Rhododendrons in garden design: harmonious compositions, photos

Neighbors for rhododendrons

Let's decide from the very beginning what NOT to plant rhododendrons with.
Trees and shrubs with a wide and dense (that is, with a large number of fibrous roots) root system are not suitable as neighbors: large species and varieties of spruce, birch, bird cherry, mock orange, lilac, etc. Plants that form abundant growth and actively grow with the help of root shoots are also not suitable: mountain ash, silver oleagin, sumac, etc. Rhododendrons themselves have a dense, compact root system located in the top layer of soil. The root ball has the shape of a tablet and is easily pierced by the stolons of aggressive neighbors, as well as hopelessly losing in the competition for water and nutrition

neighbors with a more powerful and deep root system. It is also not suitable to be in proximity to pronounced and calciphiles (tree peonies, almonds, etc.), since rhododendrons themselves prefer acidic soils.

Taking this into account, the requirements for the neighbors of rhododendrons are clear - “a friendly root system, similar preferences for soil characteristics, attitude towards moisture and light. Note that the above is equally true for herbaceous perennials and for trees and shrubs.

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Woody rhododendrons

I’ll note right away that the best neighbors for rhododendrons are... rhododendrons. Almost all species and varieties look great and feel great when planted together, and by selecting bushes of different flowering periods, we can get a group that blooms for more than 3 months.

For example: Ledebur rhododendron (April), Canadian (early May), varieties of the PJM group (early May), varieties of Caucasian rhododendron (mid-May), Yakushiman rhododendrons (end of May), deciduous varieties from the Knap Hill groups, Nofern Laite (end of May - early June), Katevba rhododendrons or Finnish varieties - (first half - mid-June), varieties of sticky rhododendron (mid-late June), Weston-azaleas (July). And the group, which contains both deciduous and evergreen rhododendrons, will be no less elegant in September and October than during the flowering period, since most varieties of deciduous azaleas have a remarkably bright and varied color (from lemon yellow and orange-red to purple and purple) autumn foliage color.

It is always good to be in proximity to decorative varieties of conifers.

The most suitable varieties are mountain pine and dwarf cedar. They are light-loving, which means they are suitable for joint planting with deciduous rhododendrons and those evergreens that tolerate light well (Yakushiman rhododendron varieties). Thujas are very hardy, they will look good in a lighted place and quite decently in partial shade. For proximity to rhododendrons, in my opinion, it is better to choose varieties with a clear crown shape, then outside the flowering of rhododendrons the group will be interesting due to the contrasting shape of the crowns - the natural “freedom” of the rhododendron and the regular pyramid (Smaragd) or a ball, an egg (Danica, Golden Glob , Woodwardii).

For a semi-shaded place, as neighbors with evergreen large-leaved rhododendrons, you can invite chisel-shaped tuepsis, varieties of cypress (Filifera, Squarrosa, Buleward), Canadian hemlock (Jeddeloh, Pendula, etc.), yew. When choosing and planting a coniferous neighbor, it is necessary to take into account that thujas and cypress trees are transplanted quite easily, especially at a young age, while all other of the listed species tolerate transplantation painfully. This means that you should carefully choose the distances when landing. We can always replant rhododendrons, but moving a paved path on which our favorite mountain pine will eventually lie is much more difficult. For the same reasons, when inviting dwarf varieties of spruce, fir, and larches into the composition, it is worth asking about the size of this dwarf at least at 10 years of age.

Dwarf varieties of rhododendrons ( Luisella, Ronny, Azurika, etc.)

Over time, they also
grow into quite lush pillows with a diameter of 70-90 cm. The proximity to conifers will provide us with a late-autumn and winter decorative composition, the contrast of texture and color of needles, leaves, flowers, the contrast of the shape of the crowns will create a pleasant impression in the summer, in addition, the coniferous litter will be natural acidify and enrich the soil in a way that is beneficial for rhododendrons.
Among deciduous shrubs, the classic neighbors of rhododendrons are hydrangeas. For planting in a bright place, varieties of paniculata hydrangea are suitable, and in a more shady place - tree hydrangea. That is, we plant paniculate hydrangeas with deciduous azaleas, and tree-like hydrangeas with large-leaved evergreen rhododendrons (Finnish varieties, varieties of rhododendrons Katevbinsky, Smirnova, etc.).

There is an exception - tree hydrangeas of the Bella Anna and Pink Annabel varieties must also be planted in the light, because in the shade they develop very thin shoots and require garter. There is an exception on the contrary - a number of varieties of light-loving hydrangea paniculata bloom quite well in partial shade:

Neighbors of rhododendron. Rhododendrons in the garden, what to plant rhododendron with

Rhododendrons in the garden can bring dramatic changes to the landscape, giving the garden a somewhat exotic look. If there is an area in your garden with high humidity, but not swampy and without stagnant melt or groundwater, then divert it. When creating decorative ensembles from rhododendron, consider and give preference to a site near a swampy forest rather than on sandy soil, unless there is a river or lake nearby. An exhibition with these ornamental shrubs can be placed near a reservoir, pond, or stream, which will humidify the air with their presence. That is why you can often see their plantings near the house not far from rainwater collection tanks.

