Hydrangea garden planting and outdoor care and reproduction

Planting garden hydrangeas and care have their own characteristics. To admire the beautiful and lush flowering, we will learn how to properly care for this plant.

Garden hydrangea - species and varieties

There are many types and varieties of this ornamental shrub. Most of them prefer to grow in partial shade, but there are some that do well in sunny areas. The height of the bushes and the flowering period are very different and depend on the variety.

The most common types:

• Large-leaved. It blooms in the second half of summer with lush inflorescences in the form of balls. Flowers can have different shades. Height - 2 m.Requires shelter in winter, maximum tolerates temperatures up to - 10 ° C
• Pereshkovaya. Variety of creepers. It blooms with white-pink inflorescences. Requires support, otherwise it will creep along the ground. A good option for arbors and arches.
• Tree-like. The flowers are snow-white. Height - up to 3 m. It looks very impressive, but freezes in winter. The plus is that the plant recovers quickly. Requires strong spring pruning.
• Paniculata. It blooms from July to late autumn with dense panicles 30 cm long. The shade of the inflorescences varies from white to greenish. The height of the bush is 3-4 m. An unpretentious and frost-resistant variety.

On the basis of these species, many different varieties have been created, each of which is beautiful in its own way. Depending on the type, hydrangeas can be deciduous or evergreen, but in our area they are most often grown in the first version.

Growing features

Interestingly, the shade of the inflorescences can be adjusted independently by adding certain fertilizers to the soil. On neutral soil, the flowers will have a beige or cream shade. A soil with a high alkali content gives flowers a pink or lilac color, acids - a blue one.

Bright lighting is very important for the shrub, but the scorching rays of the sun are destructive for it, as well as deep shadow. Therefore, it is best to plant a flower where there is shade at lunchtime, and the rest of the time - the sun.

It is important not to overfeed the seedlings with organic matter. They will grow green mass, but are unlikely to bloom.

Landing in open ground

Hydrangea is a demanding flower. Therefore, before landing, you need to think carefully about all the nuances.

Site and soil preparation

The landing site must be prepared in advance - about 2 weeks in advance. The soil should be acidic and well moisturized. Acidity can be adjusted independently with the help of special preparations. Depending on the variety, the flowers can grow in partial shade or in the sun. The best place for planting is light partial shade; plants will not bloom in a strong shade.

The hole should be small: 40 cm deep and 40 cm wide. If a group planting is planned, then the distance between the bushes should be at least 90-100 cm. Sand and fertilizers are added to the pit, mixing well with the ground. The next layer is poured a little peat.

How and when to plant?

Planting is done in early spring or autumn. It depends on the climate of each region. In cold areas, it is better to plant the bushes in the spring so that they can give new roots, get stronger and be able to survive the harsh winter. In warmer regions, planting can be done in the fall. If planting is done in spring, then annual shoots should be shortened by at least 3 buds.

It is advisable to shorten the roots of the seedling a little. When planting, you need to ensure that the root collar is not covered with earth. The planted bush is abundantly watered and mulched with peat. When watering, care must be taken that a strong jet of water does not erode the soil near the roots.

As soon as new leaves appear on the plant, this indicates that the process of the formation of new roots is in full swing.

Phantom hydrangea care

Hydrangea Phantom is one of the most beautiful of the paniculata family. It blooms magnificently throughout the season with long panicles and exudes a pleasant aroma. The variety is resistant to root diseases and frost, quickly recovers after freezing. The bush can grow in one place for many years without requiring a transplant.

Watering and feeding

"Hydrangea" translated from Latin means "yearning for water." The flower is very hygrophilous, therefore, in no case should the soil dry out. Watering should be regular and abundant. As soon as the topsoil dries up a little, the plant needs to be watered again. If the ground around the bush is mulched with peat, you can water less often, since the soil does not dry out so quickly. In the first years, 7-8 liters of water are poured under each seedling, in subsequent years - at least 18 liters.

Watering is the best time to feed. In early spring, the plant needs nitrogen fertilization, during the budding period - in potassium and phosphorus.

It is useful to water the bushes with acidified water once every 2 weeks. For 10 liters of water, you need to take 1 tbsp. l. citric acid. The solution is poured directly under the roots. In addition, in the spring-summer period, once every 3-4 weeks, you need to loosen the ground in order to improve aeration.

How to transplant and prune?

The plant tolerates pruning well. If you do not cut it, the bush will lose its decorative effect, and the flowering will be weak. It is best to do this procedure in the spring, when the buds are swollen. If the bushes are too old, they can be easily renewed by cutting them almost to the root.

