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Azalea garden: planting in open ground and tips for further care. Planting garden azaleas, care and reproduction

Garden azaleas or, as they are commonly called according to the modern classification of species, rhododendrons are a huge family of flowering shrubs that can seriously differ from each other in size, shade and shape of flowers, and even lifestyle.

Numerous varieties and varieties of cultivated rhododendrons can:

be evergreen and deciduous plants;
reach a height of 3 meters and rise above the soil by only 50-60 cm;
differ in flowering times.

But all these plants have common features. Garden azaleas have rather graceful shoots covered with light bark and slightly elongated oval leaves. Leaf plates are small, dense, with a noticeable pile. When the time comes for azaleas to bloom, from late April to almost mid-summer, flowers with flat or funnel-shaped corollas appear en masse on the tops of the last year's shoots.

Depending on the type and variety, you can enjoy a lush cloud of white, yellow, pink, lilac or purple flowers from three weeks to 2.5 months.

Deciduous varieties of garden azaleas have been successfully grown in Russia since pre-revolutionary times, and at the beginning of the last century they were actively used for landscaping and decorating parks near Moscow and St. Petersburg. Today breeding work botanists around the world made it possible to easily pick up plants that, when good care very winter-hardy and bloom luxuriantly, grow in the middle lane.

Conditions for growing garden azalea

garden belongs to perennial plants with rather slow growth. This should be taken into account when choosing a place for planting a plant and organizing care for a young bush. For the first time, azaleas bloom only 3-4 years after planting, maturing and reaching full development.

The ideal temperature for growing garden azalea in summer time is 20–25 °C, which is quite acceptable for most regions of the Russian middle lane. In winter, many varieties and hybrids can withstand frosts down to 27–32 °C.

And yet the plant needs protection and year-round support. When planning the planting of a garden azalea, you need to be very careful in choosing the right place. In nature, rhododendrons are photophilous, but when hit by direct sun rays:

lose their decorative effect faster;
form flower buds worse;
shorten the flowering period.

Therefore, for an azalea, it is better to find a flat area protected from wind and flooding by spring waters in partial shade, where the bush will not suffer from summer heat, frost and gusts of cold air. For planting shrubs near suitable at home north, east or west wall.

Rhododendrons grow well in the neighborhood of larger trees. True, it should be taken into account that the roots of the plants do not interfere with each other. Next to the garden azalea, spruces with a tap root system, small-leaved lindens and oaks feel good.

For azaleas, the proximity to garden and park ponds is useful. Here, thanks to the natural humidification of the air, the plant blooms longer and leaves stay fresh.

Planting a garden azalea

The best time for transplanting or planting garden azaleas is in early spring, when the plant has not begun a period of active juice movement. If for some reason rhododendrons are not planted at the beginning of the growing season, this can be done in September. During the remaining warm days and weeks, the shrub will have time to acclimatize and successfully overwinter.

Azaleas growing in open ground have a superficial root system. Therefore, a deep planting pit for a shrub is not required, but the preparation of a loose fertile substrate is necessary:

The depth of the pit may not exceed 50 cm.
In this case, the width should be 20-30 cm more than the depth.

At the bottom is made powerful drainage layer from fragments of red brick, large expanded clay and sand. It is impossible to use limestone crumbs, since this mineral gradually changes the acidity of the soil and can cause the already accustomed garden azalea bush to wither and die.

The earth removed from the landing pit is cleared of sod, and then it is added to it:

cleared of rough inclusions;
humus;
sand and other components necessary to ensure the friability and structure of the substrate.

Before immersing a seedling in a pit, a layer of drainage is poured in the center not a large number of prepared soil. The roots of the shrub are carefully laid out on it so that the root neck of the azalea, when backfilled, must remain above the soil level. The soil around the plant is compacted and moistened. If the soil has settled, it is sprinkled, and the surface is abundantly mulched on top.

If you have to plant a garden azalea purchased at a nursery or store, its root system should first be revived by lowering it into water or watering it abundantly even before planting.

Seedlings with a closed root system tolerate transplanting more easily, while their roots do not need to be cleaned of existing soil, but it is worth checking the health of the roots and removing damaged ones.

Caring for garden azalea after planting

Throughout the growing season, garden azaleas need abundant watering. Moisten the soil immediately after the surface layer has dried. Rain or settled water is best suited for. To maintain the increased acidity of the soil, citric or other food acid is added to the irrigation moisture once a month.

On hot days, except for the flowering time of the azalea, shrubs can be sprayed warm water to be a good support for the decorativeness of the shrub and prevention from pests and fungi.

At the end of summer, watering is reduced, provoking the completion of shrub growth and improving its preparation for winter. For the same purpose, top dressing is stopped, especially if prolonged action granular agents were used for this.

Garden azalea care includes mulching, which is designed to protect the plant's roots from drying out in the summer and from frost in the winter. Under such a shelter, weeds develop worse and more slowly, moisture is saved. A layer of mulch made of needles, steamed sawdust or shavings, chopped mowed grass or even fine expanded clay is replenished and restored as necessary, but does not cover the root neck of the plant.

It is impossible to support a flowering shrub with one watering. Therefore, the azalea is fed at least three times a year.

In early spring, plants are watered with infusion of mullein or humus.
Before the start of the flowering time of the azalea, in addition, the shrub needs potassium and phosphorus in equal amounts.
After withering most of the inflorescences, the plant is watered with a mixture of phosphorus and potash fertilizers in a ratio of 1:2.

Plants of garden azaleas are extremely negative about the introduction of fertilizers into the soil, which contain chlorine and lime. You should not use ash, which is popular with gardeners, for top dressing.

Watering and fertilizing during the care of azaleas is carried out not at the root, but at a distance of at least 20 cm from the center of the bush. This technique allows you to bring moisture and nutrients to the most active areas of the surface root system of this horticultural crop.

Pruning azaleas for gardening

The plant begins spring with already formed flower buds, therefore, after wintering, only sanitary pruning azaleas in the garden when dry and diseased shoots are removed.

