Hydrangea anabel planting and care in the open field in siberia

When decorating their personal plot, gardeners are trying to acquire charming plants. Especially if this beauty does not create a large number of worries. The impressive popularity of this combination is the hydrangea species. It is better to start acquaintance with this wonderful plant with the Anabel tree hydrangea variety. Such a shrub will inspire novice gardeners and delight experienced ones.

Description of hydrangea Anabel

The plant is a dome-shaped deciduous shrub. The height of hydrangea reaches up to 1.2 m. The crown span is on average 1.5 m in diameter, and adult bushes can grow up to 3 meters.

The bush is densely covered with rich green oval leaves, pointed at the end, with uneven edges, up to 20 cm long. The brightness of the greenery remains until the very frost.

Flowering begins by the end of June. It lasts quite a long time, up to September-October. Flowers are collected in large balls with a diameter of 20 cm, and sometimes up to 25 cm. Formation occurs due to the combination of a large number of small inflorescences, the circumference of which is about 2 cm. Each flower contains 4 petals. At the beginning of flowering, the hydrangea has a light green hue. And as it ripens, it acquires a rich white color.

The shrub grows rapidly. During the season, the bush can grow by an average of 20 cm. The age of the Anabel hydrangea is 40-50 years.

Planting hydrangeas

Each gardener determines the planting time independently. The end of spring is ideal. If planting occurs in the fall, then preferably not late. Otherwise, the hydrangea may not have time to take root and adapt before the onset of frost. It is better to give the plant extra time.

In order for the shrub to please with its beautiful view, you need to responsibly approach the choice of a landing site. Hydrangea does not like transplanting, so you need to immediately choose a permanent place of its habitat.

It is better not to use sunny places for shrubs. Heavy shade is also not suitable. Planting anabelle tree hydrangea is best done in light partial shade. Light, non-aggressive rays will have a beneficial effect on abundant flowering.

Basically, plants of this kind are planted away from large plants. This is due to the absence of a struggle for moisture, since hydrangea belongs to moisture-loving plants.

The main stages of planting hydrangeas:

1. Before planting, it is recommended to soak the root of the seedling in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. This procedure will disinfect the bush and provide nourishment.
2. A landing pit 40x40 cm is dug. The depth should be about half a meter.
3. With poor soil, peat, humus and river sand are introduced in equal proportions.
4. Gently spread the roots and sprinkle them with earth. The near-root space needs to be pressed a little. The root collar should be above the soil.
5. Experienced gardeners recommend mulching the soil. This allows you to keep moisture longer. Mulch also protects against weeds and makes it easy to loosen the soil.

After the end of all the actions, the hydrangea is watered abundantly with water.

You also need to know that it is strictly forbidden to introduce ash or lime into the soil. Hydrangea does not tolerate alkaline reactions.

If the Anabel hydrangeas are planted in a row, then you need to leave the necessary spacing between the bushes of about 1.5-2 m. This will provide freedom for the correct formation of the bushes.

Features of hydrangea care

Correct planting of hydrangea Anabel and caring for the shrub is a guarantee of beauty and a beautiful view of the garden area. The ability to create compositions of individual bushes or group them together gives a lot of room for imagination.

The main care is pruning and feeding. Even without these manipulations, an unpretentious shrub will develop and bloom. But the correct formation and nutrition of hydrangeas is also very important.

The peculiarities of the variety include the unusual ability to color the buds in different shades. Gardeners achieve this magic by sprinkling with colored water. Gaining some experience in a similar procedure, you can create several flowers on one bush. It looks very impressive and unusual.

The shrub tolerates winter well and can withstand 40-degree frosts. Young shoots are more vulnerable and can freeze if the temperature drops below 20 degrees.

Watering hydrangea

Hortense Anabel will patiently survive the drought. But the plant belongs to the moisture-loving species, therefore, in order to avoid wilting of the foliage, it is recommended to moisten the soil artificially, by periodic watering. This is especially true for young bushes. With intensive growth, for proper formation, abundant watering is simply necessary.

The need for feeding

Some gardeners do not feed regularly. And the hydrangea develops well and blooms. But the impressive size of the bushes and flowering caps in this case is not expected.

Top dressing for the season takes place in several stages.

