Description of the Roseum Elegance rhododendron variety, planting and care features
Growing rhododendron Roseum Elegance is possible even for novice plant growing enthusiasts. This luxurious evergreen shrub attracts attention with its vibrant flowers and pleasant scent. It is unpretentious to growing conditions, capable of developing normally even in the shade. In order for the bush to delight with its fragrance and elegance as long as possible, you need to know how to plant it correctly, and what care to provide.
Definition of the species
Rhododendron Roseum Elegance is a hybrid form that stands out for its excellent decorative characteristics and increased winter hardiness. The plant belongs to the Katevbinsky Rhododendron group, common in North America.
Detailed description
Rhododendron belongs to the Heather family. In total, there are almost 3000 varieties of it, where Roseum Elegance is one of its brightest species. In nature, there are creeping shrubs and tall trees (30 meters).
Leaves
A high hemispherical bush (3 meters) has a very wide crown, almost 3.5 meters in diameter. This elegant plant has medium-sized leaves, elliptical in shape, dark green, but initially reddish brown. The structure is dense, the surface is shiny.
Flowers
Beautiful pink flowers with reddish blotches grow rather large, they are 7 centimeters in diameter. They resemble a wide funnel in shape, the edges of the petals are slightly wavy. The flowers of the rhododendron Roseum Elegance are formed into dense inflorescences, collecting 15 pieces in each.
Bark
The color of the bark on the trunk and branches of an evergreen shrub is dark green.
Root system
The plant has a surface type of root mass.
Fetus
Shrub Rhododendron Roseum Elegance forms capsules with seeds.
Temperature
An ornamental plant tolerates frosts down to -32 degrees quite painlessly. He is not afraid of a heat of +30 degrees. But for normal growth and development, he needs a temperature range from -15 degrees to +20 degrees.
History of origin
English breeder Anthony Water worked hard to create a plant resistant to subzero temperatures - the Roseum Elegance rhododendron. The work was carried out in 1851.
Features:
The main distinguishing feature of the Roseum Elegance rhododendron is its increased resistance to frost and the ability to change the color of leaf plates.
Landing
To obtain the desired result, the Roseum Elegance rhododendron must initially create comfortable conditions for rooting and vegetation.
Seat selection
Considering that the ornamental shrub reaches a height of three meters and prefers to grow in partial shade, choosing a clearing for planting it is on the northern side of the garden. The Roseum Elegance rhododendron looks especially impressive near a residential building or along a fence; it can also be used as a hedge or to decorate an alley. But, if possible, then you need to plant it near the reservoir.
Soil preparation
For Roseum Elegance rhododendron, the optimum soil will be a soil with a slightly acidic environment. Coniferous litter has a beneficial effect on the underground part of the evergreen shrub.
Pit preparation and planting scheme
It is recommended to plant Roseum Elegance rhododendron seedlings in May-April. If you plan to plant several plants, then dig holes should be at a distance of two meters. The size of the hole should be twice the root system of the bush. The soil is required permeable and fertile, consisting of peat, leafy soil and needles.
Planting algorithm:
- A drainage cushion of expanded clay should be laid in the hole at the bottom, then a layer of soil mixture.
- Place the Roseum Elegance rhododendron sapling in the center of the pit and spread its roots on the sides.
- Then sprinkle with soil and carefully compact to exclude voids.
- The bush is watered, and from above it is mulched with peat, pine bark or coniferous litter.
Care
It is not difficult to care for the Roseum Elegance rhododendron, the main thing is to moisturize the soil in a timely manner, add nutrients and prune.
Watering
Taking into account the tallness of the rhododendron, the optimal volume of water per planting is 30-50 liters. From time to time, the shrub should be watered with an acidified liquid, using citric acid or lemon juice for this purpose. The sprinkling method has a positive effect on it.
Top dressing
It is recommended to apply organic fertilizers and mineral complexes alternately under the bush.
Pruning
To maintain the compact size of the crown, given its spreading, it is necessary to prune. This is best done at the end of the flowering phase.
Transfer
If necessary, replanting the Roseum Elegance rhododendron is possible, but work should be planned for the spring or summer. Thanks to the superficial root system, it is quite easy to remove the bush from the ground.
Preparing for winter
Despite the high level of winter hardiness, it is still worth covering the shrub for the frosty period. Spunbond, lutrasil are used for these purposes. The material will perfectly protect the branches from freezing.
Protection against diseases and pests
If you adhere to the correct agricultural technology, then the Roseum Elegance rhododendron is practically not threatened. Only with excessive moisture in the soil, high acidity, the presence of sunburn, the shrub begins to hurt, it is affected by fungal diseases. It is possible to fight them only with the help of fungicidal agents.
If the rhododendron suffers from an invasion of snails and slugs, then they must be removed manually. And against pests such as spider mites, rhododendron bugs, flies and mealybugs, it is effective to use insecticides that do not harm beneficial insects (bees).
Removal of faded inflorescences
So that inflorescences that have already bloomed do not spoil the appearance of the shrub, they should be removed.
Bloom
Ornamental planting is very popular among gardeners precisely because of its abundant and long flowering.
When and how
The blooming phase begins in June and lasts about 3 weeks. The shrub impresses with its bright, incredibly beautiful flowers that densely cover its crown.
Care before and after
Before the onset of the flowering stage, it is recommended to regularly moisten the evergreen shrub, as the top layer of the soil dries up. When it's warm outside, spraying should be done. At the end of this stage, all flower stalks must be cut off so that the next year's flowering is also luxurious.
What to do if it does not bloom
In the absence of color, the shrub is recommended to be transplanted to another place.
Reproduction
There are several ways to breed a crop - cuttings, seed and by cuttings.
Cuttings
For this vegetative reproduction method, workpieces up to 8 centimeters long will be required. They are cut in the second half of June from the tops of the branches. The bottom cut must be oblique. Before planting in a soil mixture of sand and peat, they are kept in a solution of a growth stimulator.
The prepared cuttings are placed in a greenhouse, where the temperature is maintained at 25 degrees and a high level of humidity. After three months, roots are formed, and they can be transplanted into personal containers. They need to be kept cool until next year.
Layers
This method of breeding rhododendron is considered the easiest. It is enough to bend the branch to the ground, cut it slightly, fix it with a hairpin, peg and sprinkle it with soil. Throughout the season, it should be irrigated regularly, transplanting to a new place can be done only the next year.
Use in garden design
It is very advantageous to plant a bush against the background of coniferous plantations. The composition of several varieties of rhododendron looks presentable.
Prevention of various problems
In order to prevent trouble, it is necessary to treat the bushes with Bordeaux liquid in the spring and autumn. A competent approach to growing a culture will relieve you of any ailments in the future.
Reviews
Roseum Elegans has established itself exclusively on the positive side.
Anna, Saratov
“I planted a rhododendron on my site, and I never cease to admire it. It blooms profusely and requires little maintenance. "
Vladimir, Moscow
“I bought a seedling of Roseum Elegance and planted it in partial shade. Flowering is bright, long, tolerates winter normally. "
Alexey, Volgograd
“The shrub really grows into a lush plant with a pleasant smell. It fits effectively into the flower arrangement on the site. "