If you do not have any water at all in your garden, then you should think about artificial irrigation or installing a small fountain near the rhododendron.

Rhododendrons in the garden, what to plant rhododendron with

When creating compositions from several rhododendrons, pay attention to their appearance - diameter, crown shape, foliage color. The habit (type, appearance) of low-growing shrubs is very different from tall ones. Low trees with a dense crown are planted in the foreground, and beautiful evergreens make the background. The latter, by the way, can be used as tapeworms on a flat area of the lawn.

Wonderful compositions are obtained from rhododendron and conifers. And if the first one is also deciduous, then the conifers will create an advantageous green background.

Another winning combination: rhododendron and ferns, as well as ground cover plants.

A striking example: clumps of rhododendron along the paths, where sedum, heather, Iberis, Erica, and wintergreen are planted in the foreground; and where there is less sun - fern, periwinkle, funkii, hoofweed.

On an alpine hill, rhododendron looks very impressive if planted in groups. Choose low types with a crown that grows in width. The slope of the rock garden can be filled with beautiful flowering bushes.

In general, for rhododendron, an alpine hill is a kind of corner of its real birthplace. Therefore, by transforming it into a mountain slope, you will create part of the real landscape where these shrubs grow. Make a sloping slope, place large boulders, adding appropriate material to create a scree or rock stream, and plant dwarf pine trees next to low-growing rhododendrons.

A striking example of a mixborder of continuous flowering: early flowering bulbs (crocuses, daffodils, tulips, muscari, scillas), rhododendrons (various types) and roses.

Arrange the plantings relative to the sun as follows: rhododendrons (partial shade), then bulbous plants near them (on the lawn), followed by roses (in lighted areas). Thus, the garden will be decorated with greenery or flowers, respectively: March-April, May-June and mid-June - before frost.

Low-growing rhododendrons can be used in hedges, and tall ones can be used when zoning a site into different functional parts.

When creating compositions from rhododendrons, you must carefully consider the choice of flower color. The combination will be colorful: pink, white and purple; pink, red and light yellow or orange with white and yellow inflorescences. And ensembles of plants with white inflorescences against a background of red and purple tones look especially striking.

And finally, a little recommendation. If, when planning a flower garden in the garden, you expect a quick effect of finished decorative compositions, then choose 5-8 year old rhododendrons. At this age, the bushes have already formed a crown with flower buds formed. It is more correct to purchase such seedlings at a plant nursery nearest to you.

Rhododendron in garden design: where and what to plant with

During the flowering of rhododendron, any garden acquires a unique atmosphere; harmony and exquisite style are felt in it. Elegant rhododendrons - colorful representatives of the heather family - in a suitable environment will bring your garden closer to perfection. I’ll tell you what successful compositions you can create with rhododendron and how to plant it correctly on your site.

Where to plant rhododendron

Rhododendron is an ideal resident for landscape and regular gardens. It can grow in one place for up to 30 years.

Try to plant the plant in a permanent place the first time - it is painful to tolerate transplants.
Ideal soil for planting: acidic, loose and moist.
When purchasing, be sure to check whether the variety needs shelter for the winter. Now there are many varieties that tolerate severe frosts well, but with heat-loving ones you will have to tinker and be sure to cover them for the winter.

Sometimes rhododendrons are planted in the ground, directly in a pot, and in the fall they are brought into the winter garden or indoors. _______________________________________________

Rhododendron in the shade and in the sun

Rhododendron likes to grow in the shade of tree crowns, not in open sun. Evergreen varieties love shady places.

It is best if it is pine , larch or fir , under the crown of which an acidic bud is formed from coniferous litter.
under trees with a shallow root system, such as birch , spruce , linden , as they very dry out the soil around them, and any plant under them is oppressed.

Deciduous varieties of rhododendrons can be planted in sunny places , but create conditions so that the soil is always moist. This can be achieved by a thick layer of mulching or by planting low-growing plants near the roots of the rhododendron.

Rhododendron along the wall

Choose places that are as protected from strong winds as possible. This could be near a house, a fence, a retaining wall, or other structures.

One of the suitable places for planting would be a north wall or a fence facing north.
In such places, the plant is maximally protected from the wind, and at midday it is in the shade.

Rhododendron near a pond

They feel good near any bodies of water - ponds , fountains , streams , etc. - as they like not only moist soil, but also moist air.
At the same time, rhododendron does not like swampy areas and places with close groundwater .

What to plant rhododendron with

When creating a composition with rhododendrons, remember that they should dominate.

Basic Rules:

It is best to plant rhododendrons in groups against a plain background.
You can shade the rhododendrons with natural gravel or pine chips, and plant the rest of the plants in the distance - their task is to shade the main characters.
When creating a composition, select plants that bloom in the same or related colors so that the flower garden looks harmonious and the colors do not argue with each other.

Do not mix varieties that bloom in warm and cold colors.

If you already have a flowerbed or mixborder, and you want to plant rhododendron in a variegated flower garden, then choose varieties with a neutral color, such as white and its shades.