1. In early spring, before mulching the soil at the root, fertilizer is applied for intensive growth. It should be dominated by trace elements such as phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen.
2. During the formation of inflorescences, a second feeding is carried out, based on the content of phosphorus and potassium.
3. In the spring, you can spray the plant with a solution of potassium permanganate 2-3 times. This increases the strength of the shoots, which is extremely necessary for the hydrangea. The branches bend towards the ground under the weight of the buds.

Some try to tie the branches to the support. But this action completely changes the whole greatness of the bush.

Correct pruning

The tree-like hydrangea Anabel is beautiful, the care of which means basically correct pruning. This process must be approached responsibly. Improper pruning can completely destroy all the beauty of the plant.

Young bushes should not be pruned until they are 4 years old. From this period, branches should be pruned in early spring. Cuts are made from the ends of the branches, retreating by an average of 15 cm. Young shoots on an adult plant can be cut off by a third. This is necessary for the formation of lush flowers. In the absence of pruning, the buds begin to shrink over time.

Shrub propagation

It is not necessary to buy seedlings. You can take planting material from friends or neighbors. And later, if necessary, multiply.

The breeding process is fairly standard and simple.

There are mainly three methods used:

• growing cuttings;
• reproduction by layering;
• division of the bush.

The latter option is rather risky. If there is no such experience, it is better not to risk it. This is due to the large diameter of the bush. Therefore, dividing the root can damage the main bush. In this case, the damaged plant may start to hurt.

The first two methods are very easy to follow and are ideal for inexperienced gardeners.

The method of grafting consists in cutting off young shoots 10-15 cm long. It is necessary to carry out manipulations in early spring before bud break. It is better to make a cut obliquely.This will create a large area for the root system. After the cuttings are placed for 2 weeks in water or immediately in fertile soil. The temperature for the first time should be above 20 degrees. Cuttings need to get enough moisture on a regular basis. Thus, the cuttings grow for two years, after which they are transplanted into open ground to a permanent place.

The method of propagation by layering is the simplest and most hassle-free. During the period of bud formation, an extreme strong shoot is selected. It needs to be bent to the ground in the middle of the rod and fixed. In the place of the fold, dig it in with earth and water it regularly. The next year, roots will form at the fold. At the base of the mother bush, the layers are carefully cut off with a secateurs and transplanted to a permanent place.

Diseases and pests

Despite the simple planting and maintenance, the Anabel hydrangea can be subject to several diseases. Therefore, it is advisable to carry out regular maintenance work. For this, a weak solution of potassium permanganate is effectively used. It is poured abundantly at the root.

Major diseases:

• chlorosis;
• powdery mildew.

The first variant of the disease occurs on too alkaline soils. The leaves begin to brighten, the veins remain dark. If you do not take action in time, the bush will begin to die.

At the initial stage of powdery mildew disease, yellow spots appear on the foliage. Over time, a brown tint appears. Leaves wither and fall.

The formation of untimely yellowed foliage and the presence of cobwebs indicate the presence of a pest - a spider mite. If the pest is identified at the initial stage of appearance, then you can get by with a solution of laundry soap. When the state is neglected, one cannot do without chemicals: Fitoverm, Vermitic and others.

Preparing the plant for winter

Hydrangea Anabel is a frost-resistant plant. But it is better to cut young bushes at first.

To prepare the bush for the winter period, you need to remove all the foliage and remove old or damaged branches. The trunk circle is generously insulated with shavings, sawdust or coniferous needles. The bush is pressed against the ground and covered with spruce branches. Some gardeners, out of inexperience, use polyethylene for shelter. This is not worth doing. The plant can "suffocate" and stifle.

Variety reviews

Planting hydrangeas Anabel and leaving in the open field, judging by the reviews, do not present any difficulties. Even novice gardeners are delighted with these flowers. With a rather insignificant care, an extraordinary decorative effect of the site is created.

Having planted Anabel hydrangea on your plot, everyone will be satisfied. The uniqueness of the decor with the romantic notes of the backyard space will be the envy of the neighbors and the admiration of the guests. Hydrangea bushes can be used as hedges. She looks amazing on the lawn. It is harmoniously arranged with irises, phloxes, roses and many other flowers.

Hydrangea is still one of the most popular ornamental shrubs. The love of gardeners is primarily due to the stunningly lush flowering, huge leaves (up to 30 cm in length) and the relative simplicity of care. Most species still prefer a warm climate, which makes it difficult to grow shrubs, for example, in the middle lane or in the Urals. However, the Anabel variety is a rather frost-resistant hydrangea. Growing it doesn't cause a lot of hassle.

