Vegetative Propagation of Deciduous Rhododendrons using Root Stimulating Agents

Abstract

The genus Rhododendron L. is the largest in the heather family Ericaceae DC. Rhododendrons are decorative evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous shrubs that have gained great popularity in green building, ornamental gardening and breeding. Among all groups of rhododendrons, deciduous are the most promising for cultivation in Central Russia due to their high winter hardiness, unpretentiousness and exceptional decorative effect. The article presents the results of experiments carried out at the GBS RAS in 2017-2020 on vegetative propagation of 50 species and varieties of deciduous rhododendrons. Vegetative propagation of deciduous rhododendrons is a rather laborious long process. Cutting deciduous rhododendrons has its own nuances and is considered problematic. In this regard, the selection of optimal conditions for the propagation of rhododendrons, which can enrich the cultural flora of the North-West, central Russia, the Urals and Siberia, was the main goal of this work.