Hydrangea paniculata big ben planting and care in the open field

Hydrangea paniculata Big Ben will definitely become a bright accent of any garden. No, its flowers do not have a rich shade, but their colors change during the season. If at the very beginning the inflorescences are completely white, then a few weeks later you can see a slight pink tint in them, and by September they already have an excellent pink color. The inflorescences are cone-shaped with the vector pointing up. The height of the shrub is up to one and a half meters. This variety can look great in a large garden, as part of the decor, or in a small space, where the hydrangea acts as a natural enclosure. A delightful delicate aroma will be a real discovery for novice gardeners, and experienced connoisseurs have long been buying Big Ben hydrangea. wholesale and enjoy her charm.

Features of agricultural technology

Hydrangea paniculata Big Ben is an extremely hardy plant, but the resistance of this perennial may be insufficient if buy seedlings of dubious quality. By the way, in many respects, the decorative abilities of the plant depend on the health of the seedlings in the future. True beauty and luxury is available only to healthy plants. It is these copies that can be purchased in our online store. We offer plants that have gone through several stages of processing. If necessary, all seedlings underwent preventive procedures, which largely determine the quality of flowering. Only the strongest seedlings have passed a strict pre-sale selection, and therefore we have no doubt that the flower result will surely turn out to be enchanting. Our pride is also delivery... We will deliver the seedlings exactly on time.

Choosing a seat for landing

First of all, you should decide on the soil. The ground should be well structured, not too dense, but not too loose. Heavy soils are usually poor in nutrients, and loose sandy soils drain water too quickly to low-lying layers. In this case, you can dilute the soil with a special soil, which will both improve the structure and contain valuable nutrients.

Hydrangea seedlings paniculate Big Ben is almost not demanding on solar activity, and therefore they can be planted both in partial shade and in the sun. You need to know that in an open area, the earth dries up much faster, and this is a signal for the gardener that it is necessary to check the moisture level of the earth in a timely manner.

Outdoor transplant and additional care

Around the end of April - beginning of May, the seedlings are ready for transplantation. Everything is done in the classical way. The seedling is installed in a dug hole and sprinkled with earth on the sides. It is desirable that the stem is upright.

The hydrangea will begin to bloom in July. Twice a season, you need to add nutrient substrates to the soil surface or dissolve them in water and water the shrub with this solution.

With the onset of cold weather, the plant must be examined and the old branches must be ruthlessly removed, and then sprinkled with mulch, fallen leaves or ordinary newspaper with the root part of the stem. The plant is now ready for wintering. Frozen branches should also be removed in early spring. These procedures are easy enough even for novice gardeners, and therefore our online store no doubt that this will only increase the gardener's love for hydrangeas.

Description of the plant

The flowers of the panicle hydrangea shrub are grouped and all together form panicles of light shades up to 30 centimeters long - this explains its name. To date, a huge number of varieties of this type of hydrangea have been bred, and they can differ significantly from each other in color, size and shape.

Some of the bushes are very tall, reaching 10 meters in height, while there are very tiny plants, and they are grown as ground covers. Different options make it possible for the appearance of white, pink, lilac, cream inflorescences with numerous shades, which surprisingly change during the entire flowering cycle of hydrangeas.

The shrub grows quickly, it practically does not give empty shoots and, as a result, turns into an exquisite plant that exudes a pleasant aroma. Thus, by choosing it for planting in your garden, you can also get an excellent honey plant.

Popular varieties 1. Grandiflora

It is quite logical to start an overview of the most popular varieties of paniculate hydrangea with Grandiflora, since it was he who was one of the first to appear on the territory of Russia and until recently was only one representative of its species, which was cultivated by our gardeners.

This specimen has large beautiful cone-shaped inflorescences with white flowers, which later turn slightly pink. The bush grows up to 2 meters in height, on which long velvety pointed leaves later appear.

Peculiarities:

1. Increases its frost resistance over time.
2. Not very susceptible to dust and air pollution, which makes it possible to plant it in urban areas.
3. Needs bright growing areas and sufficient feeding.
4. The excellent decorative effect of the shrub can be easily maintained with annual pruning.

2. Limelight

Translated from English "Lime Light" means light green, which gave rise to the name of this hydrangea variety, since when the shrub is just beginning to bloom, its dense inflorescences acquire a characteristic pale green hue, which changes to purple upon the arrival of autumn.

This plant is characterized by a bush up to 1.5 m in length with a compact round crown and sterile flowers that attract the eye, settling in wide panicle inflorescences.

Peculiarities:

1. It blooms quite late (mid-summer) and does not like calcareous soils.
2. Requires careful care: watering, feeding with minerals, pruning.
3. It is actively used for decorative purposes with other varieties to add charm to park and garden interiors.

3. Kyushu

This "Japanese" can be easily distinguished from other varieties of panicle hydrangea by its glossy green leaves. The bushes are quite tall, vase-shaped crown, and the flowers are part of the conical long inflorescences, among which only a few can boast of sterility. The hue changes from white to pale green during the flowering of the plant.

Peculiarities:

1. Prefers light areas and well-moisturized soil.
2. With development, it increases resistance to extreme cold.
3. It normally perceives polluted air, therefore it is ideal for planting in city parks and squares.

4. Pinky Winky

This variety is also quite popular for cultivation in different countries. Its bush with a spreading crown can rise to a height of 2 meters.The panicles look very interesting: on the base of sterile flowers, the color of ripe cherries, and at the top they are pointed, smoothly turning into cream.