Description of the variety

When compared with other varieties and varieties, then Anabel has perhaps the most sprawling spherical bush. A lot of shoots are formed, which gives the impression of splendor. Height varies depending on natural conditions and can reach 1-1.5 m, and up to 3 m in width. Hydrangea flowers are small, only 2 cm in diameter. But the thing is that they are collected in spectacular spherical inflorescences, which can be up to 30 cm in volume.Flowering begins in mid to late June and lasts until September. Anabel is a long-lived hydrangea, and one bush can delight you for more than one decade, which is also an indisputable plus.

This variety is very versatile in terms of landscape design. A place for hydrangeas can be found anywhere. It goes well with conifers, irises, roses. If you wish, you can even make a real living wall out of it, which will be covered with fragrant white flowers from year to year.

There is another variety of this variety - this is the Pink Anabel hydrangea. It differs not only in a pink shade of flowers, but also in stronger and more wind-resistant shoots, increased frost resistance. The care is the same as for the Anabel hydrangea with white flowers.

How to choose a landing site?

To begin with, it is worth noting that planting Anabel hydrangea or any other variety should be carried out in the spring (in May) or in the fall (in September), with the first option being preferable. Buy seedlings in specialized stores, pay attention to the root system. Hydrangea at the time of planting may have buds, but should not bloom. The optimum age for seedlings is 2-3 years.

Choose a place for the bush, sheltered from drafts, in partial shade, where direct sunlight is only a few hours a day. There should not be too large trees nearby, as they will pick up moisture.

Hydrangea tree-like Anabel is not too demanding on soils, but still prefers acidic and with good water permeability, drained.

Preparing the landing site

After the landing site is selected, you need to dig a hole. The size depends on the seedling, approximately 50 x 50 cm and the same depth. The hydrangea has a superficial root system. If you are doing a group planting, then the distance between the seedlings should be about two meters.

It is recommended to pour several buckets of water (4-5) into the prepared hole and leave it overnight to absorb it. Further, a small drainage layer is poured onto the bottom, and then prepared nutrient soil (leaf earth, peat, humus and sand in equal quantities). In no case do not add lime and wood ash, the tree hydrangea Anabel does not like this.

Lower the seedling into a well-moistened soil and sprinkle it so that the root collar is at the level of the soil. The earth must be tamped tightly and watered again. The near-bore soil must be mulched after that. Use peat, sawdust, pine needles or spruce branches, and foliage. If you have a lawn, then you can apply grass that is in sufficient quantity after mowing it. Mulching protects the roots of hydrangea from overheating and limits the growth of weeds, in addition, organic matter rotts and acidifies the soil over time, which is very beneficial for the plant.

Hydrangea Anabel: care

The shrub grows fast enough. Hydrangea care consists in timely watering, loosening and mulching the soil, pruning.

The plant is very moisture-loving, the fact that it does not have enough water will be evidenced by slightly wilted leaves. The best watering option is 1-2 times a week, 3-4 buckets for each bush. It is desirable that it be gradual and slow, for example, a drip irrigation system. Watering frequency can be reduced to one in 10 days if the soil is mulched. It is best to do this in the spring and several times over the summer, while not forgetting to slightly loosen the soil in the near-stem circle.

Anabel is a hydrangea that loves feeding, she needs them for long and abundant flowering. The first time fertilization is applied the next spring after planting. For one square meter, the following nutritional composition is recommended:

• 40 g superphosphate;
• 20 g of urea;
• 30 g of potassium sulfate.

You can use ready-made complex fertilizers, for example, "Kemira-flowers", while strictly following the instructions.At the moment when the hydrangea Anabel is gaining buds, the second feeding is carried out (50 g of superphosphate and 30 g of potassium sulfate). In addition, it is recommended to water the shrub 2-3 times over the summer with a weak (light pink) solution of potassium permanganate.

Anabel is a hydrangea that is quite resistant to various kinds of diseases, but sometimes it can be damaged by spider mites, downy mildew, chlorosis of leaves or aphids. All cases require special treatment.

Hydrangea bush formation

Only shrubs older than five years are subject to pruning, until that time they do not need to be touched. The best time is early spring. Adult shoots are cut 10-20 cm, and annuals can be shortened by 1/3 of the length. Broken, old and often growing branches are subject to removal. You should not cut off weak bushes, since spring is a time of active sap flow, and a painful plant may die.