Many beginning amateur gardeners “sin” in that they begin to develop a mania for collecting as many varieties of one plant as possible. Professionals prefer to choose 1-2 varieties, but they emphasize their decorative value not only during the flowering period, but also after, due to the structure of the bush and the texture of the leaves.

Rhododendron - tapeworm

Rhododendron produces a bright tapeworm on the lawn or against the background of a fence. _______________________________________________

Beautiful arrays are obtained from rhododendrons of various heights : by creating an array along a lawn or path, tall plants can be planted in the background, and short ones nearby,

When the plants grow and show themselves in all their glory, you won’t be able to take your eyes off them.

Shrubs for rhododendron

Shrubs such as:

Rhododendron with conifers

The best neighbors for rhododendrons will be representatives of conifers: both prefer the same soil composition. Dense needles will protect capricious shrubs from strong winds and frosts.

Of the conifers in the company of rhododendrons, the following would be appropriate:

all types of mountain pines,
junipers,
thuja,
pseudotsugi.

Rhododendron with flowers

In the heather garden next to the rhododendron the following is placed:

various types of ferns,

peony next to rhododendron. They prefer different soil compositions, and during flowering they can argue with each other, and the effect of their beauty will be minimal.

Rhododendron on an alpine hill

For an alpine hill or rock garden, low-growing plant species are best suited. Next to this rhododendron, they look good:

low-growing varieties of juniper,
mountain pines,
saxifrage,
made you look younger
Heuchera,
heathers,
crocuses,
tulips,
lilies,
gentian,
hellebore.

What to plant rhododendron with: diagram

1. Plant background plants for rhododendron:

thuja occidentalis,
tall and medium-sized junipers,
lilac.

2. Next, in the center we plant a group of rhododendrons with a similar color scheme. For example, deep pink and soft pink: 3 – 5 plants, depending on the size of the particular flower garden.

3. Various low-growing perennials and bulbous plants, as well as ground cover plants with different flowering periods, are planted in the foreground:

hosts,
daffodils,
tulips,
crocuses,
lungwort,
Brunner,
bergenia,
irises,
primrose,
ferns,
forest and Japanese anemone,
sedums, etc.

Rhododendron: status obliges. Choosing a landing site and suitable environment

All heathers have a special, as they say “ericoid” appearance, a little restrained and very elegant. They stand out for their evergreen, tough foliage, similar to well-tanned leather, and during flowering they amaze the imagination with a riot of color and richness of shades. They can completely transform any garden, bringing to it a special aura - both sophistication and solidity. Of course, the main party in this presentation belongs to rhododendrons .
They can be used as tapeworms, and in composition with other plants, as part of rocky gardens and against the backdrop of various water features. But in order for them to correspond to their status and not dissolve among other garden plants, they need to be skillfully placed in the garden display. For rhododendron to show its best side, it is important to skillfully place it in the garden

We know that it is useful to plant rhododendrons in the shade of tree crowns, but not every tree is suitable for this . They will feel best under pines and larches , varietal mountain ash and hawthorns , small-leaved maples (mono, Ginnala, sugar, Manchurian, etc.), fruit and ornamental stone fruits. Particularly good are small-fruited purple-leaved apple trees , which create an amazingly beautiful background for rhododendrons, are decorative throughout the year, do not get sick and do not suffer from freezing. And under trees such as birch, linden, Norway maple, spruce, elm and ash, which have too powerful or shallow root systems, rhododendrons will constantly suffer from drying out.

Among the shrubs , the best background for rhododendrons can be lilacs and mock oranges , various viburnums , spirea and barberries , varietal vesicles and derens , some honeysuckles , and large euonymuses . But it should be remembered that euonymus still prefer a neutral or slightly alkaline substrate, so it is advisable to place them somewhat to the side.

The choice of partners for rhododendron is quite extensive, but this issue must be approached carefully

Heathers not only look natural and impressive with conifers , but are also interested in being adjacent to them due to the general need for the presence of soil mycorrhiza. Therefore, mountain pines , various junipers and thujas , dwarf spruces and hemlocks will be the best companions for them.

Stylistically suitable for placement in a heather garden are ferns and grasses , Siberian and other non-bearded irises and daylilies , which have thin, graceful, decorative foliage throughout the season, hostas , astilbes , heucheras . The best ground cover for heathers will be evergreen pachysandra and periwinkle , as well as varietal damselflies and tenacious .

Rhododendron should be the dominant crop, the rest are intended only to highlight it favorably

It should, however, be remembered that rhododendrons should become the dominant crop in such a garden. They are subordinated to other heathers, and all other plants are intended only to shade them favorably. They look best in groups against a neutral background - against the background of bulk inert materials: gravel and other mineral chips (but not limestone), pine bark, tinted wood chips, and it is better to place the above-mentioned companions at some distance.

peonies blooming at the same time as rhododendrons nearby . Both herbaceous and tree peonies are so self-sufficient and magnificent that their close proximity will mutually weaken the overall impression. In addition, peonies, especially tree-like ones, prefer calcareous soils with an alkaline reaction, which is completely opposite to the needs of rhododendrons.