Peculiarities:

1. It is a perennial and is able to develop well for 50 years.
2. For a year, it can reach 25-30 centimeters of shoot growth.
3. With too abundant flowering, the bush must be tied up, and the young should be covered in winter.
4. The plant does not tolerate drought and the presence of lime in the soil.

Beautiful varieties

Almost all varieties of panicle hydrangea will ideally fit into the interior of any area that needs to be adequately decorated, or create a beautiful garden ensemble with its help.

But still there are those who have a special charm and beauty:

1. Pink Diamond. Such an unusual name of the variety is translated from English as "Pink Diamond". Its large, narrow, pyramid-shaped inflorescences really vaguely resemble precious stones, and the variety is very common in Europe for cultivation in private or municipal territories. Long pedicels have sterile flowers, the color of which changes over time from white to dark lilac.
2. Vanilla Fraze. Another charming "foreigner" whose appearance is worthy of the brush of a talented landscape painter. A sprawling bush with large cone-shaped buds, which consist of small flowers, looks very impressive against the background of the rest of the inhabitants of the garden and slopes down under the weight of its panicles. The inflorescences are like strawberry ice cream cones with whipped cream - the top is white and the rest is tinged with deep pink.
3. Phantom. A popular chic variety, distinguished by its decorative effect. A deciduous shrub that blooms very beautifully and has green velvety leaves. The buds first have a creamy color, and in the fall they become pale pink.
4. Medical Flame. A highly decorative variety with dense panicles of bright crimson flowers. This plant looks incredibly beautiful and is a favorite of many landscape designers.

New varieties

Every year, breeders present to our attention new varieties of panicle hydrangea. All of them are grown abroad, but, despite this, they take root quite well in Russia.

Here is a list of the most recent innovations:

1. Bomshell - This is a low-growing bush with a wide crown and white conical panicles.
2. Big Ben - not very sprawling shrub with erect pedicels, emitting a strong aroma. The flowers turn purple at their peak, and at first have a greenish-white tint.
3. Bobo - a gift from Belgian professionals that many have been waiting for. The plant grows only up to 70 centimeters in length, has strong shoots and slightly pinkish buds.
4. Brussels Leys - an incredibly dainty looking small bush with ivory-colored inflorescences that are slightly half-open. It begins to bloom in July and is practically unalterable when pruned.
5. Levan - one of the most unusual and striking varieties. The shoots are not prone to penetration, the leaves are oblong, there are foliage inside the panicles, and they themselves resemble chestnuts in flowering.
6. Dolly Is a very good and most popular late flowering variety. A short bush with dense cone-shaped inflorescences that turn pink over time, requiring medium pruning.
7. Diamond Rouge Is a gorgeous plant that has received medals in many competitions for its unique appearance. Flowers by autumn change their color to scarlet, and the foliage becomes light orange.

Which variety to choose for the Moscow region

Paniculata hydrangea is a very common crop that can be seen in summer cottages and backyards in the Moscow region.

Consider which varieties are best suited for growing in these places:

1. Daruma - a dwarf variety with small panicles and flowers, the color of which gradually turns from pink to purple.
2. Earle Senseish - early-flowering variety with cone-shaped inflorescences and dark pink inflorescences matching the foliage at the onset of the autumn period.
3. White Lady - able to grow up to 2 meters.The amazingly beautiful white inflorescences consist of rare large petal flowers that have carved edges.
4. Paniculata - one of the novelties in the world of flora. The variety is known for its high cold tolerance.
5. Weems Red - with full development, a tall shrub of an interesting shape is obtained, which from top to bottom is covered with openwork large burgundy flowers.

Growing and care

This representative of the plant world prefers good care, and compliance with all the necessary rules when planting it. Hydrangea paniculata loves soil with high acidity and well-fertilized soil.

After you prepare the ground, proceed to planting, following the following sequence of steps:

1. Dig a large and not very deep hole to place the bush in.
2. After planting, make all annual shoots shorter up to 3-4 pairs of buds.
3. Mulch the soil around the plant.

Almost all varieties of this shrub love moisture, and this must be taken into account first of all when growing and caring for it. In order to form the crown of the hydrangea, pruning is required in the spring before the buds appear. Water it abundantly, and if the soil is alkaline, then you need to use acidified water.

Of course, do not forget about feeding and carry it out at least once a month. With the onset of winter, it is recommended to cut off the inflorescences so that the snow that falls does not break the branches.

Panicle hydrangea is a real beauty and, no matter which variety you choose, it will delight your soul and eyes with its magnificent external decoration.

Hydrangea paniculata on video.

In all varieties of panicle hydrangea, in contrast to the tree, petiolate, large-leaved, ash and other forms, the inflorescences are elongated. They resemble fluffy panicles, which is why the species got its name from the owl. According to the description, the panicle hydrangea can only be compared with the oaky variety, but, of course, the heroine of this material wins in terms of brightness, density and duration of flowering.

The most favorite shrubs by gardeners: panicle hydrangea, chubushnik, lilac. Each shrub is good in its own way. But the hydrangea is still in the lead with this trio. First, she is a true flowering champion. Secondly, it grows and blooms without problems in partial shade, where the lilac and mock-orange will wither away. Thirdly, her hats adorn the garden exactly when almost everything has already faded, and only dahlias are waiting with trepidation for the end of the holiday - the first autumn frost.

