Rhododendron russatum 'Gletschernacht'

In May the evergreen runs rhododendron russatum rises to its top form when it presents its magnificent, initially blue-violet and after blooming, dark blue flowers. In combination with the dark green foliage, it attracts everyone's attention. This upright and later compact rhododendron is one of the smaller varieties with heights of up to 110 cm. However, it only reaches its final size after 10-15 years.

Location

Like most of them Rhododendrons The 'Gletschernacht' variety also prefers a sunny to partially shaded location with high humidity. Full sun should be avoided if possible. When choosing a location, the greatest attention should be paid to the nature of the soil, as this is a prerequisite for healthy growth, lush green foliage and lush blossoms.

• Soil should be acidic, humic and evenly moist
• humic subsoil promotes aeration of the soil and soil fertility
• can significantly improve the absorption capacity for water and nutrients
• organic materials in humus release humic acids
• these can lower the pH value, which is desirable for the rhododendron
• for a permanent supply, apply a layer of mulch to the root area
• Mulch can be made of bark or coniferous soil
• Renew the layer about every two years
• to lower the pH value more strongly instead of Bark mulch Use sawdust
• Dry and soils with a high proportion of clay or loam as well as calcareous soils are unsuitable
• Rhododendron russatum 'Gletschernacht' is very sensitive to lime

plants

This pretty shrub can be planted from mid-March to late April or from late September to early December, as long as the ground is frost-free. Before starting to plant, the root ball should be soaked in lime-free water.

• In the meantime, work humus or other organic materials into the soil
• preferably use coniferous soil, rotted oak leaves or half-finished compost
• Wood fibers or composted tree bark are also very suitable
• these materials promote a vitally acidic pH level for rhododendrons
• then dig out the planting hole
• that should be about three times the size of the pad
• this is different with heavy soils with a high proportion of loam or clay
• here, it should be at least four times the bale diameter
• Fill the planting hole with acidic, humus-rich potting soil

The plant is then placed in the container at the same height as before and filled with soil. In order to support the stability, a support can be used in the first year, which is used when planting. As soon as the rhododendron has grown well, it can be removed again.

Tip: Individual plantings are not recommended for this alpine rose. Planting several specimens, around one plant per square meter, is beneficial for their development. Planting with other bog plants with similar location and soil requirements is recommended, such as B. lavender-, summer or winter heather.

Planting on calcareous soils

If the planting is only possible on calcareous soils, a so-called capillary barrier is required. This is to prevent calcareous water from reaching the roots from below. To do this, a 60 - 80 cm deep planting hole is first dug and the soil at the bottom of the pit is loosened up well. Then a special flower fleece is laid out on the floor. A drainage layer of coarse gravel is placed on top. The fleece is intended to prevent soil and drainage material from mixing. That was all. Now the plant can be used as usual.

Tip: Such a capillary barrier has a disadvantage. It also prevents groundwater from reaching the roots, so that weather-related irrigation must always be taken into account.

to water

The optimal supply of water plays an important role in this alpine rose. Their water requirements are relatively high. A humus soil or mulching with organic materials is very helpful, whereby humus formation is not possible without sufficient moisture. Ideally, the soil is always evenly moist. It shouldn't dry out. In a spring with little rainfall, especially before flowering, watering must be carried out as well as during the growing phase.

Later watering is only necessary occasionally when it is dry. If the drought continues, the top soil layer dries out relatively quickly. Since the roots of Rhododendron russatum run close to the surface of the earth, they are quickly affected in drought. Once the lower part of the root has dried up, the plant is no longer able to absorb water or nutrients. However, you shouldn't water too much, because too much watering can promote various diseases.

Tip: These plants are very sensitive to lime, so they should only be watered with soft, lime-free water if possible. Rainwater is ideal.

Fertilize

You shouldn't overdo it when it comes to fertilizing. If the plant is regularly supplied with organic materials, no further fertilization is usually necessary. These organic materials should always be incorporated outside of the root area, because the rhododendron 'Gletschernacht' is one of the shallow roots.

As a result, its roots are relatively close to the surface of the earth, so that they could be severely damaged in any form of tillage. As an alternative to this form of fertilization, a special rhododendron fertilizer can be administered around the end of March / beginning of April and one more time after flowering. You should avoid other fertilizers if possible, because most of them contain too much lime.

Cut

Regular pruning is not absolutely necessary for the rhododendron 'Gletschernacht'. A stronger cut is even not recommended. Only the withered flowers should be removed to prevent possible fungal diseases. In addition, parts of the plant that have frozen back can be cut out in spring. You should cut into the healthy wood.

Overwinter

In good soil and a location protected from winter sun, a well-grown rhododendron 'Gletschernacht' is well hardy and does not need any protection. Covering with fir branches is only recommended in the year of planting. However, what it also needs in the cold season is water, because it is one of the evergreen varieties and consequently also evaporates a lot of moisture in winter. You should water again, especially before the start of winter. A dry root ball would freeze to death in winter. Often, supposedly frozen plants have simply dried up.

On the other hand, a Rhododendron russatum should be protected from frost in the bucket by placing it on a styrofoam plate away from the floor. The pot is wrapped with bubble wrap or jute and the substrate is also covered with leaves or fir branches. Then you put it in a sheltered place.

Toxicity

Rhododendrons are basically poisonous for both humans and animals. They contain a lot of toxins especially in leaves, flowers, pollen and even in nectar. Children who come into contact with the plants are particularly at risk. If there are small children or animals in the household, the purchase of a rhododendron should be carefully considered and alternatives should be looked out for, even if it is difficult.