Caucasian rhododendron in the mountains: when it blooms
Content:
Caucasian rhododendron is one of the species of evergreen flowering shrubs, especially loved by gardeners. This is due not only to the beauty of the flowering of this plant, but also to its beneficial properties. Substances obtained from this type of rhododendron become the basis not only for medicines, but also for tinctures of traditional healers.
Caucasian rhododendron: plant description
Mountain rhododendron, officially called Caucasian, belongs to the genus of rhododendrons and the Heather family. It is a shrub with oblong evergreen leaves and recumbent stems. The stems eventually become covered with dark bark. This plant reaches a height of 1.5 m in the wild.
Caucasian rhododendron flower
The inflorescence is collected in the likeness of an umbrella, the flowers have a small corolla (up to 3 cm in diameter). Their color varies from pure white to light pink. In some subspecies, the center of the flower has a scattering of red specks. Rhododendron seeds are formed in oblong capsules.
When the pink mountain rhododendron begins to bloom
Differences from other species
As the name suggests, the place of growth of this species of rhododendrons is the Caucasus Mountains. Most often, you can find shrubs at an altitude of 1600-3000 m above sea level. Mountain rosewood can be found in all the North Caucasian republics, on the southern mountain ranges in Turkey.
This plant has good winter hardiness. In nature, it tolerates temperatures down to -29 ° C, and therefore is suitable for growing in gardens in the cold regions of Russia.
The main feature of mountain rhododendron is its medicinal properties. In Abkhazia, there are large plantations of this plant, which is grown specifically for medical purposes.
The chemical composition of the healing rhododendron
The Caucasian rose tree is a plant rich in a variety of chemicals. The main components that can be used in medicine are found in leaves and flowers.
They include:
- vitamin C contained in plant flowers - a component that helps the body fight viruses and assimilate calcium and iron;
- tannins in the leaves. They have anti-inflammatory and tonic properties;
- essential oils extracted from both leaves and flowers improve the state of the immune system, fight inflammation and viruses.
Contained in this heather plant and a harmful component - andromedotoxin glycoside. It is a natural poison that can lead to disruption of the cardiac activity of the body.
Dried Mountain Rose Leaves
Economic value and application
On the basis of the useful components of the Caucasian rhododendron, drugs are produced for certain diseases, as well as drugs aimed at general strengthening of the body.
Healing properties
Preparations and tinctures based on mountain rhododendron are widely used. Among the main properties are:
- diuretic;
- antipyretic;
- disinfecting;
- wound healing;
Diseases for which rhododendron products are used:
- disorders of the cardiovascular system;
- fever;
- rheumatism;
- gout;
- neuralgia and epilepsy;
- disorders of the nervous system;
- periodontal disease and stomatitis;
- gynecological diseases.
The list is extensive, but each disease has its own nuances of treatment with such means. It is important to strictly adhere to the dosage and other prescriptions of the attending physician so as not to get side effects.
This amazing flower combines beauty and healing benefits.
Application in traditional medicine
Traditional healers use rhododendron in different forms: as tea, broth or alcohol tincture. The most commonly used dried flowers and dried leaves of the plant.
Folk remedies with mountain rose:
- tea made from dried leaves is drunk as an anti-cold and tonic remedy;
- for tachycardia and problems with shortness of breath, alcohol infusion is taken in small doses;
- a decoction of the leaves helps to stabilize high blood pressure;
- decoction douching is used to treat cervical and prostate erosion in men.
In addition, rhododendron honey is often used to treat colds and boost immunity.
Rhododendron honey
Contraindications and harm of rhododendron
There are contraindications to the use of drugs based on rhododendron. They are not suitable for those who have:
- the period of pregnancy and lactation has begun:
- there is an allergy to the component;
- necrotic processes occur in the body.
It is better to consult a doctor before using, including folk remedies, and eliminate the risks of getting even worse diseases.
Preparation of medicinal raw materials
For medicinal purposes, the leaves and flowers of rhododendron are collected from bushes 2-3 years old. This is done when the rhododendron blooms. Usually in the Caucasus mountains this period is from mid-June to the end of July.
Raw materials are dried in a dry, well-ventilated area. Leaves and flowers are laid out on the fabric separately in one layer. Completely dried ingredients (they break easily when compressed) are stored in glass containers for no more than two years.
Growing and propagating a plant
To grow the mountain species of rhododendrons at home, it is necessary to create the conditions familiar to it. Perhaps it is in a garden or summer cottage. Rhododendron in the mountains grows in a windless shaded area, free from large trees. The north side of the site will do. Planting rules for mountain rhododendron do not differ from the rules for other varieties.
The Caucasian rhododendron reproduces in the same way as other species: by seeds, cuttings or layering. The fastest and easiest way to start a new plant is by cuttings.
Features of plant care in the first year after planting
In the first year after planting seedlings, it is important to monitor the moderation of soil moisture. In the dry season, abundant watering is needed, but in the rainy season it is better to limit the ingress of moisture to the area around the bush.
Top dressing for the first months is not necessary, since the roots are sufficiently strengthened only in the second year after planting. It is important not to forget to mulch the soil and remove weeds around the rhododendron.
To prepare for the wintering of a seedling, you may need water-charging watering, as well as a shelter from coniferous branches and burlap.
The mountain species is successfully grown in a garden
Diseases and pests
The lush blooming branchy shrubs of rhododendrons attract many insects that can destroy the plant. Experts recommend pest prevention.
- Slugs, snails and other molluscs are harvested by hand, then the shrub is processed with thiram.
- Bedbugs, spider mites, rhododendron flies are destroyed by karbofos.
It is important to process not only the branches and leaves themselves, but also a small area around the plant in order to protect it from the reappearance of pests.
Rhododendrons are susceptible to fungal diseases. The reasons are insufficient soil aeration and improper irrigation regime. How to deal with illness:
- rotten shoots are completely removed;
- rust is treated with iron chelate;
- Bordeaux liquid is used as a prophylaxis. Processing is carried out in early spring or late autumn.
Having grown a Caucasian rhododendron in your summer cottage, you can get not only a beautiful, but also a useful plant. The competent use of dried leaves and buds of the bush will help you quickly cope with many diseases.