Propagation of hydrangea

Hydrangea Anabel reproduces very successfully in a vegetative way - by cuttings and layering. In the first case, young shoots are used. Cuttings 10-15 cm long should be cut during the flowering of the hydrangea. Then slightly dry the cut, treat with "Kornevin" and root in light fertile soil. For the formation of roots, cuttings need high humidity and a temperature of 20-25 degrees. In the second case, a strong and healthy shoot is buried in the fall. Already next spring, he will give roots and form a separate bush.

Hydrangea is a beautiful shrub with large inflorescences of delicate or juicy shades. Such a plant is the dream of every gardener, but many are afraid to breed a culture, considering it too capricious. But this opinion is erroneous: several dozen varieties thrive in mid-latitudes. It is possible to grow a plant such as a hydrangea in Siberia, planting and care will not create much trouble. Next, you can find out how to create a dream garden in a harsh winter, which varieties are suitable for the northern region and the rules for growing hydrangea.

Hydrangea varieties for Siberian conditions

Cold winters are easily tolerated by frost-resistant tree and paniculate varieties. When choosing a shrub, pay attention not only to the quality of the planting material, but also to the characteristics of an adult plant: the height of the bush, the size of the inflorescences, the period of decorativeness, etc. For the northern regions, it is better to choose earlier varieties, since the later ones simply will not have time to please you with the iridescence of flowers due to the early onset of cold weather.

Paniculate view

For panicle type hydrangeas, large inflorescences resembling a cone are characteristic. The height of the hydrangea bush reaches 2-2.5 m, although there are also undersized representatives, the plants differ in their color and the size of the inflorescences. For growing outdoors, residents of Siberia should consider the following varieties:

1. Pink Diamond is a spectacular shrub up to 1.5-2 meters, keeps its shape well. Flowers, white at the beginning of flowering, quickly take on a dark pink color, becoming almost red by autumn.
2. Vanille Fraise (Vanilla Fraise) is a bright representative of panicle hydrangea with dense pyramidal inflorescences up to 30 cm long. The flowers are initially white, gradually turn into delicate pink, and later turn crimson. Due to the constant appearance of new buds on the crown, a smooth transition from the pink base of the panicle to the white ending is achieved.
3. Silver Dollar - reaches two meters in height, a bush with very large wide cone-shaped panicles. The inflorescence is snow-white with a greenish crown, by autumn it takes on a lilac or barely perceptible pink tint.

This list can be continued with such varieties as Pinky Winky, Phantom, Lime Light, Bobo, Magical Fire.

Tree hydrangea

The second variety of hydrangeas, which are grown in Siberia, are tree varieties. These are shrubs up to 2-3 meters high with strong shoots, at the ends of which inflorescences up to 30 cm in diameter are concentrated in the form of a ball or shield.The most unpretentious variety is considered to be Annabelle (Anabel) with white buds and plants cultivated on its basis: Strong Annabelle and Pink Annabelle Invincibelle.

If you like a plant variety that is not adapted to the harsh winter, there is also a way out - planting in a pot. Someone practices digging a bush together with a root for the winter, but we do not recommend doing this. Removing an adult plant without damaging the root system is too time consuming process. A large flower pot can be a convenient alternative to avoid unnecessary hassle.

Selection of seedlings and reproduction

When buying planting material, keep in mind that the bush is gaining strength, becomes resistant to cold weather and blooms profusely only by the age of 4-5 years. In order for a hydrangea seedling to quickly take root and winter well, it is advisable to purchase it in a nursery located in your climatic zone. It is also possible to grow hydrangeas by seeds, but in this case you will have to wait for the first flowers for several years, and varietal characteristics may be lost.

If there is a bush on the site, the reproduction of hydrangeas can be carried out independently from cuttings, by dropping a strong shoot or dividing the plant. Experienced gardeners are advised to use cuttings, which preserve the decorative characteristics of the shrub. Rooting cuttings is done like this:

1. Shoots with strong buds are cut in the early morning. Cutting is done in the morning to keep the moisture in the shoots for the plant to survive. We put the branches in the water, further work should be done quickly.
2. The shoot is cut into several pieces with 2-3 pairs of leaves each. The upper part with the future flower is not suitable, it should be thrown away.
3. Leave each cutting in the root system stimulant solution for 2 hours. Cut the bottom pair of leaves, cut the top one in half.
4. Prepared cuttings are planted in pots, the soil for planting is taken at the rate of 1 part of sand for 2 parts of peat. The soil must be moistened and future seedlings watered twice a week. For better adaptation and rooting, cover the sprouts with jars.

