Rhododendron University of Helsinki
Content:
Many gardeners are looking for beautiful and abundant flowering plants every year that can decorate their garden and will be unpretentious in maintenance. A hybrid variety of rhododendron, the University of Helsinki, is often used as such a flower.
History of origin
The University of Helsinki Rhododendron was developed by Finnish breeders in the 1970s. It got its name in honor of the University of Helsinki, which celebrated its 350th anniversary. The closest relative and maternal variety is the short-fruited rhododendron.
Rhododendron Helsinki University
Description and characteristics
Helsinki University rhododendron is an evergreen hybrid of the heather family. The height of an adult plant reaches 1.5-1.7 meters in height. Its stems are dense and resilient. Large (up to 15 cm long and 7 cm wide) bright green smooth leaves grow on them. The top of the shoot is decorated with a lush inflorescence. It, in turn, consists of 10-15 small flowers, the diameter of which does not exceed 7 cm. The main color is pale pink, which changes to orange closer to the middle. The flowers form a bright, dense bush. No special care is required during the flowering period.
In width, it grows about 1 meter and is a bright ball.
The main advantages of this variety:
- culture tolerance to sudden temperature changes;
- the ability to tolerate frost down to -40 degrees;
- resistance of the root system to the decay process.
Even after a long and cold winter, the rhododendron will delight its owner with abundant and lush flowering.
Inflorescence
Medicinal properties
Beauty is not the only merit of this plant. Rodedendron University of Helsinki has medicinal properties.
The prepared broth is taken for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Flower-based tea effectively fights headaches and eliminates colds and coughs, and a preparation based on the leaves of this flower will ease a critical condition in asthma, reduce the likelihood of an epilepsy attack, and soften dry cough. The bactericidal properties of the plant allow you to effectively fight staphylococcus, streptococcus and other pathogens. An infusion based on this plant eliminates nervousness and improves mood. It is also impossible not to note the beneficial effect on falling asleep. Also, the infusion can be used for douching in case of cervical erosion.
Rubbing is effective for polyarthritis and osteochondrosis.
Before taking any rhododendron-based drug, you should consult a specialist. The fact is that it has some contraindications. It is strictly forbidden to take pregnant and lactating mothers, as well as patients with acute renal failure.
Application in the garden
Despite the fact that the flowering period of this plant is not too long, it can be a wonderful decoration for the garden. A dense green bush is in harmony with many plants, but it is preferable to place it near conifers: juniper or thuja.
Garden decoration
Care and cultivation of rhododendron
In order for the bush to remain healthy and beautiful, it needs to be looked after. Experienced gardeners have shared some foundational tips.
Cropping flowers
A one-year-old bush in the first year is recommended to get rid of the buds by cutting them off. This will help the root system develop fully.Also, the bush is regularly thinned out, removing weak and old branches.
Watering and feeding
Hybrid rhododendron Helsinki University is a moisture-loving plant. In hot and dry summers it is recommended to water 10 liters 3 times a week. This requires daily spraying. Reduce watering in cool weather.
The first top dressing is applied to the soil immediately after planting. Superphosphate, calcium, ammonium are mixed into the water for irrigation in a ratio of 1: 1: 2. During the flowering period, a second top dressing is introduced: phosphorus and potassium in a 2: 1 ratio. If the bush is young, then it is better to halve the concentration of top dressing.
Preparing for winter
Rhododendron is a frost-resistant plant. No special preparation for the winter season is required. Before the onset of frost, the bush is watered abundantly, which contributes to hardening. The foot is mulched with a mixture of peat and pine needles. You do not need to cover the flower.
Cold resistance made this flower a real favorite of the inhabitants of the northern regions of our country.
Reproduction
Like most garden plants, rhododendron can be propagated by seed, cuttings or cuttings. The first method is considered the most time consuming, therefore it is rarely used, and the remaining ones are quite popular among gardeners.
Cuttings
For reproduction by this method, it is necessary to take a fresh and strong stem of the plant. Cut 8-10 cm from the middle part. After that, the stalk is placed in a soil mixture prepared from peat and sand. They are mixed in a ratio of 3: 1. The soil is moistened abundantly, and the pot is covered with a film or plastic bottle until the first leaves appear. Typically, the rooting process takes about 3-4 months.
The choice of a shoot for the cutting
Layers
In order for a new bush to grow on the site, it is enough to tilt one shoot to the ground, slightly cut in the area of contact with it and sprinkle it.
Already next spring, the rooted bush can be transplanted to a new place.
Reproduction
Seat selection
Planting and caring for the Helsinki University rhododendron is not difficult. The flower is recommended to be grown in shaded areas. Prolonged contact with the scalding rays of the sun can be detrimental to the plant. It is best to plant the bushes near trees with a wide crown, forming a thick shade, or near the north wall of the house.
Prepare the soil for the flower in advance. The depth of the hole should be at least 40 cm, and the width should be 60 cm. If the root system is larger, then the hole can be enlarged to the required size. A drainage layer is laid at the bottom, and a mixture of leafy soil, needles and peat is introduced into the soil in a ratio of 3: 1: 2. Immediately before planting, the soil must be loosened. The recommended distance between holes should not be less than 2 meters.
Diseases and pests
Rhododendron University of Helsinki is resistant to diseases and pests. But still, sometimes you can encounter some diseases and parasites.
The dense greenery of the flower is a favorite place for slugs and snails. They will have to be collected by hand throughout the season.
No less rarely, rhododendron can be affected by spider mites or scale insects. The spider mite is characterized by the appearance of a white, barely noticeable cobweb on the back of the leaf, and the scale insects suck out the valuable sap, leaving behind drying brown spots. If the pest was noticed at the initial stage, then the plant is treated with a sponge and soapy water. If the affected area is significant, then it is better to resort to insecticidal preparations. Fungicide and karbofos are most in demand.
Diazonin solution copes well with the weevil.
Abundant watering is often the cause of gray rot. This fungal disease affects the root system.To get rid of the disease, it is necessary to remove all affected areas of the roots, and treat the surviving ones with activated carbon.
Diseases and pests
Prevention of various problems
Excessive or insufficient watering is often the cause of some problems.
Pale and withering leaves indicate insufficient moisture. Most likely, you need to increase the amount of watering. It is also recommended to make sure once again that the delicate leaves are not burned by the bright sun.
Excessive watering can lead to rotting of the root system, including the development of certain diseases such as rust, chlorosis, leaf pigmentation. All of them are fungal. To avoid them, you need to adjust the watering.
The main preventive measure is the introduction of Bordeaux liquid into the soil in early autumn.
The lack of flowering indicates the need for additional feeding.
If a gardener studies the basic rules and requirements for caring for a hybrid rhododendron from Helsinki University, then he will be able to admire a lush and beautiful bush for many years. Unpretentiousness has made the Helsinki University rhododendron one of the most sought-after plants.
