How to raise rhododendron and camellia in the north
Successful cultivation of Rhododendron camellia in the northern region requires overcoming special challenges such as dry climate and alkaline water quality. This ornamental plant, which combines the beautiful camellia flowers and the tenacious characteristics of rhododendrons, not only survives through scientific maintenance methods, but also blooms gorgeous flowers. Master the following five core skills so that you can create your own camellia landscape in the north. The key elements of cultivation in the north are flower and soil configuration. Three elements Rhododendron and Camellia have strict soil requirements: 1. Substrate ratio: mixed lime soil + coarse sand + pine needles in a ratio of 5:3:2. Acid-base adjustment: Regularly water ferrous sulfate (0.2% solution) to maintain pH 5.5 -6.53. Improvement skills: Add 5% sulfur powder every spring to improve the alkaline intelligent water supply plan adopts the "three-look" watering method: ·Look at the season: 3-4 times a week in spring and autumn, and once every morning and evening in summer. Look at the medium: Pour it through when the surface layer is 3cm dry, Use pH test paper to measure water quality·Look at the weather: control water before rain, and irrigate with warm water (25℃) after snow. Implement the "three-stage" fertilization method: ·Growth period (March-June): Monthly application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizers·bud pregnancy period (September-October): add potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution·Dormancy period (December-February): Stop fertilization, modeling and pruning tips and master the principle of "three cuts and three retention":·Cut inner branches and leave peripheral branches·Cut sick and weak branches and leave strong branches·Cut long branches and leave flower buds. It is recommended to prune them once in March and November every year, apply healing ointment on the incision to protect the winter by using "three-layer protection" strategy: 1. Cover the ground with a 5cm layer of pine needles 2. Wrap the trunk with non-woven fabric 3. Build temporary windbreaks to maintain the environmental humidity of 60%-70%, and the temperature is no less than-5℃. Through systematic maintenance plans, flower friends in the north can fully cultivate rhododendron camellia that is more robust than the south. The key is to grasp the three cores of soil improvement, precise water supply, and regular basin replacement (it is recommended to change the basin in early spring every year to remove 1/3 of the old soil). Persisting in observing the condition of the plants and adjusting the maintenance details in a timely manner will surely make this "southern beauty" shine in the northern courtyard.