Recently, new varieties of panicle hydrangeas appear literally every year. It is difficult even for specialists to understand this stream. There is nowhere to look at all forms "live", and even more so at new items, even abroad. It is expected that a collection of the best varieties of panicle hydrangeas will soon appear in the Botanical Garden on Prospekt Mira.

A photo of an adult panicle hydrangea with a detailed description is a rarity, nurseries do not spoil buyers with such gifts. So you have to collect information bit by bit. And, of course, at your own peril and risk, experiment yourself.

Breeding hydrangea paniculata

Previously, everything was simple with panicle hydrangea - in Russian noble estates and later in summer cottages, only one variety grew - 'Grandiflora'. He was brought to Europe from Japan in 1829 by the German physician Philipp Franz Balthasar von Siebold, who worked for several years on the islands in the Nagasaki region. Another old variety, 'Floribunda', which got to St. Petersburg from a Japanese nursery thanks to Karl Maksimovich in 1860, did not receive such wide distribution in our country. A little later, two more cultivars became known in Europe - ‘Rhaesok’ and ‘Kyushu’.

Their origin was all the same - Japanese.

The situation changed in the fifties of the prologue of the century, when two enthusiasts - Robert and Elena de Belder (Jelena and Robert de Beider) took up the selection of panicle hydrangeas. It is to them that the growers owe the appearance! masterpieces such as ‘Unique’, ‘Brussels Lace’ and ‘Pink Diamond’.

Breeders in Europe and the USA are still working with the legacy of the de Belders. So, for example, using plants from their arboretum, in the 1970s and 80s. Dutchman Pieter Zwijnenburg gave the world such beautiful varieties of panicle hydrangeas as ‘Phantom ', ‘Limelight’ and ‘Silver Dollar’. The first cultivar became famous for the largest inflorescences to date, the second for its extraordinary, lemon-green sterile flowers, the third for the spectacular appearance of a bush: large pyramidal inflorescences and strong, vertical shoots.

Next, you can familiarize yourself with the photos, names and descriptions of varieties of panicle hydrangeas popular with gardeners.

The best varieties of panicle hydrangea for the Moscow region: photo and description

'Brussels Lace'

The height of the bush is 2 m. The inflorescence is up to 30 cm long, conical in shape, the flowers are fertile and sterile. White, later turning pink. Blooms until October.

'Grandiflora'

The height of the bush is 2-3 m. The inflorescence is a wide cone, 20-30 cm long. The flowers of this variety of panicle hydrangea, suitable for the Moscow region, are sterile, creamy white, then pink. Blooms until October.

‘Great Star’ (‘Le Vasterival’)

The height of the bush is 2 m. The inflorescence is round, 15 cm in diameter. Among the fertile flowers are sterile, very large, white, in the form of a "propeller". Blooms until September.

‘Dart’s Little Dot’ (‘Darlibo’)

The height of the bush is 0.8-1 m. The inflorescence is spherical, 15 cm in diameter, the flowers are white, sterile and fertile. Blooms until October.

‘Kyushu’

Bush height 3 m. Narrow-conical, loose inflorescence, 20-35 cm long, white flowers, sterile and fertile. Blooms until mid-August.

‘Limelight’

The height of the bush is 2.3 m. The inflorescence is broad-conical, 30 cm long, the flowers are sterile, light green, then white. This one of the best varieties of panicle hydrangeas for the Moscow region blooms until early October.

‘Mega Mindy’ (‘Ilvomindi’)

The height of the bush is 1.8 m. The inflorescence is conical, up to 30 cm long. Most of the flowers are sterile. The color is white, then red-pink. Blooms until August.

‘Pinky Winki’

The height of the bush is 1.6 m. As you can see in the photo, this panicle hydrangea has a conical inflorescence, 20 cm long:

The flowers are sterile, white, then deep pink. It continues to bloom in October.

‘Pink Diamond’

The height of the bush is 2-3 m. The inflorescence is conical, up to 30 cm long. The flowers are sterile and fertile, white, then pink. It continues to bloom in October.

‘Phantom’

The height of the bush is 2 m. Look at the photo - this variety of panicle hydrangea has the largest inflorescence, conical-rounded, 30 cm long:

The flowers are sterile, white, then light pink. Blooms until October. Reminiscent of the 'Grandiflora' variety.

‘Floribunda’

The height of the bush is 2 m. The inflorescence is broadly conical, up to 40 cm long. The flowers are sterile and fertile, white. Blooms until October.

‘Vanille Fraise’ (‘Renhy’)

The height of the bush is 1.8 m. The inflorescence is broadly toxic, 30 cm long, the flowers are small, sterile, pale pink. This panicle hydrangea, recommended for the Moscow region, continues to bloom in October.

‘Silver Dollar’

The height of the bush is 1.7-4 m. The inflorescence is conical-rounded, up to 25 cm. The flowers are sterile, creamy white, then pink. It also blooms in October.

'Tardiva'

The height of the bush is 1.3-3 m. The inflorescence is conical, 25 cm long. The flowers are sterile and fertile, white. Blooms in October.

‘Unique’

The height of the bush is 2-3 m. The inflorescence is a wide cone, 25 cm long. One third of the flowers are small fertile, the rest are sterile, white, then intense red. In the garden, this panicle hydrangea blooms until September.

If you dig around the Internet, look into all kinds of forums, it becomes clear that ‘Limelight’ is in the lead in this list. It is followed by ‘Vanille Fraise’ (‘Renhy’) and ‘Phantom’, and perhaps ‘Grandiflora’ n ‘Kyushu’.

