Hydrangea miss hepburn planting and care in the open field

Hydrangea is a perennial shrub with a lush crown and large, bright inflorescences. In Europe, this beauty has long enjoyed well-deserved popularity, but our gardeners have paid attention to her relatively recently. At the same time, large-leaved hydrangea has become one of the most common and sought-after species.

For more information, read Types of hydrangea

The scientific name of the flower is hydrangia (HUDRANGEA). Hydrangea got its name not by chance. The plant is very demanding on water. In addition, the classic types of hydrangea do not tolerate cold weather. In a continental and temperate climate, the bush can only be preserved if there is good shelter. That is why Russian gardeners were afraid to grow a capricious beauty. However, with the development of breeding and the emergence of a large number of winter-hardy varieties, the situation has changed.

Winter hardy varieties

Winter-hardy varieties of hydrangea began to conquer the hearts of gardeners in the 80s of the last century. Today there are already several dozen of them, and each variety differs not only in the color and size of the inflorescences, but also in the "technical" characteristics. For example, hydrangea can be used as a supplement to a seasonal rabat, planting varieties that bloom on older shoots. Or as a basis for garden design using remontant varieties.

The minimum temperature also differs depending on the variety. North American plants are able to withstand up to -15 ° C, and European breeders have managed to achieve even greater cold resistance and lower the bar to -20 ° C. Moreover, some varieties can also tolerate lower temperatures.

Regardless of the temperature regime indicated in the annotation to the variety, experienced gardeners do not recommend leaving the hydrangea without shelter.

Today, large-leaved hydrangea has many varieties, but special attention should be paid to the following varieties:

Hydrangea large-leaved Nikko Blue

This is one of the few varieties of winter-hardy hydrangea that can delight flower growers, not only in the garden, but also at home. Hydrangea Niko Blue is a bush up to 1.5 meters high with bright green foliage and large, globular inflorescences. In addition, the variety is characterized by a unique coloration. The color can range from white to deep sky blue.Moreover, the florist is able to regulate the color by himself, increasing or decreasing the acidity of the soil. The more neutral the pH, the lighter the flowers. The varieties Mini Penny, Jomari, Hopcorn Blue and Freepon have similar characteristics.

Hydrangea large-leaved Miss Saori

One of the new (selection in 2014) and the most cold-resistant varieties (up to -26 ° C). Unlike Nikko Blue, Miss Saori does not react to soil acidity. Its amazingly beautiful flowers have a matte white color with a pink border. Large, round inflorescences almost completely cover the dark green foliage with a lilac tint and are used for cutting. Miss Saori blooms all summer. The bush grows no higher than 1 meter, so the variety is great for planting in outdoor flowerpots on verandas.

The only drawback is that it requires a very nutritious soil and good moisture.

Hydrangea large-leaved Masya

Repaired variety blooming from mid-summer to late October. An adult bush reaches 1.2 meters, but has spreading lashes and in some cases requires a garter. However, the main decoration of the variety is bright crimson flowers with a jagged edge. The diameter of one flower can reach 6 cm, and the total inflorescence is 30 cm. The variety, like Nikko Blue, is sensitive to acidity. For flowers to have a rich color, the pH balance should be maintained at 5.5 or higher.

Hydrangea Endless Summer

This hydrangea variety became the first plant of its kind capable of forming flowers on young shoots, and gave the name to a whole series of remontant varieties. The flowering of large-leaved hydrangea of ​​this variety does not differ in outstanding qualities. The flowers are blue or pink (depending on the acidity of the soil) form spherical inflorescences up to 15 cm in diameter. But this hydrangea is frost-resistant and is a remontant variety. The bush completely renews its flowers every 6 weeks from the beginning of July to the end of September, for which the variety was popularly called “endless summer”. The plant requires spring pruning.

Hydrangea large-leaved Romance Pink

A very effective and frost-resistant variety (up to -25 ° C). It grows rapidly (height about 1.5 meters) and forms large inflorescences of rich pink color at the ends of the shoots. The only negative is very short flowering.

You can admire the Romance inflorescences from mid-July to late August.

Large-leaved hydrangea Tugese

One of the amazing plants. Tugese, like Romance, belongs to the double varieties from the You & Me series. Able to please the grower with a whole fireworks of colors. A compact bush up to 90 cm in diameter looks like a real fireworks. At the beginning of flowering, it is decorated with green flowers, which eventually turn into pink and blue inflorescences. Tugese is able to surprise the gardener with the presence of several color palettes at once on one bush.