The formation of the shrub is carried out after the flowers wither. During the procedure, both dry flower stalks and excessively elongated branches are cut. If the pruning of azaleas is not removed for several years, the bush gradually overgrows, the shoots block the access of light and air, which leads to the development of diseases and insect pests.

When pruning azaleas, it is important to remember that the buds are laid on annual shoots, so this year's growth is not touched. After pruning, large stumps are processed garden pitch.

Young shrubs up to 3 years of age can not be formed, carrying out only the removal of dead shoots.

Azalea care in winter

Future flowering depends on the care of the azaleas throughout the year, as well as how the plant overwinter. Individual varieties garden rhododendrons may worry Russian winters without shelters, but in this case it will not be possible to guarantee the health of the shrub:

The flower buds at the ends of the shoots are the first to suffer from the cold.
With a lack of snow, sometimes not only young branches freeze, but also the root system.

To protect plants, preparation for winter begins autumn with abundant watering soil under the bushes of garden azaleas. Then the root circle is covered with an additional layer of mulch, for which pine needles, peat or fallen leaves are taken. A layer of such protection for small plants can be 5-10 cm, up to 30 cm of insulation is poured under tall bushes.

Branches of deciduous azaleas growing in open ground:

gently bend to the ground;
fixed with wire;
covered with corrugated cardboard special materials or another layer of spruce branches or peat.

Covering azaleas with foil or other airtight materials is not worth it, since there is a high risk of developing preliminaries and rot of the buds and young shoots.

Azalea evergreens are covered on a pre-made frame so as not to damage the shoots and future buds. Inside the shelter, the plant should not be cramped. And it is necessary to insulate the structure with roofing material or non-woven materials only when the weather is cool, if this is done on warm days, the loss of some flowers cannot be avoided next spring.

Caring for azaleas in winter is to protect plants from wind and moisture condensing during thaws. If the winter is not snowy, the bushes need to be additionally protected by creating man-made snowdrifts at their base. During the rainy season, azaleas are loosely covered with a film, leaving the possibility of moisture escaping.

With the onset of spring, the shelter is removed only after the snow cover melts and positive average daily temperatures are established.

During acclimatization and care, azaleas are constantly monitored to avoid sunburn of delicate tissues and wilting of a plant that is deficient in nutrition and moisture.

Garden azaleas are a grateful culture. Shrubs always respond with lush flowering and growth to the observance of agricultural practices for growing azaleas in the garden and competent, regular care. In whatever area the gardener lives, today you can find many amazing varieties of azaleas that have different colors and different flowering periods.

Video about rhododendrons - azaleas in the garden

Many people know this oriental plant as indoor flower, very demanding in care. Azalea japonica can be grown without problems on suburban area, decorating with their bright colors the whole garden. And although a large number of gardeners are afraid to breed azalea on their own, it is worth remembering that if you follow all the nuances of planting and care, you will be able to grow a beautiful and healthy shrub.

In this article, we will consider the features and description of the Japanese garden azalea, describe the most popular varieties. And also we will talk about all the main rules of agricultural technology for growing this plant in the garden.

Features and description of the Japanese garden azalea

Japanese garden azalea, according to some features, belongs to the group of flowering rhododendrons and is a representative of the Heather family. You should not completely identify the azaleas with rhododendrons, they still have differences. This plant is an evergreen or deciduous shrub, rarely small tree. Azalea japonica is predominantly evergreen and does not shed its leaves for the winter. In nature, this culture grows in Japan, China, India and the Caucasus. However, to date beautiful azalea Japanese is distributed throughout the world and is a welcome guest in gardens and greenhouses. As garden plant azalea was first grown in Japan and it was in this country that this culture became almost a national symbol. The Japanese often cultivated the azalea as a bonsai.

Azalea garden relatively young plant, because in Europe and America it began to be grown only at the beginning of the last century, and until that time, azalea could be found indoors as a houseplant. The garden azalea is considered very ornamental plant, which lends itself perfectly to pruning and crown formation. Planting and caring for Japanese azalea has its own characteristics and difficulties that must be considered when growing an exotic beauty.

Description of Japanese garden azalea:

Japanese azalea is grown as evergreen shrub, is a perennial with a very slow growth rate.
In nature, the height of this shrub can reach 3 m, but under conditions garden cultivation azalea reaches only 50 cm -1.5 m, depending on climate and care.
Japanese garden azalea shoots are very fragile and graceful, covered with light gray bark. They are located very close to each other, due to the strong branching.
Japanese azalea shrubs are very compact due to the location of the shoots, so they are great for creating unusual landscape compositions and hedges.
The branches of the garden azalea shrub are covered with very small leaves, which are only 2-3 cm long. The leaves are oblong in shape, lanceolate with a glossy surface. The lower part of the leaf plate is matte and has a slight pubescence. The foliage is dark green in color.
Japanese azalea flowers are the main value and pride of this type of plant.
The flowers are funnel-shaped, tubular or flat, depending on the variety. They can also be simple, small, very large and terry.
Shades of Japanese azalea inflorescences can also be varied: from democratic white color to bright red or pink, you can also find variegated color palette and bicolor azalea flowers.
Japanese azalea blooms in mid-May and can please big amount color for 1.5-2 months, depending on the variety and climatic conditions.
During flowering, the azalea bush is completely covered with beautiful and fragrant flowers, sometimes even foliage and branches are not visible behind them. At this time, the plant looks like a large and bright ball.
The winter hardiness of the Japanese garden azalea allows it to be grown in Russia and other CIS countries, as it can withstand temperatures of -27 degrees.
This plant is widely used in landscape design to create original garden compositions and various hedges.

A variety of varieties of Japanese garden azalea

To date, breeders have bred a huge number of varieties of Japanese garden azalea, which differ in growing conditions, appearance features and the level of winter hardiness. It is from all these indicators that the choice of a particular variety for planting in a garden plot depends. Consider the most popular varieties of Japanese azalea.