When describing the varieties of the best paniculate hydrangeas, one should not forget about especially fragrant forms. In theory, all hydrangeas, which have many fertile flowers, can be classified as fragrant. However, the aroma of varieties is different and not always pleasant. It's good that at a distance, as a rule, you can't hear him.

However, there are varieties, as the advantages of which it is the aroma that is mentioned in the first place!

For example, ‘Wim’s Red’ and ‘Big Ben’ hydrangeas smell like honey.

Admire the photo of the best varieties of panicle hydrangeas for the Moscow region in these photos:

AGM Winning Panicle Hydrangea Varieties: Photos and Names

Over the past twenty to thirty years, so many varieties of panicle hydrangea have appeared that the problem of choice has come up close to the growers.

Most Russian flower growers decide the issue simply, buying up all the new items in a row. But the foreigners are already thoughtful. They have much more varieties for sale, and their gardens are smaller in size. In 2008, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) issued a bulletin on panicle hydrangea.

The goal is to acquaint hobbyists with 47 of the best varieties, especially those that have received the award for garden merits - AGM ("Award of Garden Merit").

New and old cultivars were assessed in terms of availability of the variety to buyers, relative ease of cultivation, suitability for use in garden design, as well as the appearance of buds and flowers, shape and color stability of inflorescences, foliage decorativeness, shoot color, disease and pest resistance.

The following varieties became the winners: ‘Big Ben’ (2008), ‘Floribunda’ (1993), 'Grandiflora' (1993), ‘Kyushu’ (1993), ‘Limelight’ (2008), ‘Phantom’ (2008), ‘Pink Diamond’ (1993), ‘Pinki-Winki’ (2008), ‘Silver Dollar’ (2008), ‘Unique’ (1993).

The closest candidates for the award are varieties:

‘Dolly’

‘Pink Lady’

One circumstance prevents them from overcoming the bar - according to the judges, they are not yet available to a wide range of amateurs.

What's so good about 'Dolly'? Plant height about 1.5 m. Inflorescences are conical, dense, very abundant flowering. Experts consider it one of the most attractive hydrangeas. The ‘Pink Lady’ has an elegant conical inflorescence that turns into a blush by the end of summer.

By the way, ‘Pink Lady’ is the same age as ‘Dolly’, both varieties were registered in 1990.

In addition, the British Royal Society of Horticulturists has conducted a variety rating. Plants were scored on a three-point scale. Three points are great, two are very good, one is good.

• Three points were awarded to the varieties: ‘Big Ben’, ‘Dolly’, ‘Kyushu’, ‘Limelight’, ‘Phantom’, ‘Pink Diamond’, ‘Pink Lady’, ‘Pinki Winki’, ‘Silver Dollar’.
• Hydrangeas received two points: ‘Brussels Lace’, ‘Chantilly Lace’, ‘Dharuma’, ‘Last Post’, ‘Martinvast’, ‘Praecox’, ‘Skylight’, ‘Unique’, ‘Starlight Fantasy’ (‘Degustar’), ‘Vanille Fraise’.
• One point went to varieties: ‘Dart’s Little Dot’ (‘Darlibo’), ‘Greenspire’, ‘Taiwan From’, ‘Mega Pearl’, ‘Mid Late Summer’, ‘Sherwood’, ‘Vera’, ‘White Moth’.

Several varieties have not received any positive assessment.

Surprisingly, the ‘White Lady’, beloved by Russians, was rejected.

Check out what the best varieties of panicle hydrangeas look like in these photos:

The most beautiful varieties of panicle hydrangeas: photo and description of flowers

Most hydrangeas change their color from white or cream to pink and even crimson, which is especially appreciated by Russian gardeners. The most spectacular variety in this sense is 'Diamand Rouge'. New in 2011 Awarded a silver medal at the competition during the largest international exhibition Plantarium 2011 (Holland). By the fall, its inflorescences become red-purple, almost with a purple tint, and the leaves - rich orange.

Another interesting cultivar - ‘Wim’s Red’ - in August, the inflorescences acquire a burgundy-red hue.

‘Big Ven’ Is one of the most beautiful varieties of panicle hydrangeas and has been awarded the Garden Merit Award (AGM) by the Royal Society of Gardeners of England. It is attractive with large conical inflorescences, becoming deeply dark pink by the end of flowering.

As you can see in the photo, in the ‘Mega Mindy’ (‘Ilvomindi’) variety of garden panicle hydrangeas, a dense large cone-shaped inflorescence gradually turns from white to raspberry:

In search of bright shades, you should pay attention to the Magical series:

‘Magical Fare’, ‘Pinki Winki’ and ‘Magical Flame’ are especially good. with purple-pink conical inflorescences. They differ in size: the first is much higher.

Do not forget the classics - "peaks" of inflorescences 'Pinki Winki' and wide-conical hats ‘Pink Diamond’ and ‘Magical Flame’.

And if you still want white? So that pearl clouds of hydrangeas float in the coming autumn twilight ?!

In this case, we can recommend the ‘White diamond’. This is a small round-shaped shrub, 1.3 m high. Its inflorescences remain white until late autumn.

Dwarf bushes of panicle hydrangeas

And what about those who have a really small garden or simply do not have room for a large bush? Look for baby hydrangeas. By the way, such varieties of dwarf paniculate hydrangeas are useful for a low hedge, and even for a border.They will look good in a small mixborder too. By the way, reducing the size of the bush is one of the modern trends in the selection of hydrangeas.