A passionate gardener is always faced with a dilemma: to collect as many infinitely diverse varieties of his favorite plant as possible, that is, a collection, or to create a beautiful, harmonious garden. It is almost impossible to reconcile these two completely understandable desires, so you have to compromise with yourself all the time.

You don’t need many different varieties for a harmonious composition.

The golden rule is that to create a beautiful composition, you should not try to collect as many different varieties as possible on one patch , quite the contrary - it is better not to be full of color and be sure to take into account the varietal features of the structure of the bush and leaf apparatus. And the leaves of rhododendrons are unusually diverse and decorative, therefore, knowing the capabilities of a particular variety, you can create a composition that will be attractive not only during the flowering period, but throughout the rest of the time.

You can find a large selection of different varieties of rhododendrons in our catalog, which combines offers from major online stores of seeds and planting material. Select rhododendron seedlings.

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Rhododendrons are unusually, I would say, piercingly bright and varied, but when talking about color, we must remember that it is not advisable to mix cold and warm tones . Rhododendrons of pink, carmine, purple color and in a separate group - yellow, orange, red - will look more attractive next to each other. Pink-purple and golden-orange in close proximity look inharmonious. It is better to take this recommendation on faith, because when your rhododendrons grow and you see that they do not harmonize well with each other, replanting them will be problematic.

When making a composition from different varieties of rhododendrons, you should select plants that are harmonious in color

The white color goes well with all others, so rhododendrons with white inflorescences can be planted between varieties that do not harmonize well in color. Whites will, on the one hand, separate them, and on the other, coordinate them, that is, reconcile them. But the so-called white ones can themselves be quite contrasting - due to a bright wide border or a large pattern on the upper petal. Remember, even one rhododendron bush, successfully integrated into the overall composition, will look better than a thoughtlessly assembled group.

In general, heathers are far from easy to reconcile with the usual garden buttercups . So, if you decide to pamper yourself with rhododendrons, heathers, pieris and others, you may have to somewhat reconsider the concept of placing plants in the garden and their assortment. But this, by the way, is good. A garden is a living organism, it grows, matures, more shade appears, and there is a need to reconsider its structure and make some changes to the composition.

As they say, a change in form entails a change in content. Our tastes and preferences change. If you used to be happy with and even like a motley “mixed-grass” carpet, then over time you want more harmonious and restrained color combinations, refined and elegant plants. In the company of their fellows, rhododendrons are just one of those plants that could be called refined, elegant, and perfect. And, as we know, there is no limit to perfection.

So, having understood for yourself the vital needs of heathers, it will be easier for you to understand the question of where, how and in what environment to plant them.

Valeria Ilyina, photo by the author

About rhododendrons

Flowerbed with hydrangea - bush planting scheme

A beautiful flowering corner can decorate any garden plot, alley, park or pond. It is not surprising that all gardeners, even beginners, strive to create interesting compositions of flowers, herbaceous ornamental plants, flowering bushes and trees in their garden. One of the win-win options that experienced landscape designers and amateur flower growers use is a flower bed with hydrangea. This spectacular crop pleases with beautiful lush flowering for a long time and, under suitable conditions, does not require painstaking care. In addition, hydrangea goes well with many plants, making it possible to create unique and original ensembles.

Hydrangea in landscape design

A flower garden with hydrangea is always a bright colorful composition that constantly pleases with fresh colors, thanks to the continuous flowering of hydrangea throughout the summer and early autumn.

Flowerbed with hydrangea

Several types of crops are used in landscape design:

Tree-like. Tall species, characterized by resistance and low maintenance requirements, withstands low temperatures. It is distinguished by an inflorescence in the form of a ball.
Paniculata. A popular plant of medium height (up to a meter), the main feature of which is a panicle-shaped inflorescence. It is considered a universal culture.
Large-leaved. A beautiful bush with lush large inflorescences, gardeners really like it, but it takes root only in the southern regions. Often used as an indoor flower.

The most popular for planting in the garden is paniculate hydrangea - it fits harmoniously into any design, is unpretentious, and has many varieties.

There are many versions of using hydrangea in landscape design, it all depends on the skills and creative impulses of the gardener. There are simple and effective designs for a garden with hydrangeas that people without experience in creating complex compositions can implement.

Rhododendrons - cultivation and care

Cuttings

Rhododendrons are slow-growing shrubs. Despite this, it only takes a couple of months for their cuttings to root, and flowers, if done correctly, appear the following season. Gardeners who know rhododendrons firsthand take cuttings after the flowers disappear. As a rule, deciduous varieties reproduce from late spring to the first half of June, and evergreen varieties - from June 20 to July 10. Read about perennial flowers here.

Annual shoots are used as planting material, which must be healthy and partially developed wood. The average length of the cuttings is 12-13 cm. A prerequisite is at least four leaves on the cutting. The upper cut is straight, the lower cut is oblique. Cuttings taken from the upper halves of the stems root best. Deciduous forms develop better from apical cuttings.

Rhododendron cuttings take a long time to take root, so an important step is simulating their growth. To minimize the time the first roots appear, you need to tear off the lower leaves, strip the ends of the shoots to the cambium and soak them for 15-24 hours in any stimulating solution.

