Rhododendron yellow is a unique frost-resistant species that does not require any special conditions for lush flowering. It is enough to put him in the right place, and nature will cope with everything else.
History of occurrence
In culture appeared in the distant 1792 - it was during this period in England that hybridization of the plant began. A few years later, the hybridization center moved to Belgium and many varieties of yellow rhododendron appeared there.
Yellow rhododendron
note! The second name of the plant is "Azalea Pontica" or Azalea pontica L.
The word "Pontus" in the language of the ancient Greeks means the Black Sea, and Azalea Pontica means "Black Sea". But this name did not take root, firstly, because the distribution area is much larger and it occupies half of Europe. Secondly, because a similar name has already been taken up by another species - the Pontic rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum), which in summer is covered with purple flowers.
Botanical Description
The maximum height of the bush is 4 meters, although on average at home it grows to 2. Yellow deciduous rhododendron is actively expanding in width and can reach a diameter of 6 meters.
Description of shoots and flowers:
- shoots of a young shrub are glandular-shaggy, later smooth;
- the leaves are oblong, up to 12 in length and 1 to 8 cm wide;
- petiole length 7 mm;
- 7-12 elegant flowers were collected in the inflorescence;
- inflorescence - an umbrella-shaped flap with a diameter of up to 5 cm;
- the color of the petals is yellow or orange.
The flowering period coincides with the appearance of new leaves and passes in several stages. Individual specimens begin flowering in April, however, mass flowering occurs in June. Fruiting begins in October, seed viability is> 80%. Although the plant has high frost resistance, annual shoots and flower buds can freeze, and sometimes completely lignified branches also suffer.
note! One of the varieties of the bush is Glowing Ambers. It has bright orange leaves. It can be confused with a hybrid of Sante Nectarine, it also has yellow or orange inflorescences.
Similar in shape to the flowers, but pink in color, bloom in the variety Raimund.
Rhododendron Gloing Ambers Shown
Distribution and ecology
Where can I find yellow rhododendron in nature:
- Eastern and Southeastern Europe;
- western and eastern Transcaucasia;
- Ciscaucasia;
- Asia Minor;
- Caucasus.
Shrub prefers poor, gravelly soil. It develops well in dry forests, clearings, forest edges, in open areas. You can find it on the plains and in the mountains at an altitude of 0 to 2000 meters above sea level.
What is the difference from other types of rhododendron
It is known that all representatives of the genus Rhododendron grow exclusively on acidic soils. The correct composition of the soil affects the flowering and viability of the plant as a whole. But this does not apply to the Pontic azalea. It is grown on almost any soil, even the most scarce, which does not affect its appearance.
note! You should not plant Pontic azalea in very arid steppe regions, such as Kalmykia, Saratov, Volgograd and Astrakhan regions. Harsh winters, such as in Transbaikalia, are also not within the bush.
Another important distinguishing feature of the plant is the ability to propagate by root shoots, while other species reproduce by cuttings or layering.
An important feature of the species is its toxicity. The substance andromedotoxin, dangerous for all living creatures, is found both in the ground part and in the roots.
How is this plant used in life?
Rhododendron tolerates weather changes and dry periods, so it is advisable to plant it on the streets and in city yards.
note! The shrub is not afraid of gas contamination, so it is often planted on dividing strips and on autotransactions.
Pontic azalea looks good alone and in groups of several pieces, resulting in homogeneous thickets. Such a composition will look good in the middle of the lawn or next to a woody group.
Yellow color goes well with any other, so it can be safely planted with other types of azaleas that are available for cultivation in the region. It is popular to plant shrubs next to conifers, such as thuja or juniper.
Yellow Rhododendron Growth Conditions
For the rapid growth and flowering of rhododendron, just select the right place for planting. This is a photophilous plant that tolerates partial shade, but not the complete absence of the sun.
Posh azalea inflorescences
If spring and summer were not arid, and the amount of precipitation fits into the norm, the plant does not need additional watering. If there is no rain, it is recommended to water the azalea once a week. at the same time you need to do this in the evening.
Twice a month, the bush can be fed. This is done when the plant begins to bloom, that is, from April to June. Mineral and nitrogen fertilizers alternate.
note! Other types of azaleas require the exclusion of nitrogen fertilizers by the end of flowering; this is not true for the Pontic species.
The following raw materials are used as natural fertilizer:
- crushed coniferous bark and sawdust;
- coniferous litter;
- high peat;
- heather land (soil from coniferous forests where many heathers grow).
It is easiest to apply such fertilizers by mulching.
Selection and preparation of the landing site
The seat is made shallow, but wide, due to the ability of the shrub to creep. The best option is a depth of 30 cm, a width of 2.5 m.
Landing in a lowland or places where groundwater flows closely is not allowed. There should be no drafts on the site.
Before planting, it is enough to clear the area of weeds. A pre-prepared substrate is laid in the landing pit. In the absence of blanks, it is enough to add clay or peat to retain moisture.
Landing
In nature, the yellow rhododendron adapts to all soils, therefore, it can also be planted in any substrate on the garden plot. But if you nevertheless prepare for it a special composition of the earth, the plant will feel better.
Recipes for self-preparation of soil mix:
- turf land, sand, peat in a ratio of 1: 1: 2;
- sheet land, sand, peat - 1: 1: 2;
- heather land, sand, peat - 1: 1: 2.
note! If you want to create ideal conditions for shrubs, you should be guided by the following criteria for the selection of soil: sandy or light loamy, porous, slightly acidic or with neutral acidity.
Diseases and Pests
Azalea is a fairly disease-resistant plant, but with improper care it can also suffer.
The most common problems with rhododendron:
- Lack of flowering. It is observed with improperly selected soil type, lack of watering or fertilizer, when planting in bright sunshine.
- Phytophthora. It manifests itself in the form of yellowing and further falling of leaves, root rotting is possible. Antifungal drugs and copper sulfate can cope with a mild form of the disease. Heavily affected bushes are dug up and burned.
- Rhododendric cicada. The insect is dangerous by the ability to transfer the fungus from diseased plants to healthy ones. The cicada lays infected eggs at the end of August, and you can see the symptoms in the form of blackened buds in the spring. For prophylaxis, the plant is treated with fungicides or vitriol, the already affected buds and buds are removed mechanically.
- Chlorosis. First, the tips of the leaves turn yellow, then turn brown and fall off. The disease is caused by improper care, with an excess of clay in the soil or feeding the bush with ash. To restore balance, ferrovit and iron chelate are introduced into the soil.
- Attack of parasites: thrips, mealybug, ticks, weevils. They can be removed only with insecticides or a soap solution. Snails and slugs are collected by hand.
note! Rhododendron is a capricious plant, but the yellow species is rarely exposed to disease and wilting. Timely preventative measures will help to avoid any problems.
Pontic azalea is not only distinguished by its striking appearance, but also by its ease of care. The landscape, decorated with the help of a shrub that emits a wonderful southern aroma, will become the hallmark of the owner of the site.