The tallest of the babes, 1.2 m -'Sandae Fraise '(' Rensan ')... Looks like 'Vanille Fraise'. The variety received a silver medal at the Plantarium 2010 competition (Holland).

Same height ‘Dharuma’ is a slow growing shrub. Differs in very early and incredibly abundant flowering.

Even lower dwarf ‘Bombshell’, only 1 m high, with a dense spherical crown.

Look at the photo - the flowers of this panicle hydrangea are numerous, dense, almost round:

‘Dart’s Little Dot’ (‘Darlibo’) also a meter high hydrangea. Her inflorescences are very interesting, in shape they resemble the inflorescences of Bretschneider's hydrangea.

The 'Little Lime' variety has recently appeared - a relative of the beautiful 'Limelight'. The bush is good, a mini-copy of "mom". Height up to 1 m.

Quite tiny - ‘Bobo’ (‘Ilvobo’)... Plant height - 60-70 cm. The bush is compact, the inflorescences are huge, dense, quickly turn pink. Shoots are vertical. For small gardens, can also be grown in containers on balconies and terraces. In 2010, the variety received a gold medal at the FLORALL exhibition (Belgium).

Below are photos and descriptions of new varieties of panicle hydrangeas.

New varieties of garden panicle hydrangeas

'Levana'

Height 3 m or more. Spectacular foliage. Inflorescences are narrow, large, up to 50 cm tall. The shoots are powerful.

‘Magical Moonlight’ (‘Kolmagino’)

Translated into Russian, the name of the variety sounds like "Magic Moonlight". One of the most beautiful panicle hydrangeas. Height 2-2.5 m. Stiff shoots. Dense "stuffed" elongated white-green inflorescences. Improved 'Limelight' variant. In a sunny place in a continental climate, the flowers turn white quickly.

‘Big Ben’

Plant height 1.8 m. Shoots are bright red, inflorescences are large, conical. Differs in abundant flowering and strong aroma. By autumn, the flowers of this paniculate hydrangea acquire a dark pink color.

‘Polar Bear’

Obtained by crossing two varieties: ‘Limelight’ and 'Grandiflora'... Height up to 1.5-2 m. The main feature of this variety is very dense conical inflorescences up to 40 cm high on hard, strong stems. The flowers are immediately slightly pistachio, then white and cream, by the end of summer they have a pale pink tint. The inflorescences of this new variety of panicle hydrangea are evenly distributed throughout the bush, giving the impression of a huge blooming bouquet. Bloom from July to late autumn.

‘Diamand Rouge’

A novelty in 2011. Awarded a silver medal at the Plantarium 2011 competition (Holland). The bush is dense, compact. The autumn shade of inflorescences and leaves is unique. Inflorescences by autumn become red-purple, almost with a purple tint, and the leaves are deep orange.

'Candlelight'

In 2013, the Candlelight panicle hydrangea was awarded a silver medal at the Plantrium exhibition. Shoots are upright, strong, beautiful dark red color. Inflorescence panicles - yellow-lemon, by summer - pastel, creamy-white-yellow, large, up to 20 cm, pointed. This new panicle hydrangea begins to bloom quite early and lasts from mid June to late August - early September. Shrub of average height 100-120 cm, with pronounced vertical growth.

'Fire Light'

This 2015 variety is the new standard for evaluating the benefits of all panicle hydrangeas. The upright, strong buds transform from pure white to deep garnet pink very quickly. Thick, very sturdy stems keep the heavy inflorescences upright without issue. Very early flowering: early summer. The flowers turn a deep garnet red before other varieties bloom. High winter hardiness. The height of the bush is 1.5 - 1.7 m.

'Shikoku Flash'

A variety for an amateur. This curiosity is grown for the sake of the original foliage. Green leaves at the beginning of the growing season are covered with cream and white strokes and specks. In July, the leaves become chartreuse. How abundant flowering is is still unknown. The variety appeared in our country relatively recently.

‘Angel Blush’

New hardy variety, height 2.5-3 m. Shoots are strong, numerous, large inflorescences up to 25 cm, turn red early. In 2011, the variety received an award at the FLORALL exhibition.

Here you can see photos of varieties of panicle hydrangeas, the names of which are given on this page:

Admirers of hydrangeas sometimes have an unpleasant discovery. The plant, obtained by hook or by crook, finally blooms, but the inflorescence does not correspond to either the description of the variety or its photograph on the Internet. How not to get upset here!

Do not rush to accuse everyone in the world of fraud and throw the "uninvited guest" out of the garden. Chances are, your plant is simply not mature enough. In many hydrangeas, varietal characteristics may not appear immediately, for this sometimes several years must pass. Incidentally, this feature is characteristic of the classic ‘Grandiflora’. 'Limelight' can also be naughty. This beauty needs special lighting, diffused light. By planting a shrub in full sun, you may never expect a lime color at all. The same can happen when planting in dense partial shade.

Of course, you cannot exclude a misgrading. But even in this case, take a closer look at your purchase. What is more important to you in the end: a label or a beautiful plant ?!

The next section of the article is devoted to how to care for paniculate hydrangeas in the garden.

How to care for panicle hydrangea in the country (with photo)

Caring for paniculate hydrangea in the open field is not at all difficult, because this shrub is simply "unkillable". It grows everywhere, except for swamps and clean sand. True, he does not really like alkaline soils, but in central Russia it is still necessary to look for them.

