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According to Vitalija Rylienė, a specialist at the Senukai Garden Center, growing these impressive flowering ornamental shrubs is not really difficult: you just need to know a few basic rules. Now is a good time to plant them, so the expert shares tips to help you successfully plant rhododendrons and magnolias in your garden, according to the report.
Rhododendrons love shade and moisture.
Rhododendrons are quite sensitive to cold, therefore V. Rylienė advises choosing the most resistant plant varieties. “The color range of rhododendrons is diverse, but purple, pink and white flowering shrubs are especially suitable for the Lithuanian climate,” says the specialist.
According to her, rhododendrons do not like sunlight and drafts. Therefore, when choosing a place for them, it is important to make sure that the seedlings are heated by the sun only part of the day. “The east or west side of the house is perfect for that, while protecting it from the wind. It is worth remembering that the larger the rhododendron leaves are, the more they like shade and moisture,” says V Rylienė, adding that in case of drought, the bushes of this species will have to be watered more frequently than the small leaves.
Under the right conditions, rhododendrons grow to a height of 2-3 meters and a width of 2 meters. They generally flower in a few weeks, but different species flower at different times. Therefore, if you choose them correctly and coordinate them with each other, you will be able to admire the rings for several months. Although rhododendrons grow slowly, they last 30 to 40 years under proper care.
Rhododendrons love loose, waterproof soil and a thin layer of humus. Before planting, the specialist recommends that the rhododendron be touched abundantly and placed in a shallow place, but twice as wide as the available foliage. “It is important that the soil is acidic, so I advise enriching the well with a peat substrate especially for rhododendrons.”
Magnolia
Tips for growing magnolias
Magnolias love heat, they feel better growing on the south side of the house, where there is plenty of sunlight but no drafts. It is worth remembering that these are large trees that can grow up to 10 meters, so when choosing a place in the garden, they should leave enough space. According to the expert, magnolia bushes are also popular, perfect for smaller gardens.
Magnolias are sensitive to transplantation, so the expert recommends choosing a seedling grown in a pot. “The roots of the seedlings grown in the pot are already formed, so that the plant does not experience shock during transplanting, it heals faster. Another advantage of potted magnolias is that they can be planted later, not just in spring, ”reveals V. Rylienė.
According to her, magnolias also like loose soil, more permeable to humidity and air, more acidic, and are planted 2-3 times bigger than a pot. “It is important to plant magnolias at the same depth that they grew. The more soil you renew in the well, the faster the magnolia will take root, ”says the plant expert.
Solutions for abundant flowering.
Magnolias and rhododendrons stand out from other ornamental shrubs not only for their thick, juicy leaves, but also for their huge flowers. “Plants grown for them use a lot of energy, so regular fertilization with quality measures is very important,” says the specialist, adding that when using fertilizers, it is important to follow all the manufacturer’s recommendations.
According to the plant expert, it is not difficult to use fertilizers for plants that like both loose and liquid acidic soils. “Granular fertilizer should be applied to the root area and easily applied to the soil. And the liquid just needs to mix with water and touch the plant. ” According to V. Rylienė, the right amount of nutrients in the soil will ensure favorable growth conditions, abundant flowering and bright flower colors.
The specialist recalls that both rhododendrons and magnolias have difficulties to tolerate damage to branches and stems. Branches are generally damaged during improper or inappropriate pruning, and the trunk is cut during lawn mowing. “To protect logs from mechanical damage, I recommend quilting magnolias and rhododendrons. Pine bark mulch is perfect for this, as it will protect plants from excessive drying in the summer and frost in the winter. Mulching will also help maintain proper soil acidity and prevent weeds from spreading, ”reveals the plant expert at Senukai.
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