If desired, cuttings can be planted directly in a greenhouse or open ground, but this is associated with some difficulties in regulating the growth of planting material. Therefore, most often they are planted in boxes. The land should be as suitable as possible for growing shrubs. You can get a ready-made mixture or prepare the soil yourself, for example, mix peat, sand, coniferous soil.

All components of the mixture are taken in equal parts. A mixture including peat and sand (50/50) can also achieve positive results.

Recessed cuttings should be at a 30-degree angle. You can't do without covering with film. We use a glass cap as a shelter. Some deciduous species take five to six weeks to establish. Evergreen forms sit in one place for up to five months.

After rooting, the material is transferred to containers, and the plants are watered regularly. It is important that the soil does not become waterlogged or dry out. After a couple of weeks, nitrogen fertilizers are applied to the soil. For the winter, until the warmth of spring, the plants are sent to a bright, cool place with a temperature of 12 degrees. In spring, plants are provided with larger containers or grown in open ground. Plants receive permanent registration at the age of one year and not earlier. Read about dandelions here.

Reproduction by layering

To propagate most shrubs, it is enough to dig in a couple of lower branches; the rooting process of rhododendrons has its own characteristics.

To obtain layering in the spring, choose material as close as possible to the surface of the earth. The bush produces at least 5 branches suitable for propagation. Longitudinal cuts are made on selected branches in places of future contact with the soil, and to prevent them from closing, matches or wood chips are inserted into them. The diameter and depth of the holes under the bends is 15 cm. Pins are used to secure the branches. Acidic soil is pouring down from above.

This could be the following mixture: peat + garden soil. Peat is used as mulch. Free tops are provided with pegs to which they are tied. Shoots will take root faster if the soil is regularly moistened.

Usually the cuttings are ready for separation from the mother bush in the fall. However, if you are afraid that the plants will not have time to take root before the first frost, it is better to postpone the work until spring. Rooted cuttings must be covered with dry leaves and spruce branches.

Landing place

For rhododendrons, the planting site is selected equally carefully. This should be a secluded area, protected from drafts. Plants do not tolerate sunlight, so they will like to sit under trees with lush crowns, near the northern wall of the building.

When choosing a permanent location for bushes, preference should be given to an area with nutritious acidic soil. The soil is prepared in advance. Its components: peat, leaf soil and coniferous litter. A complete mineral fertilizer will be useful (you can get by with one portion). The width and depth of the planting holes is 70 cm.

The location of the root collar is a couple of centimeters above the ground. The work is completed by creating a watering hole, abundant watering and mulching the tree trunk circles with pine needles or peat.

Caring for rhododendrons consists of 2-3 times fertilizing with full mineral fertilizers, additional watering during periods of drought, maintaining a layer of mulch at a constant level, weeding and loosening. Before the arrival of frost, you need to have time to water and insulate the young bushes. Remember that plants obtained from seeds are less resistant to low temperatures, so for the winter they are hilled up high and carefully covered with spruce branches. It is important to protect evergreen varieties from sunburn.

Due to the high cost of luxury rhododendrons, the only way to save money is to breed them yourself. Varietal shrubs can be grown from cuttings or layering. Species plants are propagated not only vegetatively, but also by seeds. Read about annual flowers here.

Choosing your rhododendron - frost-resistant varieties

Below we discuss the features of rhododendrons, widely used in landscape design.

Dense

Features of this evergreen shrub:

pillow-shaped crown;
flowering in May-June. Sometimes plants are pleased with their second color in August;
flower diameter – 2.5 cm, leaf length – up to 2 cm;
abundant flowering;
slow growth.

The plant prefers sunny areas and can tolerate light shade. It is recommended to water regularly and cover with snow (in winters with little snow, spruce branches will do for cover). There are no problems with replanting due to the compactness of the root system. This is an excellent option for rock gardens; it looks great in a group of shrubs.

Dumb purpletraum

This plant also belongs to rhododendrons, the crown of which resembles a pillow.

Peculiarities:

3-centimeter flowers delight the eye until mid-summer;
partial drying of foliage in winter with little snow;
compact habit with a wide palette;
tolerates wintering well. For regions with harsh winters, the light lilac Ledicanense variety is recommended.

Frost-resistant varieties of rhododendron

Frost-resistant varieties also include Rosinetta, Schneeperle, Sazava and some others.

Peculiarities:

loves illuminated areas, but does not lag behind in growth even in light shade;
with slow growth it blooms profusely.

This rhododendron is also recommended for rock gardens.

The most beautiful and winter-hardy rhododendrons (azaleas) for your garden

Canadian This is a representative of deciduous shrubs.

Peculiarities:

the beginning of flowering occurs at the beginning of May and lasts until the leaves bloom;
flower diameter – maximum 3 cm, maximum leaf length – 5 cm;
tolerates short-term drought and temporary waterlogging;
in autumn the foliage turns yellow;
does not require shelter.

For Canadian rhododendron, sunny areas are allocated. Lightly shaded areas are suitable. The plant shows all its beauty on acidic (pH – 5), moisture-absorbing and breathable soil. Ideally, the soil consists of acidic high peat, loamy garden soil, and pine needles. All components are taken in equal parts. Water only during severe drought. It grows in small groups and is used as part of conifers.