A series called Forever & Ever also received positive reviews from professional gardeners. She has several remontant varieties with beautiful double flowers.

Varieties requiring shelter

The main difference between frost-resistant varieties is that they are able to withstand lower temperatures and do not require effort on the part of the gardener. However, many varieties of large-leaved hydrangea, taking into account a good shelter, also tolerate rather low temperatures. The below species hibernate quietly if the temperature does not drop below 17-18ºC.

Hydrangea large-leaved Sibylla

Hydrangea macrophylla Sibilla cultivar
differs in high decorativeness of leaves and flowers.

The shrub is low up to 1 meter.

Its gigantic (up to 30 cm) inflorescences, thanks to the glossy sheen, resemble fine porcelain figurines.

Sibylla can vary in color from purple to deep pink.

Planting singles or in groups, can be grown in a container.

Hydrangea large-leaved Hot Red

The red cap of this hydrangea will be visible from afar.

However, the bushes of this variety barely grow to a meter, and the diameter of the inflorescences does not exceed 15 cm.Which compensates well for Hot Red's ability to keep the shape of the bush. Lush bush, flowering from July to September

In order for Hot Red to please with flowers, it is necessary to leave last year's shoots.

Hydrangea large-leaved Mariesia Perfect

The drooping, reddish-brownish stems have long leaves and pale blue flowers.

Perfect grows only 50 cm in height, but it is characterized by the fastest growth in the hydrangea family.

Due to its special decorative qualities, this variety always attracts attention, and in skillfully designed compositions it is ready to compete even with roses.

Large-leaved hydrangea Renata Steiniger

A variety of the Dutch selection.

Tall bush with graceful rounded inflorescences of dark blue or bright pink color.

In a single planting with a steiniger, you can decorate any flower arrangements. In addition, the variety is suitable for group plantings and hedges.

Hydrangea large-leaved Aisha

In a subtropical climate, it can grow up to 4 m, but closer to northern latitudes it grows to a maximum of 1.5 meters. A distinctive feature is erect stems with spherical inflorescences at the ends. Flowers, like all hydrangeas, can change color depending on the acid balance of the soil. They are either pink with red blotches, or blue.

Aisha blooms at the end of summer, but if you add gibberilin to the water when watering, you can speed up the appearance of flowers by a couple of weeks.

Hydrangea large-leaved Alpengluchen

This variety is perfect for lovers of red flowers.

The plant grows no higher than 1.25 m. On neutral soils, the flowers may acquire a dark pink color.

Another feature of this variety is the flowering period of Alpengluchen falls in the first half of summer.

Hortense Red Baron

Another fiery red variety. However, unlike Alpengluchen, the Baron's lower temperature limit is only -15 ° C.

But the variety is perfect for home cultivation. And thanks to the beautiful foliage, it will look very decorative even during the dormant period.

Be sure to cover for the winter.

Varieties with an indication of frost resistance up to -18 ° C need a mandatory shelter for the winter in the climatic conditions of the middle zone. Not at all suitable for breeding in colder northern latitudes

The birthplace of hydrangea is Japan, southern China and some tropical islands, which explains its thermophilic nature and the need for high humidity. Even when preparing a hydrangea for a winter shelter, so that it can better endure frosts, in the fall it needs to ensure good watering. In general, knowing some of the intricacies of care, it will not be difficult to grow a beautiful hydrangea on your garden plot.

We select the place and soil correctly

Large-leaved hydrangea, planting and caring for which consists mainly in the correct collection of soil and regular watering, feels most comfortable if you create the following conditions for it:

• in order to preserve varietal characteristics, it is necessary to maintain the necessary acidity of the soil;
• hydrangea loves nutritious soils, so when planting, be sure to add peat or humus;
• calcareous soils are detrimental to hydrangeas;
• it is best to plant the plant in areas with little shade (it will bloom later in the shade, the flowers are crushed in the sun);

You can not plant hydrangea bushes under trees, for the reason that the latter take a lot of moisture from the soil

It is necessary to plant a flower in the ground only after the threat of night frosts has passed. It is not worth deepening the seedlings, it is quite enough to cover the rhizome by a couple of centimeters. But it is imperative to mulch the soil before planting. This will help retain moisture for longer. Sawdust or needles are well suited as mulch, they are poured in a layer of about 10 cm. And of course, after planting, do not forget to water. Each hydrangea bush should receive at least 20 liters of water per week. It is better to water as the top layer dries. If possible, it is better to water the hydrangeas with settled water.

