Alpenrose is a densely branched, evergreen shrub growing to a height of 0.4-1 m. The glowing flowers appear in June and July. The capsules ripen and split at the end of September.
It is a native of western, central and southern Europe, its range extending eastward to Asia Minor and Caucasia in continental Europe. It is found mainly in beech woods, where it grows on stony, calcareous soils or ones rich in humus; in Britain it will grow almost anywhere. Ideal for its growth are the mild winters of the coastal climate and moist air. It tolerates strong shade but bears flowers and fruits only if supplied with adequate light. It is used in parks to form a green carpet in shaded spots where turf will not thrive, and to cover walls and rocks. Propagation is by means of cuttings and seeds.
When planted in gardens both these rhododendrons should be provided with a moist soil rich in humus. The large-flowered and taller species, 2-4 m high, developed by the crossing of American and Chinese rhododendrons, are generally cultivated in parks and gardens.
The fruits ripen in September; they are edible but turn sweet only after the first frost. Inside the pulp is a hard, elongate seed which, when sown, does not germinate until the second year.
This is a warmth-loving species growing mostly in southern Europe and Asia Minor. In central Europe it exists as a relic of the warm period following the Ice Age, growing in warm, mainly limestone situations. It occurs on sunny and rocky banks or in oak stands. It thrives quite well in dry locations but requires lighter soil rich in humus.
It is planted in parks for its early flowers and attractive red fruits. Propagation is by means of seeds, summer cuttings and root suckers. The wood is very hard, with reddish-brown heartwood. - 16035
It is a native of western, central and southern Europe, its range extending eastward to Asia Minor and Caucasia in continental Europe. It is found mainly in beech woods, where it grows on stony, calcareous soils or ones rich in humus; in Britain it will grow almost anywhere. Ideal for its growth are the mild winters of the coastal climate and moist air. It tolerates strong shade but bears flowers and fruits only if supplied with adequate light. It is used in parks to form a green carpet in shaded spots where turf will not thrive, and to cover walls and rocks. Propagation is by means of cuttings and seeds.
When planted in gardens both these rhododendrons should be provided with a moist soil rich in humus. The large-flowered and taller species, 2-4 m high, developed by the crossing of American and Chinese rhododendrons, are generally cultivated in parks and gardens.
The fruits ripen in September; they are edible but turn sweet only after the first frost. Inside the pulp is a hard, elongate seed which, when sown, does not germinate until the second year.
This is a warmth-loving species growing mostly in southern Europe and Asia Minor. In central Europe it exists as a relic of the warm period following the Ice Age, growing in warm, mainly limestone situations. It occurs on sunny and rocky banks or in oak stands. It thrives quite well in dry locations but requires lighter soil rich in humus.
It is planted in parks for its early flowers and attractive red fruits. Propagation is by means of seeds, summer cuttings and root suckers. The wood is very hard, with reddish-brown heartwood. - 16035
About the Author:
In garden planning, where the garden roof is strong enough to support the weight of topsoil and underlying drainage, the sight of a lawn outside the living room in a modern apartment can be very striking.