Japanese

This is a shrub with a developed branched part and falling foliage.

Peculiarities:

flowering occurs in May and June;
the color of natural 7-centimeter inflorescences is red, orange and yellow;
The length of the leaves does not exceed 10 cm, and its colors in autumn are bright red, orange, yellow.

There are spectacular American and oriental hybrids on sale, for example, the 1.5-meter Mollis. Hybrid forms are characterized by relatively good winter hardiness. These are light-loving plants suitable for group shrub compositions.

Rhododendron Daurian

Use in folk medicine

Rhododendrons have more than just aesthetic value. This type of plant has been adopted by doctors in many countries.

A few words about the chemical composition. The foliage contains glucosides, including andromedotoxin and ericoline. The first compound is a natural toxin, which is characterized by the following effects: local irritant, general narcotic. The substance first excites and later depresses the central nervous system. It negatively affects the functioning of the cardiovascular system and the condition of the heart muscle.

Flowers of plants of some forms are raw materials containing flavonoids, tannins, triterpene compounds, and organic acids.

Rhododendron essential oil consists of camphene, limonene, ylangene, humulene, caryophyllene, -selinene and other substances. The foliage is a source of ericolin, andromedotoxin, arbutin, betulin, ascorbic acid, tannins and some flavonoids.

Medicinal properties of rhododendron and application

The beneficial properties of rhododendron have been known for a long time. Plant-based products exhibit bactericidal properties, some reduce fever, soothe, relieve pain, and normalize the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Since the plant has diaphoretic properties, it is used for edema.

Remedies prepared from the leaves are recommended for people with rheumatism, colds, vegetative neuroses, epilepsy and other pathologies. Taking such drugs helps with chronic bronchitis and asthma. Drinking flower tea relieves headaches.

The flowers of some rhododendrons, together with other raw materials of plant origin, are included in medicinal baths prescribed to people suffering from nervous disorders and radiculitis. Flower infusion calms and improves sleep quality.

Recommendations for using the infusion:

a number of cardiovascular diseases, including myocarditis, cardiac neuroses;
CNS disorders;
colds;
swelling.

The decoction relieves gastrointestinal pathologies and gastritis. An alcohol tincture, including leaves and flowers, is an excellent remedy for radiculitis, neuralgia, polyarthritis, and osteochondrosis.

Golden rhododendron exhibits obvious healing effects. Preparations based on it are recommended for rheumatism, common heart problems, edema, high venous pressure, and blood stagnation.

Products based on Caucasian rhododendron are used in the fight against cardiovascular diseases, rheumatism, headaches, and nausea. With the help of this plant, Tibetan healers relieve liver ailments.

Rhododendron: choosing a location, planting, care

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Hydrangea paniculata planting scheme

Considering the size of the plant, the duration, brightness and splendor of flowering, hydrangea often becomes the dominant feature in the composition. If the flower garden is clearly visible from all sides, the bush is planted in the center. In the flower garden near the fence - in the background.

Interesting. Hydrangea flowers do not have a distinctive scent, so they are not attractive to insects; they can be safely planted near windows, paths, gazebos or terraces.

Hydrangea near the house

When using hydrangea in garden design, you need to consider some care features:

The flower loves partial shade, diffused sunlight. You should not plant the bush in a sunny, leeward place.
Hydrangea needs regular watering. To prevent the roots from rotting, it is necessary to use drainage in the form of crushed stone or gravel when planting. Mulching with pine needles or sawdust will help retain moisture longer.
The plant grows well in acidic, loose soils, but does not tolerate alkaline clay soil.

Important! The color of the inflorescences depends on the acidity of the soil: the more acidic the soil, the brighter and more saturated the color. You can increase acidity using aluminum chips, chelated fertilizers or citric acid solution.

Principles of forming a flower garden:

Choosing a location. The flower garden should become a decoration of the garden and attract attention. Therefore, a site is selected that is clearly visible, but slightly shaded.
A scheme is being thought out. In order for a flowerbed to fit harmoniously into its surroundings, it must correspond to the size of the garden and be combined with the overall design and concept. It is best to first draw a diagram of the flower garden on paper and mark the diagram on the ground with pegs.
Prepare the soil. One of the key points is light, fertile soil, which is the foundation for future abundant flowering. The area is dug up, weeds are removed, sand, humus, and ash are added, everything is thoroughly mixed and watered abundantly.

Advice! To prevent the edges of the flower bed from becoming overgrown with grass and weeds very quickly, the perimeter of the flower bed should be fenced off with stones or laid with agrofibre, onto which gravel or broken bricks can be poured.