Feeding hydrangeas

Since a certain acidity of the soil is needed for a rich color of inflorescences, it is necessary to water the plant with the addition of alum once every two weeks. You can also experiment with the color scheme, fertilizing only one side of the bush.

But the ash, which gardeners love to use so much, will only harm the hydrangea. If there is a desire to "treat" the hydrangea with organic fertilizers, it is better to use a weak mullein solution.

It is necessary to make feeding taking into account the phases of plant growth:

1. in early spring, fertilizers will help to form young shoots faster;
2. at the beginning of summer, feeding is necessary for a better ovary of buds;
3. in the middle of summer, the plant is fertilized to prolong the flowering period and provoke the laying of new buds (especially for remontant varieties).

In the first year of life, it is important to water young seedlings with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, this will protect the shoots from the formation of rot. And in the fall, before the shelter, it is imperative to treat the hydrangea with Bordeaux mixture, this will help prevent the development of fungal diseases.

Trim or not

Generally, most large-leaved hydrangea varieties cannot be pruned. Repaired varieties give flowers on last year's shoots, and new shoots grow from the axils of old ones. Therefore, pruning can adversely affect the decorative qualities of the flower.

However, pruning does not affect the state of the plant itself. If you need to shorten the lashes to create landscape design or a certain variety requires it, then feel free to take a pruner. It is also necessary to monitor the safety of the shoots and remove damaged or frozen parts in time. It is best to prune last year's shoots in early spring. During the year, if necessary, only young growth can be corrected.

As you can see, hydrangea, despite its tropical origin, is quite capable of getting along in a continental and temperate climate. The main thing is not to forget about watering, to apply fertilizers on time, and then the plant will gratefully present you with flowers of stunning beauty.

At the sight of these flowers, there is a feeling of airiness and lightness, you want to pick a huge fluffy bouquet or plant whole rows

hydrangea

so that the multi-colored hats are on both sides of the garden

track

... The plant belongs to the Hortensian family. Most often these are small trees or shrubs, but there are even liana-shaped forms. Flowers are small, collected in large globular inflorescences, without aroma. Thanks to these beautiful inflorescences, the hydrangea cannot be overlooked.

Hydrangeas It turns out that hydrangeas are not only beautiful, but also healing! Read about its use for medical purposes in the article "Healing hydrangea".

Planting hydrangeas

Planting hydrangeas is done in early spring or fall. In cold climates, it is desirable spring planting of seedlingsso that they have time to root well and it is easier to endure the harsh conditions of the first (after transplanting) wintering. The place for planting must be chosen in advance: all hydrangeas love acidic, well-moistened soil. They can grow both in the sun and in partial shade.

Planting hydrangeas Mineral and organic fertilizers, sand are introduced into a prepared hole about 30x30x30 cm in size, mixed well with sod soil. Then peat is poured. In a hydrangea seedling, the roots are slightly shortened. The root collar is not buried. The planted bush is well watered and mulched with humus or peat. When planting in spring, one-year shoots are slightly shortened by 3-4 buds.

Hydrangeas are usually planted singly or in groups on the lawn.

Hydrangea bush For group planting, the distance between plants should be at least 1 meter. You can read more about the planting process in the article Hydrangeas: A riot of colors in your garden.

Propagation of hydrangea

Cuttings

Cuttings are harvested in April-June: annual green shoots 10-12 cm long are taken from the crown, cut at right angles.Leaves are removed from the lower part of the cuttings, treated with a growth stimulant and planted in a fertile soil mixture - in a distribution ridge in a greenhouse. The first year after disembarkation (already in a permanent place) is covered in the winter, the flowers are cut off.

Young saplings of hydrangeaWinter cuttings can only be carried out with large-leaved hydrangea. To do this, in October, you need to dig out the parent plant and plant it in a pot, put it in a room with a temperature of 0 ... + 2 ° C. In January, the temperature is raised to + 7 ° C ... + 10 ° C. In February, the shoots of last year have already matured, and cuttings with 2 internodes are cut from them. The lower leaves are removed, the upper ones are cut off, leaving half of the leaf plate. The lower cut is treated with a root formation stimulant, and the cuttings are planted in pots with a nutritious soil mixture. Cover them with plastic bottles, glass jars.