Cuttings take root one month after planting, this is evident from the growth of new leaves from the buds.

Landing in open ground

In order for a shrub to develop into a full-fledged plant with lush large inflorescences, it is not enough to dwell on a frost-resistant variety. Hydrangea in Siberia requires proper planting and maintenance, and you need to start from the right place. Hydrangea does not like drafts and the scorching sun, shrubs feel good in a section protected from the wind in partial shade. In harsh Siberian conditions, the best time for planting in open ground is only after the weather has stabilized, preferably in the spring after the end of the night frosts.

As for the soil for planting, you will have to provide the shrub with medium or slightly acidic soil. If there is a high alkaline index in the ground, do not wait for the correct development of the hydrangea: the flowers will be small, the shoots will be weak. The best soil composition looks like this: turf soil, peat, sand, compost from leaves or humus in a ratio of 2: 2: 1: 1. This combination will allow the root system to breathe, it will retain moisture well, preventing its stagnation.

Preparing a pit for planting hydrangeas should be done a little in advance, for each plant you will have to dig a depression with dimensions of 0.5 m in length, width and depth. For quick adaptation of the hydrangea, pour 20-30 liters of water into the pits a day before planting. Depending on the selected variety, for each bush, there should be from 1 to 2.5 m2 of free land.

Examine the planting material: 5-6 buds should remain on the shoot, the rest will have to be cut off. The soil on the roots must be moist, but not watery, otherwise rooting will take longer. Damaged and dry roots should also be removed. The depressions must be partially filled with new soil. Place a seedling in the center of the hole, smooth the roots over the soil surface.Sprinkle gently with an earthy mixture, without deepening the root collar below the soil level. Lightly compact the soil, water and sprinkle with mulch, needles or foliage.

Shrub care rules

Fertilizers. For the bush to be strong and the flowering to be plentiful, experts advise feeding the hydrangea up to 4 times per season. Of the fertilizers, organic ones include a diluted solution of liquid manure, mineral fertilizers - potassium-phosphorus and nitrogen compositions. Top dressing is carried out at the beginning of sap flow, at the stage of budding, in the midst of flowering (July) and after the leaves are shed.

Watering. The plant feels comfortable only with damp ground. Water for irrigation should be at room temperature, it is advisable to defend it for a day or two. Mulch around the base of the bush helps to retain moisture in the soil and prevents crusting. For the prevention of diseases, sometimes you can add a little potassium permanganate to the water until you get a barely pink color.

Pruning. In autumn, it is enough to remove dry inflorescences, and in spring more careful pruning is required. The branches of the treelike hydrangea are shortened to 5-6 buds; on the panicle, shoots are cut off up to 3 buds, except for the main ones.

Shelter for the winter. Hydrangea care in Siberia includes the obligatory shelter of the root system and shoots for the winter. To protect it from the cold, the bush should be covered with foliage or spruce branches, and sprinkled on top with a layer of peat 10-20 cm. Cover with a special material and secure with stones. Open the plant only after the frost has receded.

Arrangement of the site with a hammock or a gazebo will not be complete without a beautiful design. Hydrangea will decorate any garden, even in Siberia, it is only necessary to create the right conditions and take care of the care responsibly so that the plant will please with abundant flowering for years.

Hydrangea is an ornamental and long-flowering plant grown in gardens, parks and home gardens. Lush bushes with large flowers of various shapes and shades can perfectly fit into any landscape design, so hydrangea is very popular in cultivation among flower growers all over the world.

Flowering bushes can grow in both southern and northern climatic zones; some varieties of this plant can be found even in Siberia. Despite the fact that the air temperature in winter there drops below 35 degrees, experienced gardeners have successfully mastered the secret of growing hydrangeas in the open field and learned how to properly care for it.

But not all types of culture are suitable for the harsh conditions of Siberia, but only a few of them, which are distinguished by their frost resistance, do not require complex care and are able to adapt well to new living conditions.