Baby hydrangea, like a kitten, you can caress, just kill with your attention and care. For example, drag around the site in search of the most suitable place. Or in the process of growing a panicle hydrangea, you can feed it so that it simply will not survive the winter. Hydrangea can be trivially poured, this plant, despite the name, which is translated from ancient Greek as "a vessel with water", simply cannot withstand frequent watering on clay soil. Nor should you use imported prolonged-release fertilizers. They are undoubtedly good, but they are designed for a longer growing season, and can prevent the plant from preparing for dormancy in time.

Of course, it is possible to feed the panicle hydrangea when leaving in the garden, but it is better just not to rake last year's foliage under the plant and mulch the bush with pine needles.

Whether to water panicle hydrangea when growing? Only in drought.

Should you loosen the soil under paniculate hydrangeas? Better not. You can, of course, three centimeters deep, but why? The root system of the hydrangea is superficial, only accidentally damage the roots. But the mulch will only be useful to this beauty. And there will be no weeds.

The photo of caring for paniculate hydrangea shows all the main agricultural practices:

How to grow panicle hydrangea: bush formation

It is better to spend 2-4 years on formation, than then annually trying to give the plant a decent look.

But everything is simple. In the year of planting, you should not cut the plant at all - leave it alone, let it settle down and acclimatize in a new place. A year after planting, before the growing season, take a closer look at your new product and decide what you will do with it. What is more necessary and interesting for you - to form a plant on a trunk or in the form of a bush. It is necessary to cut the hydrangea-bush while it is young according to the same principle by which the hydrangea-"tree" is formed.

The difference is that for a "tree" you are looking for one and strictly vertical shoot, which will eventually turn into a trunk, while for a hydrangea bush you need 3 to 5 shoots growing at an angle of about 30 degrees to the vertical.

Everything else (root shoots, except for future "legs", of course, lateral shoots formed on these "legs" should be cut off during the first few years. On the shoots you originally chose, only 2-3 upper buds are left every spring.In order for the leaders to keep straight in a given direction, you can drive in bamboo sticks at the desired angle, and attach future "legs" to them in several places. When the leaders become powerful and hardened enough to withstand any snow and rain with gusts of wind, they are cut off at a height of 1.0-1.2 m.Then the bush can grow as you like: in width, height, in the form of a ball, pyramid or fungus on several legs.

In addition to a bush and a tree, there is also a third, intermediate form, a fountain or vase, when you leave some root shoots that diverge at an angle of 45 degrees or more vertically.

You can also keep the central shoot near the fountain. The idea behind shaping is that you want to raise the natural annual growth so that the inflorescences do not lie on the ground. In addition, you achieve clear contours of the bush, which annually blooms with large or uniformly sized inflorescences. Even after the end of the formation, the bush will continue to give fresh root shoots for some time, which will need to be removed in spring.

If the small size of the garden or the desire to have many different varieties of panicle hydrangea does not allow you to allocate enough space for each bush, you can form the hydrangea as a small bush. To do this, in the second year after planting (when planting in the fall - in the third year) in the spring, before the beginning of the growing season, make a low pruning, leaving 2 buds from the ground. This stimulates the formation of a large number of new shoots growing from the ground itself. Remove all weak shoots during the season, as well as those growing inside the bush.

You can leave 6-12 skeletal shoots on the plant. Thereafter, prune one third of the branches each spring. In addition to the fact that with this method of plant formation you will have a compact bush shape, the inflorescences will be much larger.

To form a panicle hydrangea "tree", choose one strong shoot, directed vertically.

Cut the rest of the shoots. Pinch the side shoots from the main trunk. At a height of 0.5-1 meter, select several (3-4) strong side shoots directed in different directions, in the form of a bowl. Pruning skeletal shoots for more lush flowering can begin when the tree reaches the desired shape.

Below you will learn how to form a panicle hydrangea on a trunk.

How to form a panicle hydrangea on a trunk

A panicle hydrangea on a trunk is a good replacement for a rose, which requires too much trouble from the owners and free space on which the plant will need to be laid before frost. Instances with luxurious inflorescence caps can be found in garden centers, but, unfortunately, they are not cheap. Hydrangea on a stem can and even better be grown by yourself. Among the rooted cuttings, they choose the strongest and tallest and spend 3-4 years growing it.

The main thing when leaving while growing hydrangeas on a trunk is to choose the height correctly. Low - does not make sense, you get a bush on some strange leg. A tall one (one and a half meters or even a little more) looks beautiful, but the crown of a hydrangea, in an unfortunate combination of circumstances, can freeze or break.

Probably the best option is about a meter or a little more. Of course, the cultivar chosen for this purpose must have strong branches.

So, to form a panicle hydrangea on a stem at a height of 1 m or a little more, the stem is cut off, and skeletal branches are allowed to develop from the 4-5 buds located below. It is necessary to cut the crown of the standard hydrangea carefully, here a rather gentle pruning is required. Otherwise, heavy inflorescences will break off.

The following describes how to properly prune a panicle hydrangea when growing in a garden plot.

How to properly prune a panicle hydrangea in spring

How to prune a panicle hydrangea is perhaps the most painful topic for lovers of these plants. You can discuss it for hours.The main questions are: when to cut and how many buds to leave so that the plant "gives out" worthy exhibition caps of inflorescences.

Before the first snow, so that the bush does not break, the largest inflorescences are cut off. To prune the panicle hydrangea in the spring, as an experienced gardener advise, you need to wait until it becomes obvious which buds are alive, because it is important not to disturb the plant once again. Cut off everything that is dried up and the thinnest. You can shorten a branch that is too long or ugly.

