regions, but they can also be worked as bonsai.
What did you think of the Rhododendrons? Did you know them?