By dividing the bush

Hydrangea can be propagated by dividing in spring and autumn. The plant is dug up and divided into several parts so that each division has a bud of renewal, after which it is planted in the prepared places.

Layers

Shoots no older than 1 year are bent to the ground and buried in, leaving a top about 20 cm long on the surface.In the spring or autumn of next year, the rooted shoot is separated from the mother bush and transplanted.

Hydrangea is rarely propagated by seeds and grafting.

Hydrangea care

1. Top dressing with mineral fertilizers (it is necessary to fertilize in moderation, since voluminous inflorescences can break or bend the branches of the bush).
2. Organic fertilizers: slurry, humus.
3. Watering. The acidity of water for irrigation is recommended not higher than 5.6 PH. Hydrangea is very hygrophilous and should not be overdried.
4. Loosening of the soil: from 3 times per season to a depth of 5-10 cm.

Hydrangea care

Pruning

• The bushes are pruned in the spring when the buds are swollen.
• For successful wintering, young shoots are pruned to 4 buds.
• Old bushes are renewed by root pruning.
• With targeted formative pruning of cuttings for 4-5 years, you can get a beautiful little hydrangea tree.
• In the first year of flowering cuttings, flowers must be removed, this will help the plant gain strength and bloom profusely next year.

More information about the intricacies of pruning various types of hydrangea is described in the publications:

• Pruning hydrangea
• How to prune a panicle hydrangea
• The multifaceted panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) and an alternative take on the formative "classic" pruning. Part 1
• The multifaceted panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) and an alternative take on the formative "classic" pruning. Part 2

Change in color of hydrangea flowers

Large-leaved and new varieties of hydrangeas can change their color. To do this, use various dyes sold in fertilizer departments.

• If you want to get blue shades, then 2 times a week when watering, use crystals of aluminum or iron or aluminum sulfate (1 tablespoon for 5 liters of water).
• For a pink color, a solution of potassium permanganate is used.
• Peat can also affect the color change of hydrangeas. To do this, you need to water the plant with peat infusion, besides, it is also a good fertilizer.

Special additives will help to change the color of hydrangea inflorescences

Shelter for the winter

With the horizontal shelter of the hydrangea for the winter, you preserve the flower buds that are laid on the branches of the plant (in species that bloom on last year's shoots). Then the hydrangea will bloom early.

Problems

If a misfortune has happened to your hydrangea - the disease has overcome or it does not bloom - take a look at the Questions about hydrangea section: there are collected answers from both experts and amateur gardeners.

The main garden types of hydrangea

Despite the variety of forms, this article discusses the species that take root and grow in our latitudes. Hydrangea suffers from intense heat, many species that love partial shade slow down their growth in the sun, their inflorescences become very shallow. But there are those that tolerate heat well.

Blooming hydrangea

Large-leaved hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)

Flowering occurs in July-August. Flowers of common forms are collected in corymbose inflorescences with a diameter of up to 20 cm, flowers of sterile forms are collected in lush spherical inflorescences with a diameter of up to 30 cm in white, pink, blue.

Large-leaved hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) Shrub up to 2 m tall with large wide ovoid leaves. Heat-loving: requires shelter in frosty winters, tolerates frosts down to -10 ° C. The most common garden form in the world. The original form for potted hydrangeas. When potassium salts and aluminum sulfate are added to the ground, it allows you to get blue and blue inflorescences.

Hydrangea paniculata (Hydrangea paniculata)

Blooms from mid-summer to late autumn. Flowers are collected in dense panicles of pyramidal inflorescences up to 30 cm in length, color from light green to white, at the end of summer changes to dull purple. Shrub from 2 to 5 m in height or small tree up to 10 m.

Panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) Differs in durability, unpretentiousness (grows in swampy, gas-polluted places), frost resistance.