• First option - strong pruning (two buds are left);
• Second - moderate (leave 4 kidneys),
• The third - weak (remove old inflorescences, the so-called "decapitation").

In the first case, plants bloom very late, forming huge caps. But such pruning is not suitable for all varieties, sometimes the branches do not stand up, and the plant lays down.

With moderate pruning, you will expect medium flowering times and medium inflorescences. With a weak - early flowering, but the inflorescences are small, however, numerous. Curiously, the appearance and size of the inflorescences of the ‘Big Ben’ and ‘Brussels Lace’ varieties are practically unaffected by the pruning method.

The ‘Vanille Fraise’ and ‘Limelight’ require a medium, gentle option. But the 'Pinki Winki' variety needs some serious pruning. The conclusion is simple: some varieties of panicle hydrangea during care when growing in the garden require an individual approach. And, of course, do not forget that with strong pruning in the conditions of our climate, flowering can not be expected at all. Or get as huge as, for example, the ‘Phantom’ variety can give, that the bush will simply break from heavy rains.

Watch the video of trimming a panicle hydrangea to better understand how to shape a plant:

Panicle hydrangea in landscape design: what to plant next to the bushes

Actually, hydrangeas are self-sufficient plants. Petiolate and large-leaved hydrangeas especially do not need partners. The perfect combination for any garden - Bradschneider hydrangea, mock orange and lilac. Here, as they say, nothing can be subtracted or added.

But you can "play" with treelike and panicle hydrangeas. Ideal background for panicle hydrangea in landscape design - conifers and barberries, vesicles with purple foliage, Bredschneider hydrangea. Another safe bet is a mixborder of hydrangeas and rhododendrons, especially evergreens.

A design classic is the combination of paniculate hydrangeas with thujas, mock-grass, white dogwood 'Variegata', 'Elegantissima', with a snowberry, with volzhanka, birchwoods, perennial asters, large ferns, with phloxes of pink shades, variegated phloxes such as 'Nora Leigh', hosts varieties.

Shown in the photo, next to paniculate hydrangeas in the country, you can plant plants with blue needles, bluish leaves or blue flowers:

It can be Karmikhel aconite, clematis, hosts, cereals, Buenosaires verbena, blue junipers.

But yellow, orange and even more red plants are categorically contraindicated for hydrangeas. For example, can you imagine a ‘Limelight’ hydrangea next to golden balls or powerful red dahlias ?!

What else can you plant next to panicle hydrangeas in your backyard? You can surround these plants with borders of low conifers, spirits, stonecrops, and even autumn crocus. Or plant the hydrangeas themselves as a curb, of course, some kind of undersized variety. Not 'Bobo', it will look too heavy, focus on itself, and after a serious rain, large inflorescences located, in my opinion, too close to the ground, will also turn out to be dirty. By the way, this variety has another drawback - fragile twigs. Therefore, before the first snowfall, the inflorescences will have to be cut off.

See how beautiful the panicle hydrangea is in garden design in these photos:

Hydrangea is one of the most beautiful shrubs that amateurs grow in their gardens. And if a couple of decades ago it was possible to find a very limited number of varieties on sale, now the catalogs of various nurseries offer several dozen hydrangeas of the most diverse colors at once.

Hydrangea paniculata: general description

Hydrangea paniculata variety Vanilla Fraise

Hydrangea paniculata (hydrangea paniculata) is one of the most winter-hardy species in temperate latitudes. Its species form grows well and hibernates in the Middle lane without shelter. It differs from other hydrangeas in the form of inflorescences, which have the form of a cone. Most varietal specimens need light shelter for the winter. In the spring, pruning is carried out, the intensity of which depends on the growth of which year the flowers are formed.

The height of this type of hydrangea varies from miniature - no more than 1 meter, to high - up to 3 meters. In this case, an adult bush can have an impressive diameter, which is usually approximately equal to the height. This must be taken into account when choosing a landing site.

Also, when choosing a place, it takes into account its illumination. Hydrangeas do not like bright sun, partial shade is preferable for them, this is necessary so that the inflorescences do not begin to shrink, and their color fade.

Hydrangeas are also sensitive to substrate moisture and need to be watered during dry periods.

Varieties suitable for growing in the Moscow region

The fact is that most of the offered seedlings are varieties of selection from European nurseries. This means that they are not adapted for Central Russia. But, nevertheless, there are many varieties that have taken root well in such conditions. You will learn how panicle hydrangea is grown and its best varieties for the Moscow region from this article.

Hydrangea Pinkie Winky

The variety went on sale about 10 years ago. It is one of the most popular varieties for the Moscow region. An adult plant grows 2 meters, with a bush diameter of 1.5 meters. Flowering is very long - from June to September. Individual flowers of this variety, when the bud opens, have a white color, which gradually turns into purple-pink shades. The foliage of the bush is also painted in pink shades, by the beginning of autumn it becomes almost red in color, sometimes with purple hues.

Hydrangea paniculata Pink Lady

One of the most attractive hydrangeas of its kind. The height of the bush reaches 2 meters, the width varies from 1.5 to 2 meters. Flower brushes are very large and can reach 30 centimeters. The color of the flowers in the brush is white, and practically does not change during the entire flowering period, only by September a pale pink blush appears. By September, hydrangea shoots become almost red, which, in combination with white brushes, looks very attractive.