All types of hydrangeas can be divided into two groups:

• To the first category includes those species and varieties, the flowers of which are formed on the shoots of the last year (petiole, prickly, large-leaved, serrate). They do not need special pruning, it is enough to remove old, dried and improperly growing branches.
• To the second category includes species that form flowers on the shoots of the current year (paniculate and tree-like). These bushes require strong pruning, all shoots should be shortened in early spring to 2-3 pairs of buds.

When the hydrangea is going to bloom for the first time, you need to immediately cut off all the buds so that the plant gains strength and can bloom profusely next year. Formative pruning of the bush within 5 years will produce a beautiful little tree.

It is necessary to transplant Phantom hydrangea only in extreme cases. It grows well in the same place for years. Therefore, transplanting is justified if an adult bush needs to be divided into parts and planted in other places.

Flower care in autumn

Caring for a garden hydrangea in autumn consists in pruning the inflorescences, while removing at least 3 buds from the top of the shoot. This must be done so that suddenly falling wet snow does not freeze on them and break fragile branches. The base of the bushes must be highlighted, and the ground around them must be well mulched.This will protect the superficial root system from frost.

How does hydrangea winter?

In the middle lane, the shrub tolerates winter well. But for a safety net, it is still better to cover it with spruce branches. In the northern regions, the flower is taken to a room with a positive temperature for the winter, since severe frosts can destroy it.

Sometimes the bushes are neatly tied, wrapped in spunbond and a mesh frame is erected near them. The space between the covering material and the mesh is filled with dry foliage. With the first breeze of heat, the leaves are removed, but the spunbond is removed only after a constant positive temperature is established.

How does garden hydrangea reproduce?

The easiest way to propagate a hydrangea is cuttings. They are cut in the spring from annual green shoots. It is necessary to cut at right angles. The length of the cuttings is no more than 12 cm. Leaves are removed from the bottom, treated with preparations to stimulate growth and planted in a greenhouse or boxes.

A good option is to multiply the flower by dividing it. This can be done both in spring and autumn. The bush is carefully dug up and divided into 3-4 parts, so that each one has several renewal buds. The workpieces are planted in pre-marked places.

Also, without much effort, you can propagate the hydrangea by layering. Young shoots are gently bent to the ground, fixed and buried in the ground, leaving the top (about 20 cm). As early as the next spring or autumn, the root cuttings can be separated from the mother plant and transplanted.

Sometimes the shrub is propagated by seeds or grafting, but these are too laborious methods. Knowing how the garden hydrangea reproduces, you can choose the appropriate method in advance and do it in a timely manner.

Protection against diseases and pests

Hydrangeas rarely get sick, while the lion's share of the disease is transferred with seedlings. For this reason, you only need to buy new plants from proven nurseries. Other causes of diseases are called plantings thickening, lack of nutrients and high air humidity.

Many fungal diseases can be fought with copper oxychloride.

One of the most common diseases is chlorosis. Due to the lack of iron, the leaves turn yellow, while the veins remain green. For treatment, drugs Agricol, Brexil are used. As a preventive measure, plants need to be fed with iron-containing fertilizers in a timely manner.

Use in landscape design

Hydrangea looks great both in single plantings and in group plantings. You just need to design in advance its location at a decent distance from other plants. Over time, the bushes grow strongly and require a lot of space.

The flower can be planted as a soloist in the front garden if it is located on the north side of the house. When choosing hydrangea companions in a mixborder, you need to take into account their features. Similar requirements for moisture, lighting and soil acidity in astilba, hosts, cuffs. If the site is large, you can plant a composition of several bushes. Their sprawling shape will create an expressive accent in the garden. These shrubs are often used to restrict areas of the garden.

Hydrangeas work well with a variety of garden styles, so anyone can grow them.

Do you want to decorate your garden with an unusual shrub? Try planting a hydrangea flower, planting and caring for which in the open field is simple, reproduction and growing of hydrangea is possible even for novice gardeners. You can find a fantastically beautiful flower by reading the description of the variety and considering its combination with other plants in landscape design. In the photo, the hydrangea looks like the queen of the garden.

Varieties and varieties of hydrangea

Hydrangea is an undoubted favorite among flowers in summer cottages. A long flowering period, a variety of shapes and tones attract special attention to it from gardeners and designers; more and more often, various varieties of this perennial are used in landscape design.