Hydrangea bretschneideri

The bush is compact, with a wide rounded decorative crown up to 3 m in height. Bloom from mid-July to August. The flowers are small, fruiting, collected in wide inflorescences in the form of umbrellas about 15 cm in diameter. The middle flowers in the inflorescence fall early, the marginal flowers bloom for a long time. The color at the beginning of flowering is bright white, towards the end - purple or reddish. Leaves are dark green, ovoid, 12 cm long. Hairy shoots, reddish, with bark exfoliation in the form of thin plates; completely lignified by winter.

Hydrangea bretschneideri (Hydrangea bretschneideri).

Stalked hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris)

The shrub vine is attached to the support with air suction cups, reaches up to 25 m in height, in the absence of support it spreads along the ground. Perfectly braids

arches

... The flowers are white-pink, collected in corymbose inflorescences up to 25 cm in diameter, quickly fall off.

Stalked hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris) Abundant flowering is observed in open places, but also grows well in the shade.

Ash hydrangea, or gray (Hydrangea cinerea)

Shrub, reaches a height of 2 m. Used as a hedge. Blooms until late autumn.

Ash hydrangea, or gray (Hydrangea cinerea).

Hydrangea tree (Hydrangea arborescens)

A very beautiful shrub with many varieties. Bushes up to 3 m tall, with large oval leaves up to 20 cm in length. Flowers are collected in fluffy inflorescences. Often freezes in winter, but in spring it quickly recovers and blooms profusely. This form requires strong pruning (almost root) in April to keep the shrubs in good shape.

Hydrangea tree ‘Annabelle’ I have been growing for 10 years, blooms until late autumn, and in the flower garden is more noticeable than many of the more graceful and vibrant flowers.

What kind of hydrangeas grow in your garden? Tell us!

Catalog

Hydrangeas - sissies and spartans

Stunningly luxurious large-leaved hydrangeas make gardeners intolerable desire to have this beauty in their country house, but, most often, they cannot wait for anything but lush greenery ... Why?

That Siberia, that Alaska ...

This article is dedicated to two botanical sisters, although they were born on different continents, but for a long time they have successfully fitted into our gardens: spirea of ​​Douglas and spirea of ​​oak-leaved. Long ago and ...

Hydrangea large-leaved "Miss Hepburn" (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Miss Hepburn’)

Description: Round bush up to 1.5m high and wide. Miss Hepburn's globular inflorescences are pink on neutral soils and purple on acidic soils. They dry directly on the stems and are used by florists for dry bouquets.

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Miss Hepburn' Mandatory shelter for the winter or wintering in a cool room For the large-leaved hydrangea "Miss Hepburn", you should choose a place protected from cold winds with fertile, well-drained soils, acidic or slightly acidic, it does not tolerate calcareous soils at all; the soil must be constantly kept moist. For the winter, they are covered like roses, protecting the flower buds from freezing, since the hydrangea blooms only on last year's shoots. On acidic soils with an excess of aluminum ions, the inflorescences of Miss Hepburn hydrangea turn purple, on close to neutral - pink. Prefers partial shade Hydrangea "Miss Hepburn" is suitable for single and group plantings Plants are delivered at the age of 2 years, in a R-9 container. March, April

Together with this product you can buy:

Why don't flower shops sell hydrangea bouquets? It's just that they are probably so beautiful that it is a pity to cut them off. For garden owners in recent years, there has been no shrub more desirable than hydrangea. These are amazing bushes, buried in white, bright pink or blue clouds of inflorescences. And the most attractive, the most delicate, the most refined of them is the large-leaved hydrangea.

What is it like

Large-leaved hydrangea (Hydrángea macrophýlla) is a shrub from the hydrangea family, the height of which is 1-2 m (indoor forms grow up to 60 cm). Slightly pointed oval leaves are dark green in color. Bright inflorescences of pink, blue, greenish or variegated color in shape can be varied. Bloom from June to October.

A heat-loving shrub with huge flower heads came to Europe from Japan in the 18th century. Until recently, the large-leaved hydrangea in our area was presented only as a houseplant. But with the development of agricultural technology, it increasingly began to appear in the open field. True, it requires a serious winter shelter. The flower buds of the garden hydrangea are at the tops of last year's shoots. Therefore, it is very important to preserve the branches completely so that they do not die from frost. Not so long ago, remontant varieties were bred by Dutch breeders. Such hydrangeas begin to bloom on the tops of last year's branches, and continue to bloom on the shoots of the current year. Thanks to this, they will be able to please us with bright colors even after a little freezing.