Variety of azalea "Blanik". This type the plant is distinguished by small and simple flowers, which have a very elegant shape. According to the color of the azalea inflorescence Japanese variety Blanik light pink.
Variety "Kermezina rose". very unusual and beautiful variety japanese azalea. Flowers have a delicate light pink hue with a bright, distinctly visible stripe in the center of the petals. During flowering, such a bush looks very impressive.
Sort "Melina". Wonderful undersized shrub which is suitable for planting along garden paths or borders, as well as to create interesting hedges and garden compositions. It can reach a height of no more than 30 cm. Terry-shaped flowers of a bright pink hue.
Sort "Geisha ash". This variety is also undersized. Azalea Japanese geisha ash in height can reach only 25-30 cm. purple hue, which during flowering completely cover the entire shrub.

Sort "Geisha Orange". Azalea Japanese geisha is distinguished by bright scarlet flowers of beautiful shape, which bloom in May or June.
Azalea variety "Fridoline". A low-growing bush that blooms very luxuriantly. Medium sized bright red flowers. It is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful and popular varieties of Japanese azalea.

Variety "Rosinette". Beautiful compact shrub with double flowers. This plant will look spectacular in any landscape composition due to its bright colors. pink flowers which are very reminiscent of roses.
Variety "Marushka". Also enough popular variety Azalea japonica, which blooms with small red flowers that begin flowering in May.
Sort "Adonis". This variety of azalea is characterized by white delicate flowers.
Variety "Canzoneta". low shrub, which reaches a height of 50 cm. During flowering, the spherical bush is completely covered with carmine-pink flowers.
Variety "Shot Hot Variegata". A very compact shrub that has a cushion shape. It can reach a height of 50 cm. Flowering begins in May with reddish-orange flowers.
Variety of Japanese Azalea "Mathers Day". This azalea is distinguished by rather large red flowers, which reach 10 cm in diameter.
Sort "Toreador". dwarf variety Japanese azalea, which is often grown not only in the garden, but also as a bonsai. Blooms with small scarlet flowers.
Variety "American beauty". A tall variety of azalea, which can reach a height of 2 m. The shrub blooms with large ruby-pink flowers with a golden core.

All varieties of Japanese azalea perfectly complement each other and are combined with various flowering plants.

Reproduction of Japanese garden azalea: the most common methods

Japanese garden azalea can be bred independently in your garden plot. To do this, you need to know in what ways this exotic beauty breeds. The most common are vegetative reproduction cuttings and dividing the bush, as well as seed propagation. Each of these methods has its own characteristics and difficulties. After reviewing the description of the options for breeding Japanese garden azalea, you can choose the most suitable for yourself.

Seed propagation of Japanese garden azalea

Gardeners use this method extremely rarely, since waiting flowering shrub it will take quite a long time. After about 5-6 years, you will be able to admire the blooming garden azalea grown from seeds.
The seeds of this plant can be purchased at specialized stores, or you can collect it yourself if you already have an azalea on the site and you want to try your hand at such plant breeding.
Before sowing, the seeds can be treated with a special solution for disinfection.
For a better germination of azalea seeds, stratification can be carried out for several months. To do this, use a container with moist soil, in which seeds are planted and placed in a refrigerator at a temperature of 2-4 degrees.
At the end of winter or in early spring you can start sowing seeds in a greenhouse or greenhouse. If there are none, you can pick up a spacious container.
For a full-fledged shoot of Japanese garden azalea seedlings, select soil mix, which should consist of peat, sand, leafy soil and compost as a fertilizer.
The soil must be well loosened and watered.
Next, azalea seeds are laid near the soil, sprinkling with a small layer of sand. From above the container must be covered with a film or glass.
Daily care of seedlings includes mandatory ventilation and regular moistening of the soil.
After the appearance of several leaves, the seedlings dive into separate pots, where they grow until planting in open ground. This can be done one year after planting.

Reproduction of Japanese azalea by dividing the bush

This method is also not very popular among gardeners.
He is afraid to use it due to the fact that after dividing the azalea bush, it takes a long time to achieve the ideal shape of the crown of two bushes.
The division should be carried out in the spring before the start of the movement of juice from the shrub and the appearance of buds.
Without digging up the entire shrub, carefully separate part of the azalea with a sharp shovel. It is important to use a plant with a large number of shoots and a well-developed root system.
After separation, it is important to treat the place of division with wood ash.
Plant both parts of the azalea permanent place.

Propagation of Japanese azalea by cuttings

This method of propagation of the Japanese garden azalea is the simplest and therefore the most common. Although in the end flowering plant you will receive no earlier than in 2-3 years.
Rooting cuttings should be carried out in March-April.
In the beginning, it is important to prepare correctly planting material. Top shoots are suitable for this. which are cut into 10 cm cuttings.
Remove the bud and unopened leaves. It is also necessary to remove all leaves from the lower part of the cutting, leaving only 2-3 on the middle part of the cutting.
On the bottom of the cutting, make a neat 45-degree cut with a sharp knife and place all the cuttings in the rooting solution for several hours. This is necessary to increase the percentage of rooted azalea cuttings.
Take small pots or plastic cups, as long as they have holes in the bottom. Fill them with peat and moisten well.
Place the cuttings separately in each container to a depth of 2-3 cm.
Next, you need to cover all the cuttings with a film. Make sure that the film does not touch the cuttings themselves.
For full germination, it is necessary to maintain a temperature of 18-22 degrees and ventilate the cuttings.
It takes about 1-1.5 months for the cuttings to root, after which they can be planted in open ground.

Stages of preparation before planting Japanese garden azalea in open ground

To get a beautiful and healthy bush of Japanese azalea, it is important to carefully prepare before planting it. The main condition is correctly selected plant seedlings and a place for planting on your site. Also, do not forget to pay attention to the condition and quality of the soil at the planting site of the garden azalea.

Stage 1. Selection of Japanese garden azalea seedlings

First of all, purchase Japanese garden azalea seedlings only in specialized nurseries or garden centers that are professionally breeding. various plants. Here you can get professional advice about the growing conditions of a particular variety, as well as help in choosing the plant variety that is most acclimatized to your area.
You can buy garden azalea seedlings from friends, so you can see the result that you will get in the end.
Before you buy a Japanese garden azalea, pay attention to the container in which it grows. It must be sufficiently loose, otherwise the root may be damaged.
The soil in the container should be moist and clean, and the shoots of the plant themselves should be elastic. You can try to pull the seedling towards you. A healthy and strong plant will remain in place.
Seedlings should be free of any visible damage and signs of diseases and pests.
When choosing a particular variety, be guided by your climatic conditions, as well as the place where you are going to plant the Japanese garden azalea.