Blue hydrangea

Hydrangeas can be spherical, racemose, and white, lilac, red, two-colored in color. The most common in our latitudes is the tree hydrangea. Unpretentious, fairly easy to care for and grow, the plant is recommended for novice gardeners. Several varieties of shrubs have been bred by breeders:

• Bella Anna - a new variety of tree hydrangea, has rather large spherical inflorescences, the crown grows up to three meters in diameter, the color of the petals is from pale pink to purple-pink, blooms throughout the summer season and September;

Bella Anna variety

• "Anabel" - a lush blooming, spreading shrub about 1.5 m high, inflorescences in the form of a ball of snow-white color, blooms in early July and retains its color throughout the summer season until September. After the end of flowering, the leaves of the plant remain bright green throughout the fall. Variety "Anabel" is adapted for wintering, does not require special shelter for the winter, frost-resistant;

"Anabel"

• "Grandiflora" - differs in large crystal-white inflorescences, blooms for 4 months;

"Grandiflora"

• "Invincibel Spirit" - a new variety of hydrangea with pink petals;

"Invisibel Spirit"

• "Sterilis" - a variety with hemispherical, dense, heavy inflorescences, during the flowering period - from July to October - the petals radically change color: from pale green to crystal white.

"Sterilis"

Also, a fairly common perennial variety - Panicle hydrangea, planting and caring for which is quite simple. This flower is attractive with inflorescences of an unusual - paniculate - shape, frost-resistant, characterized by rapid recovery even in unfavorable climatic conditions. An interesting feature of this hydrangea variety is the particularly long flowering period, during which the inflorescence changes its color. Does not need mulching for the winter. The most common varieties of panicle hydrangea are:

• Vanilla Fraze - variety with pale white and pink petals;

"Vanilla Fries"

• "Limelight" - the plant blooms in autumn, differs in large inflorescences of a pale lemon shade;

"Limelight"

• "Pinky Winky" - hydrangea with soft red petals.

"Pinky Winky"

How to plant correctly

Growing hydrangeas in the open field is possible even for novice gardeners. If a hydrangea is chosen for a flower garden, planting and caring for it will never be a burden, they will become favorite activities. The correct location should be chosen for planting the shrub. Hydrangea does not tolerate long shading, the best place to plant it is on the sunny side. Hydrangea propagation is carried out by separate bushes or cuttings. It is recommended to plant a flower in spring (in May) or in autumn (in warm September).

Even a novice gardener can plant a hydrangea.

To plant a hydrangea with a bush in the open field, you need to dig a planting hole about 60 cm deep, about half a meter wide and long. The distance between the bushes is at least 1.5 meters. A flower, growing with proper care, will occupy a much larger area than when planted. The pits should be filled with a special mixture, including peat, sand, soil, humus (1: 1: 2: 2) and fertilizers (landscape design experts recommend combining 20 g of urea, potassium sulphide each, add about 60 g of superphosphate in granules and 10 kg of humus ).

Attention: do not add lime to the soil mixture for hydrangea - it is detrimental to this plant.

When planting, it should be borne in mind that the root collar of the plant should be at ground level. After planting the hydrangea in open ground, it must be watered abundantly.

Tip: For the first two flowering seasons, it is recommended to pick off the inflorescences. The root system of the plant will get stronger and grow, which will subsequently give the bush strength and splendor.

Suitable care

Hydrangea care consists in weeding and loosening the soil around it, organizing a timely and correct watering regime. In addition, to prevent rapid evaporation of moisture, it is recommended to mulch the bush in early summer with peat or sawdust.

Fading flowers must be cut off so that they do not pull strength from the plant.

A perennial needs proper pruning. The plant should be pruned in the spring before the beginning of the growing season, removing old shoots and leaving young and strong ones, shortening them by 3-5 buds. Faded and dried bush inflorescences must be removed. Old perennial bushes must be cut almost at the root, leaving only low stumps, from which young shoots will develop.

Fertilizing and fertilizing hydrangeas

The hydrangea planted in prepared and fertilized soil for the first two years can not be fertilized or fed.
Then the procedure for feeding hydrangeas is as follows:

• in the spring it is necessary to apply a complex fertilizer containing micro- and macroelements (phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen) under each bush;
• the second time in a season, top dressing (potassium sulfate together with superphosphate) is applied during the period when buds appear on the bush;
• a couple of times it is advisable to feed the perennial with diluted chicken droppings or cow dung.

Hydrangea responds very well to feeding

Caution: Excessive fertilization of nitrogen can lead to greening of hydrangea petals and problems with the wintering of the plant.