Competent selection of plants

When using hydrangea in a flower garden, you must adhere to the basic rules for planting flowers:

Tall flowers and bushes are planted in the center: hydrangea, rose, daylily, delphinium, peony, iris, gladiolus. The level gradually decreases: tulips, daffodils, zinnias, marigolds, violets, petunias. Ground cover plants will help fill empty areas and complete the composition: periwinkle, herbaceous carnation, lungwort.
The period and timing of flowering of each crop are taken into account - the flowers must be placed in the flowerbed in such a way as to achieve harmonious flowering throughout the season. Herbaceous plants will help complete the picture: hostas, ferns, red fescue.
Think over the color scheme of the flower bed. A combination of contrasting, bright shades is possible: blue, yellow, red, white, green. More discreet noble designs in one palette are often used. White flower beds look good. Red shades (from rich burgundy and wine to soft pink), yellow shades (from orange to lemon and pale yellow) are revealed interestingly.

Taking into account all the nuances of growing, the best option for combining with hydrangea are:

Trees and bushes - rhododendron, barberry, viburnum, conifers (thuja, pine).
Bulbs - tulips, daffodils, daylilies, crocuses, hyacinths.
Perennials - rose, astilbe, phlox, geranium, anemone.
Annuals - marigolds, pansies, gerberas, dahlias, petunia.
Herbaceous plants – ferns, hostas, mint, wormwood, periwinkle.

Combination of hydrangea with other flowers

The composition with hydrangea in the garden should be combined with the general theme: the design of the house and garden area. Several design options are popular:

Country style. To create it, bright colors and plants are used, reminiscent of a rural garden: meadow (daisies, thyme, cornflower, wormwood), annuals (marigolds, violets, zinnias, Carpathian bells), herbaceous (periwinkle, mint, ivy, ornamental cabbage), trees ( viburnum, willow).
Classic style. Suitable for decorating a site in a modern, discreet design. This option involves a combination of hydrangea and conifers, roses, ferns or hostas, decorative onions, and petunias.

Japanese style. A fashionable trend in landscape design is the creation of a Japanese garden. To decorate it, you need a small fountain or stream, which is complemented by rhododendron, fan maple, fern and moss. Low-growing chrysanthemums will add brightness to the composition.

Japanese style hydrangea

Important! When creating a scheme for a flower bed with hydrangea, it is very important to maintain a balance and select plants that will match the mixborder in size - too large crops in a small flower bed will seem out of place, small ones will get lost in a large flower garden.

Compositions with hydrangea in the garden

There are several options for combining hydrangea with other plants, which are always win-win and effective.

A flowerbed with hydrangeas and hostas is a classic combination that amazes with its simplicity and style. The juicy greenery of the hosta favorably sets off the delicate flowering of hydrangea. The variety of colors of both cultures allows you to create original and beautiful compositions. In addition, both hydrangea and hosta love shaded places and maintain an attractive appearance for a long time. Caring for such a flower garden is extremely simple.

Hydrangea with hostas

Hydrangea and coniferous compositions are the optimal combination. Conifers oxidize the soil, which is so necessary for hydrangeas. In addition, flowers against the background of rich coniferous greenery seem even more beautiful and graceful. Hydrangea looks good in tandem with spruce, juniper, fir, and pine. You can complement the composition with roses or ferns.

Hydrangea and conifers

Mountain plant varieties

Mountain datura is those rhododendrons that grow high in the mountains. They are not very common in our gardens. To successfully grow and bloom, they must go through a difficult period of acclimatization. However, dwarf varieties, which reach only a meter in height, can be grown in rock gardens.

Most often, Kamchatka, racemose, reddish, equal-tall, Canadian, dense, coarse-haired and rusty rhododendrons are used for these purposes. If the size of the rock garden allows, then relatively tall plants can be placed in them, which will surprise you with their varied, but always attractive flowers. These are yellow and Japanese species, as well as Ledebur and Schlippenbach rhododendrons.

Deciduous Kamchatka shrub (Rh. сamtschaticum)

Kamchatka rhododendron reaches only 35 cm in height. It is found in the Kuril Islands, Kamchatka and Sakhalin, and Siberia. The plant has rounded thin leaves up to 5 cm in length. It blooms in June with large, 4 cm in diameter, blood-red or purple-pink flowers. They grow singly or in loose clusters of 2-5 flowers. They are located on long stalks covered with bristles and hairs.

Kamchatka rhododendron is especially beautiful during the flowering period: it is a real decoration of the rock garden and garden. Cultivated since 1800

This plant tolerates frost well. It is accustomed to shaded rocky areas with fresh and loose humus. Kamchatka rhododendron is often used for group plantings and to create borders.

Beautiful Siberian wild rosemary (Rh. ledebourii Pojark)

The locals call Ledebur's rhododendron Siberian wild rosemary or wild rosemary. In nature, it is found in the Sayan Mountains or Altai. This semi-evergreen shrub grows 1-1.80 meters in height when cultivated.

This plant blooms very early, so its branches are often used for winter forcing. Its rather large flowers smell like resin and are lilac-pink in color.

Rhododendron Ledebur is called semi-evergreen because this plant retains most of its leaves during the winter. However, if the winter is dry and cold, the number of falling leaves may increase

The shrub grows in shady places that are not blown by winds, but are characterized by high humidity. Siberian wild rosemary often forms real thickets on rocky river banks and in the mountains. It prefers proximity to cedar-deciduous and deciduous forests.