Description of hydrangea

The homeland of hydrangea is Asia, mainly Japan and China. The genus of the plant includes 60–70 species, but only about ten of them are used for gardening. Some varieties are shrubs, others are stunted trees. There are even hydrangeas in the form of weaving vines, capable of climbing a support to a height of 25 meters.

Most of the plants are ordinary or evergreen shrubs, 1 to 4 meters high. Their stems are straight, covered with green, elongated leaves. At the ends of the shoots in summer, rather large inflorescences are formed. Their shape may vary depending on the variety, it can be round, conical, pointed. Most flowers are white and creamy. The flowering period lasts from mid-July to November.

The plant is used for landscaping and decoration of squares, parks and areas near municipal buildings. Many owners of private houses are happy to grow hydrangeas to decorate their plots and decorate hedges.

Types and varieties of hydrangea suitable for Siberia

To grow this crop in cold climatic conditions, two species are mainly used that are able to withstand the low temperature of Siberia, these are Paniculata and Treelike hydrangeas. Both specimens are frost-hardy and can perfectly overwinter under good cover. Heat-loving varieties do not withstand very low temperatures, they are suitable for planting in open ground only in summer.

Tree hydrangea

The homeland of the plant is the eastern part of North America. It is a small flowering shrub, up to 1 meter in height, but sometimes there are specimens higher than 2.5 meters. Flowering is very abundant, occurs 4 years after planting. Round and voluminous inflorescences, 12-15 cm in diameter, are white. With good care, hydrangea grows quickly, but is quite demanding on the composition of the soil. It is widely used for landscaping and decoration of gardens and streets.

With the help of the tree hydrangea, breeders have created many famous varieties, which, thanks to their gorgeous flowering, quickly gained popularity among flora lovers. Here are the most frost-resistant ones that can be successfully grown in Siberia:

1. Anabel... Small shrub, about 1.5 meters high. The crown diameter reaches 2.5 meters. Large and spherical peduncles are white.
2. Invincibelle... The plant has a strong immune system, increased frost resistance. The petals of rather large inflorescences have a bright pink hue, their flowering is distinguished by its duration.
3. Grandiflora... The bush of this variety has a small height and a very lush volume. The flowers are grouped in a round shape, their color is cream. Flowering lasts from June to September.
4. Sterlis... Differs in long and abundant flowering. The inflorescences are round, white and very heavy. The plant looks very beautiful and impressive.

Panicle hydrangea

A very famous species, the greenish-white balls of its inflorescences can often be seen in the alleys of parks and in the courtyards of their own houses. This plant can be found in the Far East, Japan and China. All varieties of Panicle hydrangea are winter hardy, ideal for growing in Siberia and other areas with a harsh climate.

In the wild, shrubs reach 10 meters, but varieties intended for planting in gardens and parks usually grow no more than 3 meters. The crown has a diameter of 7-12 meters. The leaves are green, oval in shape, covered with velvet fluff. Inflorescences are large, spherical, white-pink in color. With proper care, flowering can last from June to October.

Popular varieties of Panicle hydrangea:

1. Pink Diamond... The most popular variety of paniculate plants. The growth of the bush is 2 meters, the leaves are elongated, green, with jagged edges. Peduncles are rather narrow, resembling a pyramid in shape. The petals of the flowers, as they ripen, change their shade from pale pink to red-lilac.
2. Limelight... The height of this type of Panicle hydrangea does not exceed 1.5 meters. The leaves are long, green. The cone-shaped inflorescences initially have a yellowish color, which subsequently changes to pink. Flowering lasts from July to October.
3. Tardiva... The shrub reaches 3 meters in height, the petals of its flowers are creamy. It blooms in late summer and continues to bloom until early November.
4. Matilda... The plant has a height of 2 meters, the diameter of the crown of the bush is about 3 meters. The leaves are long and light green. The buds are collected in round white inflorescences, the color of which subsequently changes first to pink, and then acquires a red-green tint.
5. Silver dollar... This representative of paniculata has a rather spreading bush, which has a height of about 2 meters. The conical peduncles are initially painted white, then the color of the buds changes to pink. Flowering lasts from July to November.

Hydrangea in Siberia - planting and care

In order for a plant to grow well in the harsh regions of Siberia, develop correctly and please with abundant flowering, first of all, you need to correctly choose the place of its planting and pick up a soil saturated with useful substances.