It should also be borne in mind that hydrangea responds well to lactic acid, therefore it is important when growing it to periodically water the bush with soaked sour bread, milk whey, sour milk, kefir.

Propagation of hydrangea

Like other perennial shrubs, hydrangea can be propagated vegetatively (by cuttings, dividing the bush, layering) and seeds.

To grow shrubs from cuttings, it is necessary to cut the tops of young non-lignified shoots in mid-July and root them in specially prepared soil, consisting of coarse sand and peat. Experts recommend taking measures to increase soil moisture under the cuttings. For this, sphagnum moss is added to it. Cuttings are planted in such soil a little at an angle, at a small (up to 5 cm) distance and provide them with a temperature regime in the range of 16-20 ° C. 4-5 weeks are enough for rooting. After that, the hydrangea is planted in a permanent growing area and provided with proper care.

Propagation of hydrangea by cuttings

When the hydrangea propagates by dividing the bush, part of it is separated, while it is important that there are 2-3 buds on the young shoots, they are dug up and transplanted to a new place.

For the propagation of hydrangeas by layering, it is necessary to bend one of the young shoots of the growing bush to the ground and dig it into a previously dug hole (up to 15-20 cm deep). In order to prevent the shoot from straightening, it can be fixed with staples. Experienced gardeners recommend making an incision on the part of the shoot that will be in the ground to speed up the rooting process. It is necessary to regularly water the branch, it can also be mulched. After the formation of its own root system at the branch, it is separated from the mother bush and planted in a new place.

Propagation of hydrangea by layering

Diseases and pests

As a rule, hydrangea is quite resistant to all sorts of pests and diseases. However, it can also become infected with chlorosis, downy mildew, spider mites, and green leaf aphids can appear on it.

Chlorosis is expressed in a sharp lightening of the leaves of the plant, the loss of their natural color. The reason for its development is the excessive content of lime or humus in the soil. To eliminate chlorosis, it is enough to water the plant with solutions of nitric acid potassium and copper sulfate in turn with an interval of three days.

Hydrangea disease - chlorosis

The cause of hydrangea disease with downy mildew is excess air humidity. For treatment, it is recommended to treat the hardwood surface with a solution of copper sulfate with the addition of soap.

Garlic infusion will help drive aphids from the plant. It is necessary to prepare a garlic infusion (200 g of chopped garlic in a bucket of water, let it brew for 2 days), add laundry soap (40 g) and irrigate the perennial with this infusion every 5-7 days until the aphids are destroyed.

Hydrangea: combination with other plants

In a flower garden or garden, hydrangea is quite effective both by itself and in combination with other flowers. For example, panicle hydrangea looks great next to clumps of purple-leaved barberries, viburnum vesicle. The beauty of the tree-like hydrangea is emphasized by daylilies, sheared barberry, undersized juniper.

Hydrangea in the design of the flower bed

Hydrangea in landscape design

Hydrangea is a fantastically beautiful flower that inspires beautiful compositions in landscaping. Taking into account the climatic conditions, in our latitudes it is recommended to plant a tree-like, paniculate and petiolate hydrangea. Hydrangea looks magical in the photo in large compositions when it grows in the squares, surprising everyone with the size and beauty of its inflorescences. To emphasize the beauty of hydrangea, you can surround it with borders of spirits, cotoneaster, and other shrubs. The hydrangea should be planted in a flower garden in the background so that it does not obscure other plants.

Hydrangea in landscape design

It is not recommended to combine hydrangea with yellow, red, orange flowers. Plants with bluish flowers, needles or leaves can successfully shade a shrub - for example, clematis, cereals, hosts, low-growing junipers.
A classic landscape design is the combination of hydrangea with pink phlox with a round shape of inflorescences, thujas, microbiota. Also hydrangea is used in mixborders to create compositions along garden paths, can be grown as a hedge.

Hydrangea is the foundation of a beautiful garden. With proper care, it will delight you for years to come. Experiment with different varieties of this shrub, try to decorate your gazebo with a climbing hydrangea, plant a tree-like one along the paths, create a living fence using a paniculata.

Garden hydrangea care: video

Garden hydrangea: photo

A variety of private territory, giving it a certain style and beauty - that's what every owner of his own land needs so much. Therefore, hydrangea in the open field is a great option for lovers of abundant flowering shrubs. A large number of species and varieties will help to create various compositions, not only by color, but also by shape. Shrubs of this genus have a large number of colors, which gives them a special uniqueness.