Fragrant Pontic azalea (Rh. luteum, or Azalea optica)

Pontic azalea, Turkish bagon and yellow stupor are all names of the same yellow rhododendron. This is a large plant, the height of which is two or more meters.

In the winter, the leaves of the Pontian azalea (yellow rhododendron) fall off, and when they begin to bloom again in May, this plant blooms amazingly beautifully

Azalea Pontica will delight you with large orange or yellow flowers, reaching 5 cm in diameter. They form umbrella-like inflorescences. Each umbrella can have 7 or even 12 flowers. The bush stands covered with flowers for a whole month; they begin to fall only in June. It grows in the mountainous areas of the Caucasus and is sometimes found in Western Europe.

Caucasian rhododendron (Rh. caucasicum)

In a cultivated form, this shrub began to be grown only in 1803. It is an evergreen plant with leathery leaves that are pointed at the ends. Caucasian rhododendron grows up to 1.5 meters in height. In the wild, it grows near snow fields in the subalpine zone in the Caucasus.

Caucasian rhododendron looks good as borders and is used in medicine. This plant is planted throughout the European part of Russia up to St. Petersburg

Its flowers are approximately 4 cm in diameter and are shaped like bells or shallow funnels. They are usually white or cream-colored and may have slightly greenish spots on their inner surface. However, there are pale pink varieties and even forms with pink flowers. Their ovaries, pedicels and calyxes are covered with rust-colored hairs. Flowers are collected in brushes of 8-12 pieces.

This shrub grows very slowly. Prefers shady and damp places. Therefore, in parks and gardens it should be placed in damp and semi-shaded corners. Used for both single and group plantings.

Dahurian variety of plant (Rh. dahuricum)

The very beautiful Dahurian rhododendron is often called by locals as rosemary, bagul or wild rosemary. Shoots of this plant can often be found on sale in winter. Ledum tolerates winter well, blooms profusely and grows up to two meters in height. During the winter, part of its leaves fall off, and the other part may remain for another year.

In nature, Dahurian rhododendron is found in the Far East and Altai, Eastern Siberia and the Sayan Mountains

The old branches of this shrub are twisted and gray in color in contrast to the brown young shoots. Its crown is decorated with single flowers of lilac-pink color. They reach three centimeters in diameter. Ledum blooms even before the leaves appear or simultaneously with their appearance. Its leaves have a strong odor.

This plant, unlike other shrubs of the species, loves the sun and can grow in arid areas. If there is insufficient lighting, the flowering of the bush will not be so lush. In cultivation, wild rosemary is widespread all the way to the Kola Peninsula. In folk medicine, this plant is valued for the arbutin, essential oils and tannins it contains.

"White wing" of Tibet (Rh. adamsii Rehd)

The Tibetan “White Wing” is often called a low fragrant shrub - Adams rhododendron. It grows to only 30-60 cm. Its thick-skinned leaves remain overwintering on the branches. They have a pleasant aroma, smooth surface and a slight white coating. Their back side is covered with scales and has a grayish-brown color.

Thickets of Adams's rhododendron are located on rocky mountain slopes, on rocks, in the tundra, and sometimes near the forest belt, in its upper part

The flowers of the plant are pale pink, cream or bright pink, but without a purple tint. They are collected in dense clusters, shaped like a shield, and located at the very tips of the branches. Adams rhododendron blooms in mid-June. Its flowering continues until the end of July. This plant loves soil containing lime.

In nature, this shrub can be found in the Far East and Siberia. It prefers continental climatic conditions.

Golden kashkara (Rh. aureum Georgi)

Golden Kashkara is a creeping shrub up to 60 cm in height. Its leaves have a shiny leathery surface. Their tops are pointed and their bases are wedge-shaped. They are attached to the branch using short petioles. The corolla of flowers of this plant reaches 5 cm in diameter.

Flowerbed for beginners

To create a simple flower bed, it is advisable to use flowers that do not require special care and growing conditions, but you can be sure of their long-lasting attractive appearance and flowering time. As a basis for a simple flower bed, you can take a diagram: in the center there is a hydrangea, then bulbs (daffodils and tulips), astilbe, fern, chrysanthemum, violet, lily of the valley, marigolds, and carnations are planted in a circle.

Children's flowerbed

Creating a children's flowerbed is a great way to captivate a child, teach him to work, respect for nature, and responsibility. To make the activity fun, you can plant colorful flowering bushes.

At the same time, when decorating a flowerbed for a boy, flowers in blue colors are used (crocuses, violets, muscari, delphiniums, scillas, forget-me-nots, cornflowers, nigella, asters). The highlights of the composition can be blue or purple hydrangea, as well as blue spruce.

For girls, delicate flowers of red-pink color are selected (hyacinths, tulips, peonies, lilies, daisies, pansies, petunias). Viburnum or rhododendron can complement the flowerbed.

Shady flower bed with daylilies

If you need to decorate a corner where there is almost no sun, you can try the following flower bed option. In the center are hydrangeas of the Kyushu variety and daylilies (common red or Stela de Oro). Next - late-flowering narcissus, hosta zibolida, wood violet, ivy and columbine. This composition always looks fresh and original and requires virtually no maintenance.

Hydrangea with daylilies