Azaleas And Rhododendrons

AZALEAS DISTANCE LEARNING COURSE

Develop a broadened knowledge of Azaleas & Rhododendrons, their cultivars and cultivation; and in doing so, provide a foundation upon which you can better pursue your interest in this fascinating group of plants.

Considered by many to be the very best plants a garden can offer, azaleas and rhododendrons are some of the most popular plants grown anywhere. The course shows how to grow them to perfection, and builds your knowledge of varieties available, to give you a long lasting display of colour in the garden. Soils, weed control, feeding, pest and disease control, watering, landscape design and lots more are included over eight lessons

• Rhododendrons are a genus of the heath family Ericaceae.
• Whilst the rhododendron genus is divided into many ‘series’ the three most important horticultural divisions comprise: azaleas, vireya rhododendrons and rhododendrons proper.
• Interestingly, azaleas were formerly assigned their own genus.
• Broadly speaking, azaleas have smaller leaves, less height, and typically 5 stamens, whilst the rest of the genus has 10 or more.

Lesson Structure

There are 8 lessons in this course:

1. Introduction
   • Introducing Rhododendrons
   • Introducing Azaleas
   • Indica and kurume hybrids
   • Deciduous mollis hybrids
   • Review of the system of plant identification
   • Classification of Azaleas and Rhododendrons-sub genera
   • Information and networking
   • contacts (i.e.: nurseries, seed, clubs etc.)
2. Culture
   • Soils for Azaleas and Rhododendrons
   • Most Common pest and disease problems with Azaleas and Rhododendrons
   • Other cultural considerations
3. Propagation
   • Methods of propagating azaleas and rhododendrons
   • Using root stimulating auxins
   • Propagation of different types
   • Layering, cuttings, seed
4. The most Commonly Grown Varieties.
   • R. arborescens -a very popular species
   • Indica hybrids
   • Kurume hybrids
   • Mollis hybrids
   • Other deciduous hybrids
   • Azaleodendrons
   • Uses for Azaleas
5. Other important groups.
   • Scope
   • Rock Rhododendrons
   • Vireyas
   • Other tropical Rhododendrons
   • Hybrids
   • Cultivated Rhododendron species
6. Lesser Grown Varieties.
   • Obscure species
   • Varieties that have become less popular
   • Alpine Roses
   • Yak Hybrids
   • Lesser grown Azaleas
7. Making the best use of these plants. In containers, in the ground, as indoor plants, growing and showing, growing for profit.
8. Special Assignment
   • A study of one selected plant or group.

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Aims

• Discuss how Rhododendrons and Azaleas are classified.
• Describe the general cultural requirements that are common to all Rhododendron species.
• Select appropriate materials for propagation
• Propagate Azaleas and Rhododendrons.
• Describe species of azalea are most commonly grown.
• Describe a range of common varieties of Rhododendrons.
• Conduct valid research into lesser known varieties of Rhododendron and Azalea.
• Determine various uses and applications of rhododendrons in the home garden.
• Demonstrate the knowledge acquired for a specific group or individual plant in the Rhododendron group of plants.

Tips for Growing Azaleas and Rhododendrons

•  Check flowering time when you buy plants. Rhododendrons flower depending on species, variety and climate from late winter through spring and also in autumn. There are several hundreds of azalea and rhododendron cultivars to choose from. They vary in their mature size, flower colour, and flowering time..
• They thrive in well drained, rich, acid soils with a pH of around 4.5 to 5.5 and a high content of organic matter. Rhododendrons will not grow in soils that are too acidic with a pH value below approximately 4.3. Similarly, they will die in alkaline soils with a pH value above 6.5.  Soils with higher or lower pH will need adjusting before planting.
• Rhododendrons do not fare well if they are excessively fertilised. It is therefore advisable to plant them away from plants which require frequent fertilising. Dry mix azalea foods should be administered sparingly. A light sprinkling can be applied to the soil as far as the outer foliage. For potted plants just one level teaspoon is enough for a 30cm pot, and less for smaller pots. Feed should always be watered in.
• In temperate climates deciduous and Kurume azaleas generally grow well in a cool partially shaded position. The ‘hardy hybrid’ rhododendrons do well outdoors but most of the perfumed species and taller species will only survive in milder areas or indoors. In warmer climates Kurumes and evergreen azaleas can be grown in dappled sunlight provided by planting beneath tall trees. Many species of these varieties will also grow in full morning sun. Some of the dwarf hybrids will thrive in full sun. In most cases, very shaded positions will result in leggy plants with less flower production.
• Potted rhododendron species should not be allowed to dry out. Those which are planted in open ground should be watered regularly particularly after new growth appears during the spring months and thereafter during the growth period. If foliage becomes droopy and lacking in vigour then watering should resolve this. Watering should be sufficient to penetrate the subsoil during long dry periods to avoid soil salts becoming concentrated around the surface roots. One should bear in mind that whilst these plants require moist conditions, they will not survive in continuously wet soil with poor drainage.

What qualification will I achieve for completing this course?

This is an individual module course. The individual module courses are 100 hour long usually and can be taken on their own or as part of a larger program of study.
If you wish to take an individual module course as a stand alone course, you can elect to sit an optional exam at the end of it.
If you successfully pass the exam and all assignments, you will receive a Statement of Attainment. You can take examinations at a time and location to suit you. If you enrol, you will be sent further information on how to arrange examinations at the end of the course.
If you do not wish to take the exam, you will receive a Course Completion letter when you have passed all assignments.
There is an assignment at the end of each lesson. So for example, if an individual module course contains ten lessons, you will need to complete ten assignments. Assignments can be sent to us via email, post or fax.
Other qualifications, such as certificates, diplomas etc may require examinations to be taken as part of the overall assessment process.
You can find further information on the examinations process by clicking on the “Enrolment” link above.
You can find further information on other courses by clicking on the “Courses” link above.

More Information on ACS Distance Education and our courses

Who are our tutors?
Our tutors are all highly experienced and professional, knowledgeable in their field of study. We have staff from around the world, enabling us to gain a wide variety of perspectives. We have a school in the UK and in Australia. If you would like to have a look at our tutors, then click on the “About Us” in the boxes above and choose “The Staff” option.

Sample Course Notes
Our courses are all written by highly qualified tutors and writers, who also teach on the courses, so know them well. We strive to update our courses and improve them with new information, methods and knowledge on an ongoing basis. If you would like to see examples of some of our courses, then choose the “Enrolment” option above, and then click on “Sample Course Notes”.

What learning method should I choose?
We offer three learning methods – e-learning, correspondence and online. If you are not sure which is the right choose for you, then click on the “Learning” box above, then “Learning Methods.”

How Long will it take to complete the course?
This obviously varies from student to student. Some students will have more time for study than others. Some students may work quicker than others, so it is an individual thing. We estimate that most students will take, for example, 4 – 6 months to complete a 100 hour individual module, but we allow up to 12 months for you to complete it.
Longer courses will obviously take longer. You can find more information on the length of time required and so on the “Enrolment” box, then selecting “Terms and Conditions of Enrolment.”

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If you would like to read comments from our previous students, then choose the “About Us” option above, then “Student Testimonials”.

I don’t think this is the right course for me.
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If you would like more advice on a course, then you can contact us and ask a tutor about the courses. You can contact us by calling 0800 328 4723 or +44(0) 384 442752 or emailing info@acsedu.co.uk

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Who is ACS Distance Education?
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