Stage 2. Choosing a place for planting Japanese azalea

Azalea Japanese prefers to grow in places flooded with sunlight.
However, remember that there should be no direct sunlight. Give preference to areas with little shade.
The selected site for planting azalea should be protected from wind and drafts.
Azalea can be planted next to the most different plants. Since azalea bushes are quite compact, they can be placed even on the very small area garden.
Ideal for these plants is along garden paths or borders, as well as places that can be used for hedges.

Stage 3. Selecting and preparing the soil for planting Japanese azalea

Azalea Japanese garden prefers to grow on loose and fertile soil.
Loams and limestone soil are categorically not suitable for her. In such a place, the azalea will not grow.
Choose a place with acidic soil. If your soil is alkaline, be sure to add pine needles to it.
The soil at the planting site should be well drained.
Before planting azaleas Japanese soil it is necessary to carefully dig and add peat, coniferous soil and leafy soil to it, as well as organic fertilizers.
If the land in your garden is not at all suitable for planting Japanese azalea, you can purchase soil for these plants in a specialized store. Then remove 50 cm of the topsoil in the selected area and replace it with the purchased one.

Japanese garden azalea planting technology

Planting a Japanese garden azalea is carried out in the spring or during the summer if you bought a seedling in a container.
Prepare planting holes in the area of your choice. Each of them should be pretty large sizes to accommodate a seedling with an earthy clod. The pit should be at least 50 cm deep and 70 cm wide.
At the bottom of each hole, place a layer of drainage about 15-20 cm. Small stones, gravel or broken bricks can be used as drainage. This is necessary to prevent stagnation of water at the roots.
Pre-pot seedlings in containers with plenty of water beforehand, so that you can then easily get the azalea without damaging its roots.
Pour a little peat and fertile soil on the drainage layer.
Then place the Japanese azalea seedlings in the planting holes so that the clod of earth on the root system fits completely in the hole.
Carefully fill the holes with potting soil and press lightly with your hands to compact the soil.
Sprinkle the soil around the seedlings with mulch to prevent evaporation of moisture. Dry sawdust, conifer needles and tree bark are used as mulch.

Agrotechnics for growing Japanese garden azalea: secrets and nuances of care

Azalea japonica is quite whimsical and capricious plant, therefore, its cultivation should be given attention. Japanese garden azalea care consists of regular watering, fertilizing, pruning and preparing the plant for winter. Eventually exotic azalea will delight you with bright and lush flowering.

Watering

Japanese Azalea prefers to grow in moist soil, so it needs regular watering. In no case should the plant be overdried, the soil should always be slightly moist, especially during flowering. During the formation of foliage and buds, the azalea responds well to spraying. However, after the flowers appear, it is better to stop spraying, as stains may appear on the petals. Reduce the frequency of watering in autumn. At the same time, it is necessary to water the plant only with rainwater or settled water, moreover, watering is carried out not at the very root, but in the groove around the plant.

Loosening and mulching

Loosen the soil in trunk circle not recommended, as the plant's root system is superficial and you can damage the roots. To prevent weeds and oxygenate the soil, periodically update the layer of mulch around the plants. You can use it as mulch. sawdust, conifer needles, moss, dry peat or tree bark.

top dressing

The full growth of azalea depends on the application of fertilizers. When planting azalea in the soil, you need to add compost.
Then the plant is watered with mullein infusion, this is usually done in spring time before the start of the active growing season.
Before the azalea begins to bloom, it is necessary to add fertilizers that contain potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen. You can use complex mineral fertilizers.
When applying fertilizers, remember that they should be free of chlorine and lime, as well as wood ash. This will harm the azaleas.
After flowering, the plants are fertilized with a mixture of potash and phosphorus fertilizers. This is necessary in order for the plant to gain strength before winter.
Once a month it is recommended to water the plant with acidified water. Add a little citric acid to the settled water.

Azalea pruning

Azalea pruning is done at the end of the flowering period. With a sharp pruner, all damaged or wilted shoots are removed. The remaining shoots are cut partially throughout the bush to form correct form. It is necessary to prune bushes that have been growing in open ground for at least a year. Treat the cut points with pitch. Also, experts recommend removing faded flower buds to stimulate the growth of new ones.

Disease and pest control

Like any other plant, azalea is prone to pests and diseases.

Pests:

ticks;
scale insects.

To combat these pests, use special preparations - insecticides.

chlorosis;
late blight;
fusarium wilt.

This fungal diseases, which can be treated with fungicides if the infection is small. But with a larger lesion, it is unlikely that the plant will be saved and you will have to remove it and process the place where it grew.

Preparing the plant for winter

Many varieties of Japanese azalea are able to tolerate frost, however, in severe cold conditions, the plant needs additional shelter. First of all, cover the root system with spruce branches or straw. Then build a wire frame around the plant and cover with a covering non-woven material. If there is little snow in winter, add snow to sheltered plant. In the spring, all shelter must be removed.

Photo of Japanese garden azalea

You can more clearly see all the features of the appearance of the Japanese garden azalea in the photos below.

Azalea Japanese - Oriental beauty, which has taken root in our gardens. By planting such a plant on your site, you will certainly create a beautiful garden composition and attract the admiring glances of your neighbors to this shrub.

In order for the planting of the Japanese garden azalea to be successful, you need to heed the advice and ensure proper care. The reward will be luxurious flower beds or tastefully decorated corners of a shady garden. cultivation various kinds azalea creates the effect of a bright cloud hovering low above the ground. Or a marvelous oriental carpet thrown carelessly on the grass.

What varieties are suitable for decorating the garden?

