Helliki's rhododendron is a frost-resistant plant with pink flowers. Due to its frost-resistant properties, it has gained popularity in Russia (especially the central part of the Russian Federation, the Urals).
History
Rhododendrons were first seen in Asia, parts of America. They live in mountain forests, like shade and lack of wind.
The Helliki variety was bred by Finnish scientists and is considered the best version of the selection of this species - bright flowers, frost-resistant properties. Helliki got its name in honor of a woman who was engaged in the direct breeding of the plant.
The plant was bred in Japan
Detailed description
Helliki is slow growing. It will be possible to fully grow it in only 2-3 years. After 8-10 years, it can reach up to 2 meters in height. In this case, the roots of the plant are located very close to the surface of the earth. Therefore, care for rhododendron should be with extreme care so as not to damage the roots.
In addition, Helliki is a shade-loving plant, therefore, when planting at home, it is recommended to choose a place in the shade. If exposed to the sun for a long time, hellikki rhododendron can get burns.
Winter hardiness is high. Withstands low and high temperatures, calmly refers to temperature changes. At the same time, during sudden changes, it does not require special care. Feels normal at temperatures up to -40 ° C.
The color of the rhododendron buds is bright, it immediately attracts the eye. Shades - from pale pink to red, and in the center - a yellowish "pad".
Bright rhododendron flowers attract attention
Growing
Frost-resistant rhododendrons for successful growth and flowering require compliance with several conditions. If faithfully following all conditions, helliki will grow and not require specialized care.
Rhododendron Care
To care for hellics you need to know:
- how to plant a rhododendron correctly: choose a place so that the street rhododendron feels comfortable, planting conditions should be close to the natural habitat of the flower;
- how to choose the soil;
- how to water a flower so as not to accidentally overflow it with water;
- how and how to fertilize the plant;
- how to deal with pests and diseases;
Important! Knowing this information and a detailed description of rhododendron helliki, you can easily grow these vibrant flowers in your garden. Healthy and well-fed plants are less likely to be affected by diseases and pests.
How to choose a place on the site
A place on the site must be selected based on several conditions:
- Helliki loves moisture, so the ideal place to stay is close to a pond (pond, lake, river). If this is not possible, then in hot times it is imperative to spray the plant with water so that it does not get burns.
- Rhododendron evergreen hellikki does not like direct sunlight. If possible, plant it near a tall tree. But you can’t completely plant a flower in the shade, since the flowers of the hellica will be small and pale.
- Plant at a distance from the roof so that in winter the snow does not fall directly from the roof onto the flower and does not damage it.
Despite the fact that rhododendrons are quite frost-resistant varieties and have great advantages over other varieties, it is important to create suitable conditions for them.
Important! In order for the flowers to be large and to please the eye longer, it is necessary to plant the plant so that on one side there is a shadow, and light on the other sides.
What should be the soil
The soil should be high in acidity, good air permeability. The roots of the flower are shallow, which is why the soil needs soft. When using coarse, hard soil, nutrients and air will not enter. This will entail a slow death of the roots and the “aboveground” part of the plant.
Ideal soil for planting rhododendron - acidic peat
How to water and fertilize properly
Watering the flower is slightly acidified with water. You can dilute the water with sulfuric acid (1 ml per bucket of water - 8-10 liters) or citric acid (2-5 g per 1 bucket of water). It is recommended to water an adult plant 2-3 times a week for 1 bucket of water.
Watering a seedling is recommended more often - up to 5 times a week - in half a bucket.
As for fertilizers, Japanese rhododendron loves humates, which must be sprayed on top, i.e., on leaves. Humates are sold in specialized stores. For example, potassium humate is enriched with microelements, due to which it allows the hellics to get enough of the missing vitamins and minerals.
Sodium humate helps rhododendron adapt to frost and temperature extremes
The flowers of rhododendron, which is periodically fertilized, hold an order of magnitude longer than the flowers of a plant that is not fertilized with sodium humate. Humates can be added to other fertilizers. Fertilizing the plant is recommended 2-3 times a year.
What to do if it does not bloom
Helliki's rhododendron blooms once a year, mainly in the summer season, so you do not need to wait for flowers from it at other times of the city.
Rhododendron can completely stop blooming for the following reasons:
- wrong place for planting: if the flower is planted in a too shaded place, the helliki may completely stop blooming, or the flowers will be small, faded;
- an excess of nitrogen in the soil;
- lack of moisture;
- long exposure of the flower under the sun and burns.
In order to return the ability to bloom to rhododendron, it is recommended to do the following:
- Spray the leaves of the plant to avoid burns and normalization of moisture.
- Water the plant only with acidified water, because the ordinary one does not contain the necessary substances for its development.
- Fertilize the flower with vitamins and minerals
- To resume normal soil microflora, use potash fertilizers.
Diseases and Pests
The most common pest is a rhododendron bug.
A sign of the appearance of the parasite on the plant are black dots on the back of the leaf
To get rid of the pest, use specialized products that can be found in gardening stores.
Important! A common Helik disease is burns, the plant does not like direct sunlight.
In order to avoid burns, it is recommended to spray the leaves of the plant with water in hot weather. Also, if the heat is several days in a row, increase the amount of watering up to 4 times for an adult plant, and increase the amount of water to 1.5 buckets on average.
Prevention of various problems
Prevention measures for each flower are individual - it all depends on the region of planting, place, soil. General conditions under which, most problems can be avoided:
- Water for watering the plant should be clean, it is also advisable to rinse the buckets before watering.
- Do not overfill rhododendrons with water. Of course, they love moisture, but it is important not to go too far with watering.
- Check pests regularly for heliki. The sooner pests are identified, the faster they can be removed without harming the flower.
- In hot weather, be sure to spray the top of the plant with water.
- 2-3 times a year fertilize rhododendron with special fertilizers.
Hybrid hellikki rhododendron is a beautiful winter-hardy plant that can be grown in Russia. The flowers of the plant are bright, and they will attract eye every summer, if the plant is provided with good care and care.
