Description and characteristics of rhododendrons of the Nova Zembla variety, planting and care rules
Not only due to the gorgeous flowering, but also the decorativeness of the rhododendron bush, the hybrid Nova Zembla looks advantageous in any garden or landscape composition. The variety is known from the end of the last century as the most beautiful and winter-hardy red-flowered rhododendron. It was created by crossing the Katevbinsky variety with a hardy wild plant. The variety is named after Novaya Zemlya Island.
Description, characteristics and features
Rhododendron Nova Zembla (Nova Zembla) is a perennial, evergreen, multi-flowered, spreading shrub up to one and a half to two meters high, with a dense dome-shaped crown and superficial root system.
It is appreciated for its beauty and excellent winter hardiness. Adult plants tolerate frosts down to -32 ⁰С, but at -25 ⁰С, flower buds can freeze. Straight, highly branched branches are covered with dark green, slightly silvery underside, large, elongated leaves of a leathery structure. The flowers are large, red, without aroma, collected in spectacular inflorescences.
Choosing a landing site
The plant prefers quiet, light areas protected from drafts and bright sun. It can be light partial shade near the northern walls, fences, diffused light from the crowns of coniferous trees. For the full development of the Nova Zembla rhododendron, an acidic (pH 4.5-6.0), loose, fertile, moderately moist soil is required. Areas with heavy clay soils, with prolonged stagnation of water, swampy are unsuitable.
Soil preparation
The optimal structure of the soil mixture: leaf land, coniferous litter in a ratio of 3: 1. Add 50-60 g of complex fertilizer for rhododendrons.
How to plant
The further well-being of the Nova Zembla rhododendron depends on the correct planting.
Cooking the pit
The work is carried out in the spring:
- The depth of the planting pit is at least 60 cm, the width is 80 cm. When transplanting an adult bush, the dimensions are increased depending on the volume of the root system.
- The bottom is filled with drainage (20 cm). You can use coarse gravel, sand, broken brick.
- The root collar is left a couple of centimeters above the soil surface, the roots are covered with prepared soil, on top - pine needles, soil. The result should be a raised stem hole.
- Watering and spraying the seedling is carried out and mulch with peat, bark, needles.
Landing scheme
Plants are planted singly or in groups at a sufficient distance from each other, given that in 4-5 years a voluminous shrub will turn out.
Care
Proper care ensures abundant flowering, beautiful appearance and protection from freezing.
Watering
The soil in the near-trunk circle must be kept in a moderately moist state. In the heat, watered 2-3 times a week, spray the bush. Water is used rain or settled, soft, acidified.
Top dressing
On prepared, fertile soils, Nova Zembla rhododendron needs two additional fertilizing:
- In the spring, a mixture of ammonium sulfate, potassium sulfate, superphosphate (2: 1.5: 1) is introduced at the rate of 50 g per 1 m2.
- After flowering - superphosphate and potassium salt (1: 0.5).
Correct pruning
10-15 days after flowering, formative pruning of last year's shoots is carried out, by about one third. The event allows you to create the desired shape of the bush and stimulate the laying of flower formations.
Protection against diseases and pests
The main diseases that worsen the appearance of the Nova Zembla rhododendron are rust and leaf mosaic. For prevention, the plant is treated in spring and after flowering with copper-containing preparations. In the fight against the rhododendra bug and spider mite, Confidor, Aktara or other insecticidal preparations are used.
Wintering
Despite winter hardiness, it is recommended to cover young bushes and adult plants in the northern regions with artificial material, craft paper or spruce branches.
Advice! After removing the shelter in April, the bush is shaded so that the leaves do not get burned.
Bloom
The timing of the beginning of flowering, its quality and duration are influenced by the climatic conditions of the region, the state of the plant and the ambient temperature.
When and how
Hybrid rhododendron Nova Zembla blooms in May-June. Large, up to 10 cm wide, bell-shaped flowers are collected in inflorescences of 6, sometimes up to 12 pieces. The dense ruby color of petals with brown splashes and golden anthers looks gorgeous. The seeds ripen in a brown seed pod.
Attention! In plants of the first year of life, the formed inflorescences must be removed in order to activate the growth of the bush.
Care before and after
Immediately after the flowering of the Nova Zembla rhododendron, the faded inflorescences are carefully broken out by hand at the very base. It will not be possible to obtain high-quality seeds, therefore, the energy of the plant is directed to the growth and laying of new inflorescences. Abundant watering is combined with phosphorus-potassium dressing.
If not blooming
Shattering of the buds of the rhododendron Nova Zembla can lead to difficult weather conditions and a lack of moisture at high temperatures.
Transfer
Transplanting adult bushes is not recommended.
Reproduction
When sowing seeds, it is impossible to preserve the characteristics of the Nova Zembla variety, therefore, vegetative propagation is used.
Cuttings
Planting material and a convenient container for planting are prepared:
- Semi-lignified cuttings of Nova Zembla rhododendron with 2-4 leaves about 8 cm in size are cut in early summer.
- A growth stimulator is added to the water and the cuttings are kept for several hours to improve root germination.
- Cuttings are planted in moist nutrient soil at a slight slope and the soil is carefully compacted.
- To retain moisture, the container is snatched with a film, kept in a warm place, constantly maintaining humidity.
It will take about 3 months for rooting, after which the shelter is removed.
Layers
Reproduction of Nova Zembla rhododendron by layering is the simplest and most effective way:
- Choose a healthy shoot.
- In early spring, they firmly press it with a bracket to the ground and sprinkle it.
- The soil is constantly kept moist.
- Periodically, a root growth stimulator is added to the water.
The next spring, the layers can be separated from the mother bush.A full-fledged Nova Zembla rhododendron bush can be obtained in 2 years.
Use in landscape design
Rhododendron Nova Zembla is so self-sufficient that it is good alone and in groups of 2-4 bushes. To fully enjoy flowering, Nova Zembla is planted along paths, resting places, along the edges of lawns, in oriental-type gardens. The bush looks perfect against the background of conifers, green plants and in a composition with bright flowers of a contrasting color.
You can plant a rhododendron near a fountain or pond, but in places protected from the north winds. For a spectacular look, it should not be constrained by neighboring plants.
Reviews
Vera Korsak, Gagarin, 35 years old: “Nova Zembla looks wonderful in my big garden. All maintenance costs are repaid many times over with abundant flowering each year. Winters well, but I play it safe a little and cover the bushes for the winter. I'm so calmer. "
Svetlana, Smolensk, 29 years old: “I am still a weak gardener, but I also have an object for pride and adoration - this is the Nova Zembla rhododendron. I monitor the humidity, acidify the water, sometimes spray the leaves, loosen and feed. I can say: a very grateful plant. "
Fedor, Chelyabinsk, 65 years old: “A wonderful bush. Modestly took a place at the fence, but it looks gorgeous. Rhododendron Nova Zembla requires no more care than other plants. Winters well. Recommend".
