This plant has exotic origins, but it is possible to recreate suitable conditions in the Moscow region, provided you follow the practical recommendations of experienced gardeners.
Varieties for the Moscow region
The Moscow region is located in central Russia. This area is characterized by the possibility of severe frosts in winter, which can harm any plant, including rhododendrons in the Moscow region (planting and care are described below). Taking this into account, it's important to select only varieties that can easily withstand severe frosts, including:
• Ledebour – this flower for the dacha has a pink-purple color, flowering period is in June - July, sometimes it can bloom a second time around August to September;
• Katewbinsky, as well as all its various hybrids, can have a lilac-purple, white or light shades of violet-red color, the period of active flowering is the end of May, beginning of June;
• Smirnov and his hybrids – colored purple-pink, with yellow spots inside;
• Rhododendron Short-fruited – the first flowering occurs 18 years after planting, each year it increases in height by 6 centimeters;
• The largest rhododendron – flowers can be pink, white or lilac, height is approximately 3.5 meters;
• Golden – height no more than 60 centimeters, plants up to one meter are quite rare, has a golden color;
• Canadian rhododendron – can be pink-purple or violet-purple in color, flowering period is May – June;
• Schlippenbachia – pale pink in color, with purple spots throughout the inflorescence, blooms in April;
• Rhododendron Vasea - has a pink color, or rather its various shades, while you can see red or orange-brown spots on the upper part of the flower, blooming in spring. Excellent for the Moscow region;
• Pukhan rhododendron – pale lilac with brown dots, begins to bloom in May – June;
• Sticky – can be white or pink, blooms in the second half of summer;
• Rhododendron pink – has bright pink flowers, flowering period is May.
Planting a rhododendron
Rhododendrons in the Moscow region (planting and care photos) don't like direct sunlight and can be significantly damaged by wind. To avoid this, choose a location where the crown will be sheltered from the sun and wind.
The best option is near fruit trees or oak trees. This way, the plant will feel comfortable and receive sufficient moisture, as the neighboring plant won't take everything for itself. Also, the location should be elevated to allow moisture to drain quickly.
We recommend:Tigridia - planting and care in open ground.
When the first rays of sunlight appear, carefully monitor the rhododendron, as this can burn the developing flowers, causing them to stop blooming altogether. In strong sunlight, it's a good idea to provide the bush with a shelter to ensure its comfort. The shelter should be almost twice the height of the bush itself, and it's important to leave room for air circulation.
The rhododendron's root system is quite compact and spherical, so it can easily be replanted, regardless of the age of the bush.
Proper planting involves several steps:
• Dig a hole with dimensions of approximately 60*60*40 cm;
• Pour in the prepared soil mixture;
• Tamp everything down well;
• Dig a hole the size of the root system and place the plant, making sure that the upper part of the root is not in the ground;
• Sprinkle a small amount of peat or pine needles around the bush, but do not cover the base of the root.
Soil for planting
Before planting a rhododendron, it's important to prepare the soil so it's as close to its natural habitat as possible. Specifically, it should be loose enough to drain excess moisture, and acidic, but not too acidic. Consider the soil's moisture level; never allow it to dry out, as this can kill rhododendrons in the Moscow region.
We recommend:Garden balsam - planting and care.
Caring for a Rhododendron Bush
If all planting recommendations are followed, rhododendrons require little further care. The most important factors are timely watering and fertilizing. It's best to water exclusively with rainwater, but be sure to maintain soil moisture to prevent it from becoming too wet.
If necessary, promptly remove any weeds that may grow near the bush, but don't loosen the soil—just pull them out. In autumn, watering should be reduced, or better yet, stopped, to allow the rhododendron to prepare for winter.
Rhododendrons in the Moscow region require various fertilizers and supplements in the spring to promote vigorous growth and flowering. You can buy a ready-made mixture or prepare your own, but be sure to follow the correct proportions to ensure the plant benefits.
Don't forget that with proper care, even in the harsh climate of the Moscow region, you can grow a beautiful rhododendron bush.
Frost-resistant rhododendrons - the best varieties