Rhododendron Nova Zembla

Rhododendrons are spectacular shrubs for decorating local areas. In garden centers, the culture is presented in different varieties: in the form of bushes or trees, with a light or rich aroma, with small or large flowers of Finnish, Dutch selection. Rhododendron Nova Zembla is one of the most beautiful shrubs recommended for growing in gardens.

Description of the plant

The rhododendron Nova Zembla was bred at the beginning of the 20th century. Dutch breeders. They crossed Parsons Grandiflorum with an unknown red azalea. The hybrid proved to be a resistant plant capable of growing in various climatic conditions. The name rhododendron was given in honor of the island of Novaya Zemlya, located in the Arctic Ocean.

What does the Nova Zembla rhododendron look like?

Rhododendron Nova Zembla is a sprawling evergreen shrub. Its height and width reach 2 m. In one place the plant can grow for many years. It grows quickly, with good care it can bloom twice a year: in spring and autumn.

The leaves of the rhododendron are leathery: dark green above, covered with a gray bloom below. The flowers are large, funnel-shaped, reaching 6-13 cm in diameter. Their color is ruby ​​here and there with dark red blotches. The flowers are collected in large inflorescences, so from a distance rhododendron can be confused with a peony.

What is the difference from other types

Almost all rhododendrons prefer to develop in partial shade. Variety Nova Zembla can withstand direct sunlight. In addition, it has increased winter hardiness and endurance. Due to the large spherical inflorescences, the plant becomes a bright spot in the garden.

Use in landscape design

Nova Zembla rhododendron will look spectacular in the form of a tapeworm, drawing attention to itself with ruby ​​flowers. Various conifers with a pyramidal crown are successfully combined with the culture: junipers, thuja, cypress trees. In addition to the fact that the sprawling rhododendron is beautifully complemented by elongated conifers, they also have general soil requirements. Considering that the bushes are shade-tolerant, they can also be planted under the canopy of tall trees.

Nova Zembla in landscape design

Soil requirements

Rhododendrons are shrubs that prefer to grow in acidic soil. Since their root system is located close to the surface, they need loose, moderately moist soil. If there is heavy soil on the site, it must be facilitated by the introduction of peat, sand. An unacceptably high location of groundwater, in this case, the flower bed is raised, a drainage layer is laid out at the bottom of the planting pit.

Substrate for rhododendrons is purchased in flower shops or prepared independently from the following components:

• peat;
• leafy land;
• sod land;
• compost;
• sand.

Landing in open ground

Nova Zembla can grow in both the southern and northern regions. For the culture, a slightly shaded area, protected from cold winds, is chosen.Bushes can be planted in a permanent place in the spring after thawing of the earth and in the fall a month before the onset of frost.

Landing is performed as follows:

1. Dig a hole 50-60 cm deep and 80 cm in diameter.
2. A drainage layer is laid out on the bottom, consisting of expanded clay, broken bricks, small stones.
3. A layer of substrate is poured.
4. A seedling is placed in the middle, which is covered with earth along the root collar.
5. The root circle is tamped, watered.

To preserve moisture in the soil, the near-trunk zone is mulched with peat, tree bark, and needles.

Evergreen Shrub Care

Throughout the season, plants need care: watering, feeding, weeding, loosening the soil. To maintain the decorative appearance of the shrub, the branches and flowers that begin to dry out are pruned. If necessary, young bushes are covered for the winter.

To maintain a decorative appearance, faded buds must be removed

Watering

Rhododendrons are moisture-loving plants and should be watered several times a week in hot weather. To do this, use soft, settled water. After each watering, the soil is carefully loosened, otherwise a crust may form, which prevents the roots from breathing. The bushes will be grateful for spraying the crown in the morning or evening.

Top dressing

Rhododendron Nova Zembla is fertilized at least twice a season. Before flowering, a mixture is used consisting of the following elements:

• potassium sulfate;
• superphosphate;
• ammonium sulfate.

After flowering, the bushes are fed with phosphorus and potassium.

Pruning

In the spring, they perform sanitary pruning, removing broken, dry, diseased branches. To maintain a decorative appearance, cut off the faded shoots. This procedure will also stimulate the growth of dormant kidneys. Bushes can be shaped in different ways by pruning branches as you see fit.

Wintering

Hybrid rhododendron Nova Zembla is able to withstand frosts down to -33 ° C. If colder weather is expected, the bushes will need to be covered. Young plants need a compulsory shelter. In the spring, as soon as the sun warms up, the covering material is removed. On the eve of frost, rhododendron is spilled abundantly with water, then mulched.

Diseases and pests

Rhododendron Nova Zembla can affect the following diseases:

• root rot. The leaves of the infected plant turn yellow, then fall off. The disease can occur with an excess of moisture. To save the plant, the diseased parts are removed, but if the disease has spread to the entire bush, it is dug up and burned;
• vascular wilting (tracheomycosis). Under the influence of pathogenic microorganisms, the molding and the stems are covered with bloom, then fall off. To prevent the disease, the bushes are treated with copper-containing preparations;
• septoria spotting. The fungus gradually destroys the aerial part of the rhododendrons. First red spots appear on the leaves, then black dots. You can prevent the appearance of septoria spot by spraying with antifungal drugs.

The defeat of the rhododendron with a fungal disease

Rhododendron Nova Zembla can also attack pests. The most common ones are:

• aphid. The insect, feeding on the juice of the leaves, is able to destroy the green space in a short time. To combat aphids, insecticides are used;
• furrowed weevil. An adult beetle of black color eats foliage and buds, larvae - the root system. To get rid of the weevil, the bushes are sprayed with furadon, bazudin;
• slugs, snails. Molluscs eat leaves, reducing the decorative effect of plants. Pests are collected by hand; to prevent their appearance, corn flour and pine needles are scattered around the bushes.

Inflorescence of rhododendron Nova Zembla

Nova Zembla is one of the most beautifully flowering rhododendron varieties.It is unpretentious, winter-hardy, does not take up much space on the site. With proper care, the plant blooms for a long time, delighting those around it with spectacular ruby-colored inflorescences.