The ability to properly care for the plant, to create suitable conditions for their life is important. These include: planting hydrangeas in open ground, a variety of cares and reproduction. One of the main activities is planting in a specific place, choosing the right location where the plant will feel comfortable for a long time.

Location of hydrangea in a private area

Most plants of this species prefer sunny places, which does not quite apply to garden hydrangea. This means that the shrub feels great in partial shade or in the shade, and the area near a building or structure is an ideal place for planting them. It is advisable to plant the plant in acidic soils, then it will be beautiful, bright and lush. If the soils are neutral or alkaline, then they require additional acidification. Very often old nails are buried in the ground for this purpose, which do an excellent job with it.

Hydrangea is very demanding for planting and care in the open field, so these issues should be carefully studied in advance.

Planting hydrangeas and features of their reproduction

The ideal time for planting plants of this genus is spring or autumn. And preference is given to the colder period when the plant will not experience excessive moisture loss. High temperatures also negatively affect plant survival.

Planting a hydrangea bush does not always give a positive result, as it is quite anxious and difficult task. Therefore, most gardeners prefer to purchase already grown specimens. This is due to long-term adaptation to external conditions (after about four years, you can plant a hydrangea in open ground - this is considered a very long time in gardening).

How to plant a garden hydrangea on your own territory?

Hydrangea seedlings are planted in pre-prepared pits, about 35-40 cm deep, at least 50 cm wide.If a hedge of shrubs is planned, then the strip should have a width of at least 1 meter. It is also worth remembering about the planting step - the plants are located at a distance of about 2 meters from each other. Hydrangea in the garden is very stylish and modern, gives a certain specific effect, combined with a large number of other shrubs and trees. Therefore, the correct fit is the key to the beauty and health of this species.

How to propagate hydrangea?

There are several main ways of propagating and growing hydrangeas that are especially attractive and loyal:

• Propagation of a hydrangea shrub by layering. This method is based on the rooting of a young shoot, which is specially bent to the ground in a pre-prepared hole (its depth is about 15 cm). Before bending the branch, it is necessary to make an incision, a match is inserted inside. It is in this place that young roots are formed. Throughout the rooting time, the hole should be watered, you can cover it with a film. When the root system develops, you can grow a young hydrangea, and in the future you get the same beautiful and lush bush.
• Shrub propagation by cuttings - this option is used only in the summer. A cutting, green annual, 10 cm long is pre-cut from the hydrangea. Only the upper leaves and buds are left on the shoot. To make the rooting process faster, the base of the cuttings is treated with a growth stimulant. They can be purchased at almost any specialty store. The soil is prepared in advance - sand, peat and sod land (ratio 1: 1: 1). You can not only prepare it yourself, but also purchase it at the appropriate trading place. A cutting is planted in the ground at an angle, about 5 cm deep. Maintenance requires constant spraying with clean water. The entire rooting process takes about a month.
• In the country, the best option (in the presence of an adult plant) is to divide the bush. Garden hydrangea will take root quickly enough, the main thing is to leave several renewal buds on the excavated plot. The roots should also be treated with a stimulant. After planting, the shrub requires abundant and timely watering. It is sometimes necessary to process the plant for preventive purposes - from the appearance of pests or various bacteria.
• Seed reproduction is the longest and most troublesome way. Seeds are planted in March with follow-up care activities. This is what hydrangea seeds look like.
• At home, you can grow a plant yourself - in the water. The shoot is cut off and placed in clean water, which must be constantly changed to prevent the death of the hydrangea. After 3-4 weeks, the first roots will appear, after which the cuttings are planted in the ground, preferably in a small glass with soil, the composition of which is indicated above. Young plants require regular watering, warm conditions and partial shade.In winter, the plant should be moistened only once a week, otherwise the process of root rotting or the development of harmful bacteria and viruses may take place.

Propagation of hydrangea by cuttings and seeds is the most difficult method of propagation, however, the young plant is the most adapted and strongest as a result. The process itself is quite complicated, which is why not everyone is able to bring the job started to the end.

