There are a large number of azaleas and few are suitable for home-grown. A universal option, which is used both for open ground and for the home, is the Japanese azalea. Grow it simply, if you know the existing rules.
Japanese azalea - description
The plant of this culture is an evergreen shrub that can be found in the countries of Asia, India and the Caucasus. Thanks to the adaptation of garden Japanese azalea can be grown in different territories. There are a number of characteristics of this plant:
- The shrub is perennial, which grows very slowly.
- In nature, the height of Japanese azaleas can reach up to three meters, but in the garden the plant does not grow above 1.5 m. Everything depends on the climate and the rules of care.
- Shoots are fragile and elegant, which are covered with a light gray bark on top. They are located close to each other.
- Shrubs are compact, so they are great for different compositions and hedges.
- Japanese azalea has branches that are covered with small leaves and their length reaches 2-3 cm. They are oblong and have a glossy surface. The leaves are painted in a dark green color.
- The main advantage of this culture is flowers, which in shape can be funnel-shaped, tubular or flat. Depending on the variety and color buds. Flowering is observed from the middle of May and lasts 1.5-2 months. Most varieties are completely covered with flowers, which are not only beautiful, but also fragrant.
Azalea Japanese - winter hardiness
Plants of this group have excellent winter hardiness and, with proper care, they are able to withstand a temperature drop of -27 ° C. It is important before the frost begins to water the plant abundantly, and when the value on the thermometer drops to -5 ° C, it is important to cover the bush. Use for this can be branches of spruce or pine. It is worth considering that the winter sun can be fatal for this culture. As for the room Japanese azalea, the flower pot should be moved to a cool room, where the value is about 10-15 ° C.
Japanese azalea - varieties
This culture is characterized by the presence of many varieties, which differ in the color of buds, cover and height. Some species have a violation of the pigmentation of the leaves, which is observed in the autumn period. Varieties of Japanese azaleas can grow to two meters. There is also a rich variety of colors that can be tubular or flat, white, purple, pink or coral. There are even terry options.
Azalea Japanese "Adonis"
This variety is considered one of the most beautiful shrubs, which is characterized by a dense and rounded in shape crown with strong shoots. Leaves of small size have a glossy surface of olive green color. Azalia "Adonis" blossoms with snow-white flowers. If there are problems with the choice of a suitable place, it is better to give preference to the territory protected from drafts and burning sun. The bush with fruit trees, for example, cherries and pears, as well as with oak, fir or larch perfectly coexists.
Azalea Japanese "Drapa"
Breeders are constantly working on the creation of new varieties and among the novelties you can specify the modern variety "Drapa". He is one of the latest. It is worth highlighting that the bush flowers with original crimson-pink flowers that can decorate any territory. Azalea "Drapa" is covered with flowers at the end of July and blooms for a long time (at least three weeks).
Azalea Japanese "Melina"
This variety can be attributed to dwarfish, since even at the age of ten the bush does not exceed 30 cm in height and 50-60 cm in diameter. It is worth noting that it grows slowly, preferring shaded, damp and cool areas. Azalia "Melina" blooms abundantly, and the flowers themselves are painted in crimson-pink color and collected in inflorescences. The edges of the petals are beautifully curved and fill the entire volume of the flower. The leaves are elliptical green in summer and spring, and yellow in autumn.
Azalea Japanese "Kenigstein"
Shrubs of this variety are low and slowly growing, so at the age of ten they reach a height of about 0.5 m, but their width is 0.8 m. Further, the bush can be added to the height, but above 1 m it will not. Azalea "Kenigstein" is very beautiful and abundant in bloom, covered with purple-violet broad bell-colored flowers with dark purple veins. Watch this beauty can be from the end of May. This Japanese azalea looks great in compositions with low coniferous trees and on lawns.
Azalea Japanese Blavs Pink
If you want to decorate the territory near the house with a beautiful shrub, this evergreen version is ideal for this purpose. It refers to dwarf species with a dense crown, so the height of an adult plant does not exceed 80 cm. It should be noted that the description of the Japanese azalea "Blavs Pink" indicates that the shrub can sometimes partially discard the foliage. Flowering is observed in the period from May to June and at this time the bush is almost entirely covered with pink flowers.