What makes Azalea attractive? The lush flowering of the bush, the shoots are so densely strewn with buds that the leaves are not visible. And they are good for the plant: dark green, velvety, miniature. In Japan, the cultivation of azalea bushes is practiced to obtain hedges up to two meters high. In our country, several types of shrubs are bred, sizes vary depending on the cultivar. Flower beds can be decorated with specimens from 25 cm, and meter-long giants can be planted along garden paths.

Advice! Before purchasing seedlings, it is worth studying the basic rules for breeding. Garden azalea will wither under the scorching sun, and some varieties prefer bright lighting.

If the care of the bushes is carried out at the proper level, then abundant flowering will not keep you waiting. Some types of azaleas begin to release buds as early as May. Flowering lasts from 1.5 to 3 months before the onset of autumn cooling. Flowers differ in size and shape - they are small and elegant, large and double. The color of the blooming buds is varied:

white with a creamy tint;
lilac;
purple;
rich pink;
bright burgundy.

When buying seedlings, you need to pay attention to the frost resistance of the species. There are those whose cultivation is possible only in the south of the country. Fortunately, Japanese azalea is also bred for mid-latitudes. It turned out due to crossing with the northern rhododendron. The resulting plants tolerate even 25-degree frosts, planting and caring for them are not difficult.

Which breeding method to choose?

An easy way is to propagate by cuttings. Cuttings of about 8 cm are cut at an oblique angle and the bud is removed, as well as unblown leaves. A cut of a cutting with a pair of leaves is treated with a growth stimulator, planted in pots. To prevent root rot, it is necessary to do enough drainage holes. The pots are covered with foil and set in a well-lit place at a temperature of 20-22°C.

Advice! The film should not come into contact with the seedling. There will be decay of its part, which will spread over the entire surface. For this, one should not forget about daily airing for an hour.

Rooting will occur in one month. The first sign that the Japanese beauty has grown roots and proper care for the seedlings is the formation of new leaves. A month later, the young azalea is ready for planting in flower beds. The soil can be made up of the following components:

leafy earth;
coniferous land;
calcined sand;
peat.

Gardeners do not often use seed growing. Even rooted azalea cuttings bloom only in the 2-3rd year, and planting and waiting for adult plants from the seed pushes this process even longer. Some azalea lovers in the fall in the garden divide the bush into two parts. With a knife, it is cut in half and the cut-off points are coated with garden pitch. This method is not popular due to the required further shaping.

What is required for a successful landing?

If there coniferous trees, so you don’t have to decide on a place to plant an azalea. In the shade of their branches in diffused light, care for the bushes will be simplified. Under the bright sun, the Japanese guest begins to get sick - the leaves wrinkle, shoots cease to form. Azalea garden does not like strong gusts of wind and sudden changes in temperature. late spring cultivation and care of seedlings in the open field begins. The holes should be made shallow (about 45 cm), but wide.

Advice! In order for the plant to bloom well, experts recommend laying a layer of drainage under the flower bed. The top layer of soil is removed, and broken bricks are poured onto the bottom. The main thing is that he does not have the ability to leach the soil.

High-quality plant care is possible only if it grows in soil with a PH value below 4.7. Planting requires acidifying the earth with a solution of food acid (a pinch in a bucket of water). For the lush flowering of azaleas in the spring, organic fertilizers are applied to the soil. Finishing planting in open ground, the flowerbed is mulched with the following materials:

needles or bark of coniferous trees;
peat;
oak leaves;
chopped straw.

Mulching is necessary to preserve soil moisture, protect against possible frosts. Despite the fact that the care of the azalea requires abundant watering, the place for the flower bed should not be swampy. Root rot cannot be avoided. The final stage of planting in the garden will be watering the land with settled tap water.

What do you need to know about care?

To prevent the Japanese azalea from getting sick, it is necessary to properly care for it. The root system of the plant is almost on the surface of the soil, so watering under the root will not work. Moisture should be distributed throughout the area. Watering should be in the morning or evening after sunset.

Advice! Azalea garden responds well to spraying. You can arrange a shower for her every day. An exception is the flowering period - the flowers may become covered with ugly brown spots.

Azalea Japanese does not need constant feeding. In the spring, it is worth fertilizing the soil with a strong infusion of mullein. After flowering, shrub care requires helping a weakened plant by applying a complex fertilizer. It is important that it does not contain chlorine.

Growing will require:

Constantly remove dried flowers. This will serve as an excellent stimulation for the formation of new buds.
Cut dry branches with secateurs, which will contribute to the laying of new shoots.
Acidify the soil regularly.
Detect the presence of pests.

Advice! If the plant has stopped blooming, and the leaves have lost turgor, then it hurts. From spider mites and thrips, insecticide treatment will help. When discolored areas appear on the leaves, it is worth acidifying the soil. brown spots on buds and leaves they talk about the development of putrefactive processes. In such cases, spraying and watering the soil with fungicides (Fundazol, Oksikhom) will serve as a rescue.

Care japanese azalea garden implies autumn pruning. Long shoots are removed by a third, dried branches are cut out. Gardeners lay the shape of a bush, act according to the rule - the more you cut, the more it will grow in the spring. The earth in the flower bed is poured, and laid on top:

spruce branches;
straw;
peat.

With the help of a wire frame, the branches of the azalea are bent to the ground and also covered. The cover material must be breathable. If the winter turned out with a small amount of snow, then it is worth building a snowdrift yourself. In the spring, the material is removed after the positive temperature is established.

Despite the fact that the Japanese azalea grows slowly, it quickly acquires new shoots. The bush increases in volume, begins to bloom and from a distance resembles a bright ball. If the care of the plant in the open field was correct, then in a couple of years a lot of balls will be scattered around the garden. What else does a florist need?

Experts do not consider the azalea a capricious shrub. Easily rooted, loves water treatments and requires a transplant every three years. In addition, it is a perennial, that is, planting does not require autumn digging. And to acidify the soil for such a beauty is not difficult.

A couple of decades ago, the garden azalea was considered a greenhouse or houseplant, but already in the last decade on the territory of our country, gardeners began to grow a plant in the open field. blooming bush azalea incomparable - the branches are abundantly covered with delicate buds of a simple or terry shape and various shades.