Hydrangea care activities in the garden

For a plant to be beautiful, lush, healthy, it is necessary to create certain conditions for it. To ensure them, you need the following:

• Fertilization with organic matter, which includes humus or slurry.
• Top dressing about 1 time in 2 weeks with mineral fertilizers during the period of active growth. Fertilization has a beneficial effect not only on plant growth, but also on abundant flowering. It is not advisable to use this event during the flowering period. If it is wrong to feed hydrangeas, then this can greatly develop foliage, which will not leave room for the formation of inflorescences. Therefore, it is worth taking this issue seriously.
• Any plant requires regular weeding and loosening. The latter is performed 3 times during the whole season. The depth should be from 5 to 10 cm. Weeds should be removed as soon as they appear, in summer, only in the evening or morning. In dry times, there is no need to do this, because you can lead the plant itself to death.
• Watering is frequent and abundant. The complete drying of the earthen coma should not be allowed. Mulch is often used, which protects against excessive evaporation of moisture and overheating of the soil.
• Pruning refers to an important event that directly affects the quality and scale of inflorescence formation. In the fall, you need to get rid of faded flowers. Old plants are subject to complete renewal, which means that they are cut almost at the root. And young ones - in the spring, are pruned to the formation of buds. In the first year of flowering, it is better to break off only the tied inflorescences, which contributes to the development of more of them over time.
• Protection of hydrangea in winter - shelter with various materials - burlap or spruce branches, sawdust.
• Hydrangeas have a unique feature - the ability to change the color of the inflorescences. Specialty stores sell original solutions for these purposes. For example, to obtain pink flowers, potassium permanganate or peat is used. To make the shrub grow blue, aluminum sulfate or iron crystals are used. The blue hydrangea tree is shown in the photo.

Hydrangea is tree-like, paniculate, gardening in planting and care is quite difficult, but the result cannot but please. That is why this plant has become so popular for modern landscaping.

The presented photos perfectly prove this fact.

Hydrangeas are used not only for landscaping in areas near the house, but also in street improvement. They make wonderful hedges, just group plantings, beautiful compositions.

Article author: LadyPlace

Hydrangea has been recognized by flower growers and designers due to the variety and long life span of its amazing inflorescences, their colors and shapes. The plant, blooming with pink and blue balls, was first discovered by members of the first round-the-world expedition from France on the island of Mauritius back in the 18th century, where it came from China. The appearance of the name is allegedly associated with the name of the sister of the Prince of Nassau-Siegen, one of the participants, the future Russian admiral. This beautiful princess of the Holy Roman Empire was called Hortense.

There is another interpretation of the origin of the name of the flower - "hortensis" (from the garden). This allegedly points to the location of the discovery of a colorful bush - the garden of the Mauritian governor. In Japan, the hydrangea is called "adzisai", that is, "a flower like a violet sun."

However, there is also a more prosaic version of the scientific name - Hydrangea, which is based on the moisture-loving property of the flower. Indeed, in translation from the Greek language it means "a vessel with water" (water - hydor, vessel - aggeion). Many explain the presence in the name of the "vessel" by the similarity of seed pods to jugs and the need for a container for sufficient watering.

Today hydrangea has spread all over the world from Asia, the Far East to America. Over these more than two centuries, it has been enriched in different types and forms.

Description of hydrangea with photo

The plant belongs to the flowering genus of the Hortensia family. It has more than 70 species, of which more than 100 hybrid varieties have been bred. Now you can see them as upright shrubs and climbing vines, deciduous / evergreen small trees, frost-hardy and thermophilic. At the same time, wide, rounded bushes and tree-like varieties reach 3 m in height, and vines - about 30 m.

This profusely blooming "vessel with water" is capable of wintering in the open field in different latitudes. It has large, oppositely located oval-shaped leaves with a pointed tip, denticles along the edges and barely visible veins. They colorfully surround the flowers, forming the unity of the composition.

Particularly noteworthy is the characteristic of bright, airy, delicate flowers with various colors, pleasing from mid-summer to late autumn. Inflorescences at the ends of the shoots, resembling balls, umbrellas, shields or panicles (brushes), densely cover the entire plant. Flower heads are of 2 types:

• large sterile, called sterile, located at the edges of the inflorescences;
• small fertile (fertile), growing in the middle.

Most species are white, and some are red, pink, blue, lilac. The palette of inflorescences can be one-two-ton or have different transitional shades. At the end of flowering, the hydrangea produces fruits in the form of 2-5 separate capsules with many small seeds.

Types and varieties of hydrangea

Of the whole variety of colors, we offer you to get acquainted with the species most adapted to our conditions.

Panicle hydrangea

Panicle hydrangea are the most suitable for central Russia and, in particular, the Moscow region. Actually, it most often grows in old gardens. Its shrubs, reaching heights of up to 10 m, can also be found on the outskirts of forests overgrown with oak forests. An interesting feature of the variety is its unusual shape, quick recovery in an unfavorable climate, and frost resistance. A shrub on moist fertile land can live up to 60 years.