Azalea Japanese "Vicks Scarlet"
This option is included in the list of the most decorative varieties of azaleas. The shrub is evergreen and can be used in bonsai culture, since it is dwarfish and the height will not reach more than 60 cm. Due to its small size and easy maintenance, this Japanese azalea can easily be grown at home. As for flowering, it, like other varieties, is observed in the period from May to June. Flowers from the "Vick Scarlet" variety are orange-red.
Azalea Japanese "Geisha Orange"
The presented variety of durable shrub stands out for its winter hardiness and rapid growth, so in a year it can grow by 25 cm in height. The maximum height is 1 m, and as to the diameter, this figure is even more - 1.5 m. Japanese azaleas "Geisha Orange" "Bloom with rich orange flowers, which are small, but are collected in inflorescences of 15-20 pcs. It is important to note that the bush will decorate the territory for a long time, so the maximum period is 30 years.
Azalea Japanese "Mayshnia"
The plant of this variety is a low shrub, which is characterized by the presence of a large number of branches. Young shoots are covered with numerous hairs of gray or brown color. In the description of the Japanese azalea "Mayszhnii" it is indicated that the flowers in her white color reach a diameter of 6-8 cm. For cultivation of this variety light is important, but direct sunlight should be avoided, as well as excess moisture. In addition, azalea does not like drafts, and in May, mandatory pruning and pinching. Planting the flower is recommended in a loose substrate with a fibrous structure.
Japanese garden azalea - landing
There is a certain list of rules that it is important to know and take into account, so that the plant has started, it grew well and regularly blossomed.
- Saplings need to be bought only in the spring. To give preference to a sprout with a large lump of soil on the roots, as this indicates that during excavation they were not damaged. In addition, the land should not be over-dried.
- For good flowering and growth of garden and domestic Japanese azaleas it is important to choose the right place for growing. It should be sunny, but direct rays can cause damage to the plant. Negative on his condition is affected by drafts.
- It is important to pay attention to the condition of the soil, which must be fertile and nutritious. It is best to mix the soil with peat, humus or compost. If you do not want to mix everything yourself, you can buy ready-made mixes in the store. Note that Japanese azaleas have a superficial root system, so only the top layer needs to be replaced.
- Digging a hole should be guided by the size of the roots, so its size should be slightly larger than the lump. At the bottom, a drainage system should be installed to prevent water stagnation. The distance between the seedlings should be 0.5 m so that they do not create a shadow for each other.
- In the hole you can pour fertilizer, but not nitrogen, and it is better to choose options for acidic soils. In addition, organic food is suitable, for example, compost , ash, humus and other.
Japanese azalea - care
Caring for shrubs is simple, but there are several important tips that should be taken into account, so that the plant grows well and regularly happy with its color.
- For Japanese azalea, care at home and outdoors necessarily includes copious watering. This is especially important during flowering. In this issue, the main thing is not to overdo it, because excessive moisture will lead to the death of the plant.
- After the flowering period is over, you can trim. Fading shoots must be shortened by 1/3. Make sure that the branches are removed symmetrically and along the entire circumference. Places of cut must necessarily be treated with linseed oil or paint, so that the Japanese azalea does not start to hurt.
- Of great importance is the feeding of bushes, which should be carried out throughout the season: in the spring, and before and after flowering. It is important to take into account that fertilizers are not brought under the root, but at a small distance from it. Any mixture of fertilizers is allowed.
- There are a number of problems that can affect the plant. Fall buds may be due to stress or moisture on them. When creating suitable conditions, the problem disappears by itself. If the leaves turn yellow and fall off, this can happen as a result of direct sunlight falling on them. To the causes of yellowing can be attributed chlorosis, which occurs when there is a large amount of calcium in the soil. It is necessary to add diluted citric acid to water for irrigation of Japanese azaleas. Virtually all pests can be seen with the naked eye, so you should periodically inspect the condition of branches and leaves.