In addition to white, pink, yellow, purple, red or orange, there are varieties with multi-color buds, which makes the plants even more decorative. Lush flowering subject to the rules of agricultural technology lasts 3 to 10 weeks.

The basis of hybrid varieties capable of enduring the moderate winters of the Central Russian zone in open ground is Japanese, which is considered a national plant in its homeland. The ancestors of greenhouse varieties are heat-loving Indian azaleas.

Site selection: open ground in the Moscow region and other regions

Planting a seedling begins with choosing a suitable place in the garden. For those who are interested in planting a plant in the Moscow region, fundamental differences No. Azalea will not grow in a randomly selected area.

The choice of location depends not so much on the region as on the microclimate

When transferring a seedling to open ground, the multiple conditions:

Requires plenty of light without direct sunlight. Otherwise, the grown bush will begin to drop buds, the flowering period will be significantly reduced, and the leaves will wrinkle.
Evergreen species are recommended to be planted in areas with scattered light or penumbra.
Deciduous varieties grow well in bright areas under the canopy of large trees, provided that the roots of the plants do not interfere with each other. Best for companions yews, arborvitae, spruces, oaks, larches. Alder, poplar, maple are not suitable for the neighborhood - their superficial root system takes moisture and nutrition.
When landing next to buildings, any side except the south will do.

It is worth giving preference to areas with a flat relief, where water does not stagnate in the spring after the snow melts.

Protection from gusts of wind and drafts is required, they cannot be planted on the corner of buildings and between buildings.
Proximity to a natural or artificial reservoir is perfect - moist air will prolong flowering and keep the foliage fresh.

When growing garden azalea for normal development, the air temperature during the growing season should be + 20 + 25 ° С - almost all regions of central Russia correspond to these conditions. In winter, garden varieties are able to withstand temperatures down to -27 ° C, with more severe frosts, the plant will die.

Too cold winters, typical for the north of Russia, are detrimental to the bush

Group plantings look the most decorative. When located in the garden, do not plant evergreen and deciduous species nearby, take the center of the plot for tall varieties, and the near edge for short ones.

Choose plants based on the color of the buds: yellow with orange, purple with white, pink with purple, red with white are best combined.

Soil and planting

Azalea will grow well only on loose and acidic soils in which sand, peat and coniferous soil are present. The acidity of the soil must be constantly maintain at the level of 4.0-4.5. Early spring is suitable for planting a seedling before the juice begins to move or the beginning of autumn - the bush will have time to take root in a new place before the onset of cold weather and will normally endure the winter cold.

Garden azaleas have a shallow root system, so they don't need a deep planting hole. However, planting seedlings has some nuances:

Dig up landing pit 0.5 m deep and 0.6-0.7 m in diameter.
Lay a drainage layer of 15-20 cm of sand, expanded clay and broken bricks at the bottom of the pit - it will acidify the soil. It is undesirable to use lime materials (crushed stone, crumbs), otherwise alkalization of the soil is inevitable, which azaleas do not tolerate.
Mix the earth taken out of the pit with peat, humus and coarse sand to increase looseness and soil permeability.
Pour the soil mixture on the drainage layer and place the seedling on the hill, controlling the level of the root collar - after planting, it should be slightly above the soil level.
Gently cover the root ball with soil, tamp the soil around the seedling, if necessary, add soil and water.
Mulch the soil around the bush with moss, peat, pine needles or shredded bark - mulch will prevent the growth of weeds and retain life-giving moisture in the soil.

Plants in containers can be planted throughout the summer, when removing from the container, the earth must not be crushed from the roots. Seedlings purchased from nurseries or garden centers should be watered abundantly before planting.

It is strongly recommended to water the plant bought in the nursery abundantly

You can lower the root ball into the water for a while until air bubbles stop appearing from the water.

Purchase seedlings in a large container, the dimensions of which correspond to overall size plants - in small containers, the roots do not develop well.

When buying, specify the agrotechnical characteristics and check the viability of the bush: its branches must be elastic, healthy and strong. Sick and weak seedling can't get out.

Mulching and top dressing

For mulching bushes, crushed pine bark, fallen needles, steamed sawdust, small expanded clay, peat or foliage of trees (except chestnut and maple).

Mulching keeps moisture in the ground, prevents weeds from growing, protects surface roots from overheating in summer and from freezing in winter. When mulching, the root neck should be free.

Without top dressing there will be no abundant flowering, and for normal growth azaleas need extra food. There should be several top dressings during the summer:

In the spring, a solution of mullein (humus) is added in a ratio of 1:10.
At the time of bud formation, a second feeding is carried out with mullein with the addition of phosphorus-potassium fertilizer.
When the last buds fall, the third fertilizing with phosphorus and potassium is carried out in a ratio of 1: 2.
Top dressing is applied at a distance of 0.2-0.3 m from the center of the bush.

When applying complex fertilizers, it is necessary to ensure that they do not contain chlorine and lime. Also cannot be used wood ash- it changes the acidity of the soil, reducing it.

Watering, weeding and spraying

Watering azaleas throughout summer season should be plentiful. A slightly dried surface of the soil is a signal for the next moistening. Water the plant with rain or settled water, adding once a month to the irrigation water. citric acid(1 tsp per 2 liters of water) - it increases the acidity of the soil.

As with any other plant, it is highly recommended to consider seasonality when watering the bush.

With the beginning of autumn, watering is reduced so as not to provoke the growth of new shoots that do not have time to mature before winter and freeze. Before the start of winter, the plant is watered abundantly - water-charging watering will allow you to endure frosts with minimal losses.

In addition to watering Azalea loves spraying- moist air is favorable for the decorativeness of the plant and is a prophylactic against insect pests. However, during flowering, this procedure must be abandoned, otherwise spots form on the flowers that spoil appearance plants.

Do not forget about weeding - for the entire growing season, you need to weed the site several times. Just do this carefully so as not to damage the surface roots of the azalea.

Transfer

Transplantation is carried out according to the same principle as landing. The best time to transplant a plant is early spring. Given that Azalea considered a capricious plant, it is recommended to choose a suitable day according to the lunar calendar for transplantation.