Hydrangeas need light, but the direct rays of the sun are extremely undesirable for it, so you can plant a young bush near large trees that can provide the plant with diffused light, ideal for it. And you also need to make sure that the bush is reliably protected from the cold wind that affects its growth. To do this, the seedling must be placed near a high fence.

When choosing a soil, it should be borne in mind that paniculate and tree-like varieties prefer it to be fertile, with a lot of moisture. The composition of the soil for planting should include the following components, taken in equal amounts:

• Leafy land.
• Humus.
• Turf.
• Peat.
• Coarse sand.

Planting hydrangeas

Seedlings must be purchased at the age of five, such plants take root better in cold conditions. When buying a young plant, you need to pay attention to the fact that the clod of earth on the roots is always moist. Planting should be done in late spring, at the end of May.

First you need to prepare a hole, it should be 50x60 cm in size and about 40 cm deep. Then it is necessary to pour 3 buckets of water into the pit to moisten the soil, and the next day fill it with a special soil containing nutrients. After that, the seedling is placed in the center of the pit and sprinkled with soil, which is subsequently slightly compacted. During planting, care must be taken that the plant is not buried too deep in the ground.

Then you need to water the bush abundantly with water and cover the surface of the earth around it with needles or leaves.

Caring for a frost-resistant plant

When caring for a hydrangea, it is necessary to perform a number of the following actions:

• Watering.
• Fertilization.
• Pruning.
• Reproduction.

Flowering bushes are very hygrophilous. Dry air is not tolerated, so regular spraying is required. If the plant is kept in insufficiently moist soil, it can stop blooming, dry out and even die.

It is necessary to water the hydrangea 2-3 times a week, each bush requires 50 liters of water. A day after watering, the soil around must be loosened, since fresh air is very useful for the roots of the plant. Sometimes potassium permanganate can be added to the water to disinfect the soil.

For the flowering to be beautiful and lush, it is imperative to prune every year. This is best done in the spring before bud formation or in the fall. First, remove all dry branches and old inflorescences. Then the shoots are cut, leaving 3-4 buds in the Treelike hydrangea and 2-3 in the Panicle.

Full care also includes regular feeding, which should be done 3-4 times a year. The first time you need to apply organic fertilizer before the formation of buds. Then during the period of bud formation and during the beginning of flowering. It is recommended to use complex dressings designed specifically for hydrangeas. Before the onset of winter, fertilizer containing phosphorus must be used to feed the soil, for proper nutrition of the roots in the cold period.

Reproduction of hydrangea in Siberian conditions

There are several ways to propagate a garden plant:

1. Seeds... The prepared seeds must be sown in boxes with soil, they do not need to be deepened. Then it is recommended to cover the seedlings with glass or a plastic bag. It is imperative to moisten the soil as needed and ventilate it. The sprouts will appear in 3 weeks, they will need to be grown for 3 years and only then transplanted into open ground. It should be noted that this method is not suitable for hybrid varieties, since they do not fully retain all aesthetic characteristics.
2. Cuttings... This method is the most common among florists.Before the formation of buds, in the early morning it is necessary to cut off the shoots on which leaves and buds are present. Divide the shoot into several parts so that each of them has 1-2 leaves. After that, put the cuttings in a glass with a solution that stimulates root growth for 2-3 hours. Then you can plant the plants in moist soil. With proper care, new leaves will begin to grow in 30 days.
3. Layers... For this type of reproduction, it is necessary to make grooves in the soil under the bush, lay the lower shoots in them and fix it securely. If this is done in early spring, then young shoots will appear at the end of August.
4. By dividing the bush... When transplanting a plant, you need to separate the roots from the ground, carefully divide the bush into 2-3 parts and immediately plant it in the prepared holes. This breeding method is not suitable for paniculate hydrangea varieties.

Diseases and pests

The following diseases and pests can affect hydrangea:

• Powdery mildew... It is characterized by the appearance of a sticky mass on the leaves, which subsequently begin to turn yellow and dry out. It can be treated by spraying, adding 30 grams of foundationol per 10 liters of water.
• Aphid... Small insects that parasitize in multiple numbers on plant leaves. To destroy the pest, insecticidal preparations should be used. li>Spider mite... A very small insect that feeds on the sap of young shoots. The presence of a cobweb on the leaves can indicate its appearance. The mite appears on plants mainly in hot and dry weather. In order to completely get rid of it, it is necessary to treat the hydrangea foliage with pesticides.