It has slightly pubescent large ovoid (elliptical) long leaves (about 12 cm), especially powerful in the lower part of the plant. This gives a special crown density.

It justifies its name by the presence of wide-pyramidal panicles of large flowers. They grow up to 25 cm and are excellent honey plants. At the beginning of flowering (June), it has a white color of small petals, which gradually turn pink, sometimes turn purple, and at the end (October) acquire a greenish range. Such changes are typical for all its varieties. After flowering, fruit-boxes appear, in which a large number of small seeds ripen with 95% viability.

Her most popular varieties:

• Vanilla Fraze - a tall bush (up to 2 m) with a large conical inflorescence of strawberry-pink tone. Its reduced copy, up to 1.2 m high, is the Sundae Fraise variety.

• Pinky Winky has a conical openwork sterile inflorescence with red petals. Height - up to 2 m.
• Limelight - this is the "discoverer" of dense sterile inflorescences. Initially, they have a soft lemon with a transition to a greenish color, and by the end of the season they become pinkish. Its height reaches almost 2 m. It is distinguished by its late autumn flowering. Has a low (up to 1 m) copy - Little Light.

• Phantom - a tall, large bush (more than 2 m) with a spreading crown. Looks harmoniously with large inflorescences, first in a creamy white palette, and "goodbye" - in pink. In terms of the size of its inflorescences, it is considered the record holder among similar ones.

• Grandiflora with pyramidal large late inflorescences, changing colors from cream, white, pink to salad, red. Their length reaches up to 30 cm. Its crown can grow up to 3 m wide.
• Matilda has a rounded crown, dull green leaves. Flowers, like grandiflora, are subject to a metamorphosis of tones.

Other varieties of paniculate species are also widespread, namely: Brussels Leys, Kiushu, Pink Diamond, Presox, Floribunda.

Tree hydrangea

Treelike hydrangea, native to the North of the United States, is fast growing, winter hardy, and more commonly known as white globular / bushy. It takes root well in the cold climate of the Urals and Siberia on moist soil saturated with lime. However, with very frosty winters, there is a threat of freezing.

This species appears to be a short shrub, growing up to 2.5 m. Its large opposite leaves on several drooping shoots are ovoid / elliptical in shape with jagged edges and a heart-shaped notch. They are distinguished by juicy green on top and bluish on the back. Due to their size and original shape, the leaves create a rounded, luxurious crown.

Globular / hemispherical inflorescences are also quite large (up to 20 cm in diameter) and are located on annual young shoots at the very end. Their flowers (large sterile, small fertile) grow in a chaotic manner. Until full blooming, the inflorescences have a pale green tint, and when opened, they turn into cream, milky, and then white.

These transformations begin 4 years after planting the bush in early July and before the onset of cold weather. Flowering ends with the formation of fruits with a miniature seed capsule about 3 mm in size.

The most famous varieties of this species are:

• Anabel is a low (up to 1.5 m) sprawling, rounded shrub covered with a snow-white “cap” of large sterile flowers. The adaptability to cold weather is evidenced by the leaves, which retain their bright greenery until the beginning of winter. The variety does not require any shelter from frost and snow at all.

• Sterilis its inflorescences resemble Grandiflora, but differs in the oval shape of large leaves. Despite the ability to freeze, it can quickly recover after pruning at the root already at the beginning of spring.
• Hayes Starburst - This is the first variety of undersized treelike hydrangea with double inflorescences. During flowering, these low bushes are colored at first with delicate salad tones, and then with snow-white. From their abundance, thin shoots without supports can break, not withstanding such a weight.

• Radiant - it is a kind of transitional variety from treelike to large-leaved hydrangea species. It is also called "garden". It has decorative large foliage with a green top and a white felt edge below. In windy weather, it amazes with its mesmerizing overflows. In July, it throws out corymbose inflorescences with many white sterile flowers.

Other varieties

Other varieties are represented by plants such as:

• Large-leaved (garden) hydrangea came to Europe from Japan over 200 years ago. Its difference from the rest is a variety of colors from monochromatic to numerous mixes. If the homeland endowed the large-leaved beauty with thermophilicity, then the Europeans created frost-resistant varieties and species. They can now be grown in gardens and parks at all latitudes. This hydrangea can be seen both in gardens, greenhouses and along various roads. In the subtropics, it can grow up to 4 m in height, and as you move to cooler places - no more than 2 m.The ability to withstand low winter temperatures makes it most acceptable for Siberia, the Urals, the Moscow region.