Large-leaved hydrangea varieties

• Blue Heaven (variety series Forever & Ever) - shrub 0.9-1.2 m high, crown 60-90 cm in diameter.It blooms from July to early September. Spherical inflorescences up to 30 cm in diameter. The color of the flowers can be pink, lilac or blue (the acidity of the soil affects).
• Amethyst (variety series Magical) - bush height 1-1.2 m, crown with a diameter of 80-100 cm. Chameleon: flowers in the inflorescence are greenish at first, but then change color. Good for cutting.
• Blushing Bride (variety series Endless Summer) - the height and width of the bush is about 1.5 m. It blooms from June to October. The buds of this variety bloom into semi-double sterile white flowers that gradually turn pink. Because of this peculiarity, this variety is jokingly called "The Blushed Bride". Smooth and strong twigs make this plant suitable for cutting.

Mention should be made of the "magical properties" of large-leaved hydrangea - the ability to change color depending on the composition of the soil. With a slightly alkaline reaction of the soil, they turn pink; in an acidic environment, their color changes to blue or blue.

We settle as a guest

If you decide to plant a large-leaved hydrangea on your site, then it should be noted that planting and caring for this plant has some peculiarities. We'll look at them.

Spring is a good time to plant hydrangeas, but you can also plant them in autumn until mid-September.
First, choose a place. The best for a large-leaved hydrangea would be an area with light partial shade and protected from the wind. It is desirable that the sun hits the bush in the morning and evening hours (but not less than 6 hours).

Now a few words about the "neighbors". Do not plant a moisture-loving hydrangea under trees that strongly absorb moisture. Also, its root system does not like damage, so perennials that do not need frequent transplants should be placed nearby.

When the location is selected, you need to prepare the planting pit. Its size should be suitable for a particular plant.Since the seedling will soon turn into a large beautiful bush, the hole should be prepared at least 50 × 50 cm in size and about 50 cm deep.Fill it with a loose soil mixture consisting of light earth, high peat, fallen needles and humus (2: 2: 1: 1). If the soil on the site is clay, then in order to avoid stagnant water, drainage must be placed at the bottom of the pit. A very important point - hydrangeas should grow in acidic soil, alkalization of the soil is destructive for them.

It is advisable to soak the roots in a bucket of water before planting. Then carefully remove most of the old soil and straighten the roots. Place the seedling in the hole and sprinkle the roots with the prepared soil mixture. It is advisable to deepen the root collar a little (but not completely), there are the lower buds that will give young shoots.

After planting, it is necessary to thoroughly water the seedling. It is important that the soil around the plant is well saturated with moisture. Then the ground under the bushes must be mulched with peat, and sawdust and fallen needles must be poured over the mulch. This will help maintain soil moisture and maintain an acidic reaction.

We multiply

Large-leaved hydrangea can be propagated by dividing the bush, seeds, layering and cuttings. Let's consider two of the simplest ways.

The easiest and safest way to do this is by dividing the bush. To do this, we prepare holes for planting, then we dig out a bush and divide it into parts, so that each of them will have growth buds that give young shoots. Cut the roots a little before planting, and shorten the shoots to 3-5 buds. Next, we plant each part as a new bush. If we divide the bush in the spring, then in the fall the new hydrangea bushes will already take root.

It is relatively easy to do this by layering in May. To do this, you need to bend young, flexible branches from the mother plant and secure with a wire clip in a hole, the depth of which is about 15 cm.At the point of contact with the ground, it is advisable to break off the leaves, then make an oblique incision 2-3 cm long on the lower side of the branch, inserting into it a match or a sliver. Instead of making such an incision, you can simply scrape off the bark slightly. The fact is that tissue damage stimulates the formation of roots in this place. Then sprinkle with earth mixture (as for the usual planting of hydrangeas). Tie the tops of the shoots above the ground to a peg in an upright position. We water the cuttings abundantly and in the future we carefully monitor that the ground is always moist. Roots should appear by autumn. Now the new plant needs to be cut off from the mother. But it will be possible to plant it only in the spring. Hydrangea flowers can please us next year.

We take care and care

Any hydrangea needs regular watering, it's not for nothing that its name is translated from ancient Greek as "a vessel with water." The soil under the bush should always be moist. For this, it is advisable to constantly maintain a layer of mulch around the bush. Abundant watering in the fall is especially important, this will help the hydrangea to winter safely.

