Rhododendron, aliases: Yingshan red, mountain pomegranate, mountain heel, full of mountain red, mountain crane, Zhaoshan red, Ying Chunhua, Shi yan, hydrangea, rhododendron color, there are red, white, yellow, orange, purple, pink, magenta, deep red, milky white, as well as white background red edge, red dot and so on.
At present, there are 300 to 400 varieties of rhododendron garden art widely cultivated in China, because its main pedigree is Yingshan red, although it does not fall leaves in winter, it is still classified as a category of deciduous rhododendron. According to the parental source, morphological characteristics, and characteristics, it can be divided into four categories:
1. Hairy crane
Hairy rhododendron is also known as hairy-leaf rhododendron, spring rhododendron macrophyllum species, large-leaf rhododendron, etc., this type of rhododendron species include splendid rhododendron, hairy white rhododendron and its variants, hybrids.
Main characteristics: tall plant type, up to 2 to 3 meters, thick and long branches, robust growth, strong adaptability, is an excellent rootstock grafted with western cranes. The young branches are densely covered with brown bristles. The leaves are oblong-oval, up to 10 cm long, coarse and hairy. The flowers are large, single-petaled, wide funnel-shaped, less heavy petals, and the flower colors are red, purple, pink, white and complex.
Representative varieties: jade butterfly, purple butterfly, Ryukyu red, jade ling, etc.
2. East Crane
The Eastern Crane, also known as the Oriental Crane, the Cinnabar Rhododendron, and the Spring Crane Leaf Species, was introduced from Japan. This type of rhododendron includes stone rock rhododendron and its variants, and there are many varieties.
Main features: short body size, 1 to 2 meters high, scattered branches, slender branches, thin leaves and light color, less lustrous hair, flowering in April, dense flowers, the smallest flower, flower diameter 2 to 4 cm, maximum 6 cm, single petal by calyx petals into sleeve petals, few heavy petals, more flowers.
Representative varieties: Snow Moon, Bizhi, Xintiandi, Sunrise and Spring and Autumn Flowering "Four Seasons Reputation".
3. Summer Crane
Native to India and Japan, the Summer Crane is known in Japan as the Gao Yue Cuckoo. It is the latest rhododendron species to bloom and blooms from late May to June.
Main features: small plant type, slender branches, dense branches, rich and neat canopy, about 1 meter high. The leaves are narrow and tightly arranged. The flowers are wide and funnel-shaped, with a diameter of 6 to 8 cm, and rich in flower colors and flower shapes, which is a good material for making pile scenes.
Representative varieties: Changhua, Da Hong Pao, Chen Jia YinHong, Wubao Green Pearl, Zichen Hall, etc.
4. West Crane
The West Crane was first successfully cultivated in the Netherlands and Belgium, so it is called the West Crane, which is composed of anti-complex cross-fertilization of Rhododendron of the Gao Moon, Yingshan Red and Hairy White Rhododendron, and is the most beautiful azalea variety with the most flower color and flower shape.
Main features: Short plant type, tight canopy, thick and short branches. This kind of, afraid of sun and afraid of freezing. The leaves are thick green, thick, shiny, and less hairy, and the leaf shape is light leaves, pointed leaves, twisted leaves, long leaves or broad leaves. Flowering period is mainly spring, autumn, the flowering period of excellent varieties can reach 10 months, mostly heavy petals, few single petals, petals are narrow, round, straight, back turned, waves, flying, wrinkled edges, curls, etc., flower diameter 6 to 8 cm, the largest can exceed 10 cm.
Representative varieties: Crown, Brocade, Celestial Dance, Sihaibo, Cunningham White, Inga, Cosmos, Lara, Mary, Mistral, Palotte, Rosalie, Horse Racing, etc.