Hydrangea paniculata Unique (Unique)

This variety is one of the last to bloom, in August. But flower brushes do not lose their attractiveness for a long time, and thus, flowering stretches for 2-3 months, in the middle lane until frost.

The flowers in the cluster are white, but quickly change color to strawberry pink.

The variety has a pleasant aroma and very large flower clusters, up to 30 cm long.

Hydrangea paniculata Bobo (bobo)

A miniature variety that can be cultivated in pots, its maximum height does not exceed 75 centimeters, with a bush diameter of only 50. Flowering begins in mid-July and does not stop until September. The flowers of the plant when blooming are white with a yellowish tinge, and then change to pale pink. It is best to keep this variety in a thin shade, since the inflorescences will begin to shrink in the sun.

Hydrangea paniculata Magic Candle

The plant is 2 meters high, the diameter of the bush can reach 1.5 meters. Flowering lasts almost all summer, begins in June, and flower clusters last until September, retaining their decorative color.When blooming, the flowers have a greenish tint, which then turns into pink, and by autumn into a crimson color. A distinctive feature of this variety is the presence of a pleasant smell of flower panicles.

Hydrangea paniculata Magical Moonlight (magical moonlight) - the variety has large panicles - inflorescences, the diameter of which at the base reaches 27 cm, with a length of 30 cm. The color of the magical moonlight variety flower practically does not change. When dissolved, they are white with a barely noticeable greenish tinge, which then disappears and reappears in the fall. It will grow up to 2 meters in height, with a bush width of 1.5 meters.

Hydrangea paniculata Magical fire - can reach a height of 2 meters. Flowering begins in July and lasts all summer. Already at dissolution, the flowers have a bright burgundy color, for which the variety got its name, which in translation means Magic Fire.

Hydrangea paniculata Pastel Green

The variety appeared only in 2016. Differs in compact size and unusual color of flowers. The height of the bush does not exceed 1.5 meters, while the diameter is 1.2 meters. The color changes throughout the season. The flowers when the buds are dissolved are white, then they acquire a creamy shade, which, in turn, changes to pistachio and salmon tones, and at the end of flowering, the entire brush becomes burgundy-red.

Hydrangea paniculata Fraise Melba

Despite the fact that this variety was bred quite recently, in 2014, it has already gained popularity among gardeners.

The height of the bush reaches 2 meters, as well as its width.

Flowering lasts from July to September. The color of the flower at the beginning of flowering is milky white, and after that it begins to change to pink, becoming almost red by September. Color changes begin at the base of the brush and gradually go to the crown, therefore, during the flowering period, the brush carries flowers of various colors.

Hydrangea paniculata Levana

Variety with a very large bush and inflorescence size. An adult bush can grow up to 3 meters, and the inflorescence reaches 50 centimeters, while the diameter of individual flowers is 5 centimeters. Has a very strong sweet smell, the strongest among all varieties of panicle hydrangeas. The inflorescences do not change their color and, depending on growing conditions, can be white or creamy.

Hydrangea paniculata Big Ben

The height of the bush can reach 1.5 meters. Differs in burgundy color of young shoots. When blooming, the flowers have a white color, which then acquires a pinkish tint, and by autumn the inflorescence becomes completely colored in a rich pink color. One of the most frost-resistant varieties - without shelter, it can withstand frosts up to - 25 degrees.

Hydrangea paniculata Dolly

The variety has a bush from 1.5 to 1.7 meters, diameter up to 1.2 meters. Flowering begins in July and lasts until autumn. The flower, when dissolved, is white, and then they acquire pink shades.

Hydrangea paniculata Diamantin

With a relatively small size of the bush, this variety is distinguished by large inflorescences. The height and width of the bush rarely exceed 1.2 meters, while the inflorescences reach 20 centimeters in length and width. When dissolved, the flowers are yellowish in color, with a green tint, and then become pure white.

Hydrangea paniculata Great Star

It features an unusual flower shape, which, moreover, can reach 10 centimeters in diameter. Depending on the acidity of the soil, the color of the inflorescence varies from pure white to blue. The variety begins to bloom in June and continues throughout the summer.

Hydrangea paniculata Sandlelight

The variety is distinguished by a dense bush, reaching a height of 1.2 meters.

The color of the flower cluster varies from greenish to golden-white.

The flowering period begins in July and does not stop until October.

A distinctive feature of this variety is the purple color of the upper part of the stem.

This is not an exhaustive list of varieties of hydrangea paniculata that can be successfully grown in climatic conditions of the latitude of the Moscow region.

This also includes the following varieties:

Sundae fraise;

• Vanilla and vanilla Strawberry (vanilla);
• Wim red (red) (wim s red);
• Dentel de gorron;
• Mega Mindy;
• Diamantino;
• Pink diamond;
• Levana;
• Early sensation.

Video "The most beautiful varieties of panicle hydrangea"

Preparing for winter

Do the best varieties of hydrangea tree paniculata need shelter in the Moscow region?

Despite the fact that all of the above varieties are declared as frost-resistant, it is better to send them for wintering under light shelter, especially in the first 2-3 years. Especially those varieties that bloom on shoots of past years, since severe frosts can damage flower buds and flowering will be weak or not at all.

As a covering material, you can use burlap, spruce branches, fallen leaves.

The base of the bush can be covered with humus, which is raked off in the spring.

As you can see, this list is quite large, each gardener among all the variety can choose a variety that is suitable not only for cold resistance in the Moscow region, but also for the size of the bush and the desired color of the inflorescence, which varies from white and greenish to almost burgundy.