The planting depth must be maintained at the same level.

pruning

Pruning bushes is carried out in three stages:

In the spring, sanitary pruning is done, cutting out diseased and dry shoots. The rest of the shoots are not touched - flower buds have been laid on them since autumn.
During flowering regularly remove wilted flowers.
After the last buds wither, a formative pruning is carried out - dry flower stalks are removed, shoots that are too long are shortened, branches that thicken the bush are cut out.

The remaining shoots are shortened by no more than 1/3 of the total length - next year the azalea will branch out and take the form of a lush and profusely flowering plant.

When pruning a bush, keep in mind that the types of pruning depend on the time of year.

With any pruning, the places of cuts are covered with garden pitch or any paint based on drying oil. Work is carried out with protective gloves to avoid skin irritation The sap of the plant is poisonous.

Azalea is a slow growing plant species and reaches maturity at 3-4 years of age. Therefore, young bushes do not form, but only carry out sanitary pruning.

Diseases and pests

The garden can suffer from fungal infections and insects. The most common diseases are rust, leaf spot, and rot. In the fight against diseases, spraying with fungicides or copper sulfate is effective.

Lightening leaves on azalea bushes, the color of which turns yellow over time, indicate a characteristic disease - calcareous chlorosis. It is treated by adding solutions under the bush that help increase the acidity of the soil:

table or apple cider vinegar - 100 ml per 10 liters of water;
citric or oxalic acid - 2 tbsp. l. for 10 liters of water.

For watering 1 sq. m. will require 10 liters of solution. Peat is suitable as a soil acidifier (1.5 kg per 1 sq. M).

No flowering

Often flower growers are faced with the fact that the garden azalea not blooming. There are several reasons for this:

alkaline or neutral soil;
lack of scattered light;
moisture deficiency;
high air temperature;
malnutrition or, conversely, frequent and plentiful feeding.

Subject to all the requirements for planting and caring for the plant, it will delight with lush and long flowering.

Reproduction: growing street Azalea from seeds and not only

The garden azalea is propagated by seeds, cuttings, layering and dividing the bush.

The choice of propagation method depends on how quickly you want to get the result.

The easiest way is to lean the side shoot against the ground, fix it with wire, sprinkle it with earth and water it regularly. In time it will take root, and next spring young bush can be separated from the mother plant.

Divide the bushes with a vein before the start of sap flow. With the help of a sharp object (scapula, spatula), a part of the bush is separated and transplanted to a new place. In this case, the mother bush should have a well-developed root system and several healthy shoots.

Propagation by cuttings takes from 1.5 to 4 months from the moment of cutting the cuttings to their rooting. To achieve the result, you need to follow the recommendations of experienced gardeners:

Slice apical cuttings 10 cm long. Apical bud and lower leaves delete leaving 2-3 healthy leaves.
Treat slices with a growth stimulator. Deepen the cuttings by 2-3 cm in individual pots or cups filled with a mixture of peat and sand. Moisten the soil.
Cover cups plastic bottles with a cut off bottom to make mini-greenhouses. A week after planting the cuttings, start airing by unscrewing the covers daily or removing the caps for 10-15 minutes.

Creating micro-greenhouses helps maintain the right temperature

For successful rooting, maintain an air temperature of + 20 + 24 ° C and water as needed, not forgetting to drain excess water from the pallets.
After rooting, transplant the cuttings into a container with fertile acidic soil.
Plant out after a year to a permanent place in the garden.

Propagation by cuttings is a troublesome and lengthy process, but it has its advantages. If a dacha neighbor cuts cuttings from his bushes, it will immediately be clear which plant will bloom in your garden in 3-4 years.

The seed method of reproduction is practically not used by gardeners - with this method of reproduction, it will take a long time to wait for the first flowering.

Fans of growing plants from seeds can try to germinate them in a makeshift daily ventilated greenhouse, following for substrate moisture.

Preparing for winter and spring care

Next year's buds are laid in autumn. Therefore, it is important to preserve the plant during the winter and help it survive the frost.

Despite the relatively good winter hardiness of many varieties, it is more reliable to cover the shrub for the winter in order to ensure that flower buds, young branches and superficial roots are kept in a healthy state:

After water-charging irrigation the ground under the bushes is mulched with a thickness of 5-10 cm. Under tall azaleas, the mulch layer can be increased to 30 cm.
Branches of deciduous varieties are gently bent to the ground and fix with wire. They make a multilayer shelter from corrugated cardboard, covering materials and spruce branches.

When organizing winter protection, polyethylene and other airtight materials are not used, otherwise the buds and shoots will drip and rot.

For evergreen varieties, a frame is first made, which is installed before the ground freezes, the covering material is pulled onto the frame only with the onset of stable cold weather.

Do not use materials that do not allow air to pass through, otherwise the bush will rot

The frame is insulated with durable materials or roofing material so that a distance of 20-25 cm is maintained between the walls of the shelter and the shrub. To remove moisture under the structure install flexible hose, the other end of which is brought out.

With the onset of the first spring days, you should not rush to open the azalea bushes, you need to wait for the complete melting of the snow cover on the site. Unaccustomed for the winter sunlight plants should be gradually accustomed to the spring rays, opening them briefly in the morning and gradually increasing the time.

Plants tolerate winter differently and should be prepared accordingly. For example, there is an order for .

The first time it is better to open the bushes on a cloudy day.

Azalea is a demanding outdoor plant. She needs to create certain conditions under which she will feel good. In response, the shrub will thank with a huge number of flowers, pleasing for a long time. With the simultaneous planting of several varieties of azalea with different terms flowering, you can enjoy a riot of colors throughout the summer.

Azalea - decorative perennial, which pleases with lush flowering, if you follow it correctly, choose a good place in the garden, provide proper watering and feed. Azalea will feel comfortable in partial shade of varying intensity (depending on the type of plant), but it should not be a deaf solid shade. She will be a nuisance good flowering. The plant does not like places where there are drafts. Not happy with dry soil either. It is necessary to choose flat places on the site where there will be no spring floods. When landing at the house, you can choose any wall, except for the south. Neighboring plants can be spruces, as well as lindens and oaks. It is good if there is a reservoir next to this plant.