Hydrangeas, like any other plant, require feeding for good growth and development. It is imperative to apply fertilizers in the spring during the leafing period, before budding and in early autumn before the end of flowering. Feeding is also carried out for planting a new plant. In order to avoid unpleasant surprises, it is better to use complex mineral fertilizers intended for the care of hydrangeas. You can also apply humus and liquid manure in small quantities. Do not fertilize hydrangea with ash, this can lead to alkalization of the soil.

To form the crown of a large-leaved hydrangea, like any other shrub, pruning is necessary. But pruning this plant has its own specific characteristics. Since the flower-bearing buds are located at the top of the one-year shoot, it is possible to remove all the flower stalks with the wrong actions.

The main subtleties of trimming

First year

Immediately after spring planting, the growths must be shortened by one or two strong buds and the weak shoots must be cut out. Among the strong growths and side branches that have grown over the summer, only those growing inside the bush and the weakest are cut off.

Second year

When flowering ends, strong branches grow at the bottom of the bush, which must be shortened to the lower new strong growths.

Third year and beyond

After the end of flowering, all faded branches are cut to the lower strong growths, weak ones are removed. A very dense bush must be thinned out by removing some of the old branches.

Given the peculiarity of large-leaved hydrangeas to bloom on the shoots of last year, at the end of July it is imperative to cut off the old inflorescences along with four leaves. Indeed, in August, the buds of the next year are laid, and if you are late with pruning the bush or carry it out too radically, then next year it will not bloom.

If, unfortunately, the aboveground part of the hydrangea is frozen, there is no need to immediately despair. Cut off all branches shortly, then the active growth of young branches from the lower buds will begin.

We winter comfortably

Large-leaved hydrangea needs preparation for winter, because, due to the peculiarities of laying flower buds, it is not the most winter-hardy species. She must be covered before frost.

For the winter, it is necessary to cover the large-leaved hydrangea at the very beginning of November, when serious frosts are already approaching.
There are two main types of winter shelter.

First. We carefully cover the bottom of the bush with peat (we make a good slide), lay dry leaves, sawdust, spruce branches around. Having bent the branches along the perimeter to the ground, we nail them with wire brackets. Cover the top with agrofibre and sprinkle with compost soil. To protect the shelter from precipitation, cover it with a sheet of slate or roofing material.

Second. If the branches are relatively tall and tough, it is important not to break them. Therefore, we tie them together, wrap them in 2-3 layers with agrofibre, install a wire mesh (frame) around the bush and fill it with needles and dry leaves inside. From above, you need to cover it with something from precipitation (roofing material, film, boards).

It is very important to open the hydrangea gradually in the spring, as one should beware of recurrent frosts.

Pests and diseases

Large-leaved hydrangea is affected by a small number of diseases and pests.

Spider mite

The leaves are striking from the underside, you can see a cobweb there. They first turn yellow and then fall off. The plant should be sprayed with acaricide.

Downy mildew

Oily spots appear on the leaves, which then increase in size and turn yellow. A yellowish bloom appears on the leaves below and on young stems. An urgent need to treat the plant with a mixture of soap, copper sulfate and water (150 g x 15 g x 10 l).

Chlorosis

With this disease, the leaves become very light and the veins darken. This leads to alkalization of the soil, as well as too much humus in the planting pit. To cope with chlorosis, it is urgently necessary to increase the acidity of the soil in any way.

Garden decoration

Large-leaved hydrangea is so beautiful that it can decorate any garden. Huge clouds of inflorescences make it inimitable in a single location on the lawn or at the entrance. A group composition of large-leaved hydrangeas of several varieties with different shapes of flowers, inflorescences and colors will look unusual.

In general compositions, the noble severity of conifers emphasizes the lush brightness and rich flowering of hydrangea. It goes well with other ornamental shrubs - blooming one after another, they can decorate the garden all summer.

The hydrangea looks wonderful surrounded by perennial flowers and ferns. It is only important to choose the color scheme. And the hydrangea curbs and hedges look fantastic! Foam waves of various shades will not leave anyone indifferent.

It may seem that the large-leaved hydrangea is quite demanding to care for. But with some effort, you will be rewarded with a stunningly beautiful plant that will become the jewel and pride of your garden.