In the sun, the azalea will not die, but it will not bloom well. Direct sunlight is detrimental to the good growth and flowering of the garden azalea. If the soil is dry, then during the flowering period, the plant will begin to stress, and wait good results doesn't make sense. If, nevertheless, this plant got such a sunny and dry place, then it is necessary to moisten the plant and soil well.

How to plant an azalea

How to choose azalea seedlings

Buying a seedling is possible only in the spring. When choosing it, you need to pay attention to the volume of the container. It's better if he big size. The earth in it should be well moistened, in required quantity(not a lot). Dry soil in a container is a sign of a bad, sick and weak plant. You can determine the quality of a seedling with a single manipulation. The seedling can be easily pulled out of the pot. If it comes out well and easily with a clod of earth, then this is not a good sign - the plant has taken root poorly. In the garden, such a seedling may also not take root. The plant should also look healthy and strong.

There are several types of azaleas. When buying, you need to take this into account. And get all the information about the group to which this plant belongs, and find out its characteristics. Different types may behave differently and require different approaches to care.

Soil requirement

It is necessary to take into account the type of soil at the proposed landing site. Loam and calcareous soil are poor options. The plant may simply not be accepted or quickly die. If the soil turned out to be unsuccessful at the planting site of the azalea, and the place seems ideal to you, then you can replace the top layer, taking into account the preferences of the plant. You can buy an earthen mixture for these types of plants, as well as use special preparations. The soil should be loose and fertile. If the soil is alkaline, then it is necessary to make a bulk bed, use peat or a mixture for these plants. If you ignore this wish, then the plant will either turn yellow or not be accepted at all.

Azaleas grow in acidic soil. It should not be dry, otherwise the flowers will not form well, and will also dry quickly. In the event that the soil turned out to be such, it is necessary to ensure good moisture. With a lack of elements, the soil must be well nourished by special means. To feed the plant, it is worth using humus, peat, moss, shavings.

Planting azalea seedlings from containers occurs in spring or summer. The landing depth is 50 cm, the width of the pit is 70 cm. Or you can calculate the depth based on the size of the root with an earthen clod, plus 15 centimeters. Drainage is needed in the pit. For these purposes, the use of broken bricks and sand is the best option. Just can not take limestone rubble.

The height of the drainage layer should reach 20 cm. A deeper pit means a thicker drainage layer. The next layer is peat and soil. The seedling itself must be planted along with the clod of earth in which it grew. You can't shake off the ground. The root neck of the azalea should not be covered with soil.

Next, we proceed to the direct planting of the seedling and its watering. Mulching around the plant is also necessary. For these purposes, you need to use needles, moss, peat, crushed bark or leaves. This will make it possible to retain moisture, which is so necessary for azaleas, and also protect the roots of the plant from pests and sunlight. This procedure must be carried out regularly.

Azalea garden: how to properly care for a flower

How to water an azalea in the garden

Azalea is a shrub that requires abundant watering and moisture. But at the same time, you need to take into account the type of soil and the place where it is planted. If the soil feels dry to the touch, watering is necessary. The shrub needs to be sprayed often, and you can also put containers with water next to it. Irrigation itself is possible either by general soil filling or by spraying. During flowering, water more abundantly. After the end of the flowering period, spraying is no longer necessary. It is also necessary to reduce watering in the fall. During this period, moisture is sufficient. In the period before the onset of winter, you need to water only in dry weather so that there is no rot.

Features of plant nutrition

Azalea bushes need to be fed exactly three weeks after it was planted. Further, the procedure should be repeated regularly every three weeks. For good growth and flowering of the plant, you need to use acidic water, which is used to water the azalea every month.

Top dressing is carried out in early spring, during the flowering period and immediately after its completion. For this, a phosphorus-potassium fertilizer mixture is suitable. The humus is also used to feed azaleas. You can water the infusion of mullein. Thanks to this, the roots of the plant receive all the necessary substances to ensure good growth and wild bloom azaleas. Fertilizers should not be applied under the root itself, but at some distance from the center. Aggressive fertilizer components will not affect the root system. During a drought, the bushes need to be additionally sprayed. Young plants require feeding phosphate fertilizers from early spring to summer.

soil care

Soil quality - important condition for the growth and flowering of azaleas. The best option the soil will be acidic. If the soil has settled over time, then you need to add it and additionally mulch. Do not add ash to the soil, as well as use fertilizers containing chlorine and lime. Weeding can be carried out around the bush. But for this you should not use a chopper, as the root system of the plant is superficial, and you can damage it. But it's worth removing the weeds.

Rules for pruning azalea in the garden

Two weeks after the end of flowering, the azalea needs to be cleaned of excess shoots and leaves. It is necessary to cut off the shoots that have already withered. You need to remove extra branches that greatly thicken the plant. Such shoots must be cut off completely, others by one third. Pruning should be carried out throughout the bush, then the splendor of the plant will be preserved. At the end of the trimming, the sections are treated with paint or garden pitch. To start developing new flowers, you need to remove the old, dried ones.

reproduction

Reproduction of this shrub occurs in the summer, and you can also do it in early or mid-spring. It is produced from cuttings or seeds. To obtain good young azaleas, it is necessary to cut cuttings from the main plant (length 10 cm). They are cut with secateurs at an angle of 45 degrees. You need to connect the earth with needles or make a mixture of earth with sand and peat. Shrub cuttings are planted in this acidic soil, adding a stimulant for better plant growth. Planted new plants must be covered with glass. Cuttings need regular watering. They need two months to root. Comfort temperature for the growth and development of young plants - 20 degrees. Humidity - 80%. They also need ventilation. A month and a half must pass before it will be possible to plant young plants in open ground.

It will take much more time to propagate azaleas from seeds. Landing is possible in a year. Seeds are planted in containers, covered with glass or film, airing and good soil moisture are monitored. After the seeds germinate, they are swooped down and planted. You can propagate the plant by dividing the bush. The procedure is carried out in the spring. This requires a sharp spatula. She separate part of the bush and transplant to the chosen place. parent plant must be sufficiently developed, with a good root system, have at least two shoots.