It has erect shoots covered with bright green, ovoid leaves. Remarkable are rather wide (up to 25 cm in diameter) spherical flowers at the tips of the shoots. They differ in a varied palette (red, yellow, pink, purple, purple).

Unlike garden species, it, as one of the few, can be grown not only outdoors, but also indoors. The advantages include ease of maintenance. Growing success here can be achieved not only by ass flower growers, but also by beginners.

Among the large-leaved varieties, such hydrangeas are especially recognized: Forever & Ever, Alpengluchen, Red Baron, Shimnebol, Endless Summer, Expression, Romance, Together.

• Blue hydrangeas are completely unusual representatives of large-leaved ones. This group gets its name from the color of the flowers. Its saturation and combination largely depends on the properties of the soil. Blueness is caused by the accumulation of aluminum released from acidic soils. Therefore, experimental florists can "repaint" them arbitrarily. As if the heavens in the form of rounded inflorescences fell on their spreading crowns of short stature.

However, when choosing these hydrangeas, you should pay attention to the survival rate of such plants in our climate. Most of them do not always perceive severe frosts. Therefore, blue hydrangeas are the best option for growing in greenhouses for further planting in open ground.

Nevertheless, breeders today have bred blue hydrangeas Endless Samme, Foreve Ewe, more adapted to the harsh climate, with remontant flowering. Here you can also name such varieties as: Kumiko, Niko Blues, Mini Penny, Ramars, Freedom, Compento, Perfeshi, Honkori Blue, Jomari.

• Pereshkovaya (curly, liana-like), which is closely related to plants from the genus Schizophragmatic. In the wild (Primorye, China, Korea, Japan), it can reach a height of up to 25 m. Therefore, when grown vertically on plots, it needs support, and without these it can be used for decorative soil cover.

These features are due to the presence of a mass of aerial roots with suction cups, which help it to anchor on the surface of the support or the ground. On the long stalks of this vine, there are wide dark green leaves with multi-colored fragrant corymbose inflorescences up to 25 cm in diameter. So they make it a magnificent "green blanket". And she is also a wonderful honey plant.

Varieties and types of hydrangeas: video

Where and when to plant hydrangea outdoors

1. Pick-up location for all types of these light-loving plants is determined by the degree of its openness, illumination. Therefore, it should be moderately sunny, without drafts. Flowers do not tolerate direct rays at the very peak of the heat. The best option is the east side with morning sun rays. Constant light partial shade results in fewer inflorescences and later flowering. Sliding partial shade in the afternoon is suitable for colored hydrangea flowers.
2. The soil should be loose, fertile, clayey with humus and acidity (pH) from 5 to 6. This is important, since the gamut of flowers largely depends on the pH of the soil (pH). On neutral soil, the petals are pale beige; alkaline - lilac, pink; sour - blue.

Red earth is less suitable and sandy soils are absolutely contraindicated. Acidic soils promote vibrant colors; neutral - retardation of development, color fading; alkaline - blanching leaves, chlorosis.

3. Boarding time... For regions with a cold climate, early spring (early May) is suitable with already warmed up soil and no threat of frost at night. This allows the plants to take root, transfer the first wintering after transplanting.In more southern areas, hydrangea is planted in autumn in September.

Landing technology

Its observance consists in determining:

1. distance between seedlings... Between large-leaved hydrangea, space is needed from 120 to 160 cm, and from neighbors of other plants (shrubs, trees) - up to 300 cm. For early flowering, the distance is reduced to 80 cm, and after 2-3 years the plants are thinned out;

• the size of the landing pit. For the unhindered development of the root system, it should be more than 0.5 m wide and 35 to 45 cm deep;
• planting depth based on the fact that the root collar is located at or not below the soil level up to 3 cm.

We plant step by step:

• we dig the desired hole 20-30 days before planting;
• We fill the hole with a pre-prepared soil mixture. It consists of humus, leaf / sod land, peat / humus (in equal proportions) We also add urea (carbamide), potassium sulfate (1 tablespoon each), superphosphate / bone meal (up to 250 g). You can also use the ground dug under the conifers;
• we shorten the annual shoots of the plant by 3-4 buds;
• we place it in the formed cone of the mixture in the middle of the pit to the desired depth, carefully fill it up and compact the soil;
• water abundantly (up to 12 liters of water);
• mulch with sawdust, bark or peat;
• shade from the sun and wind.

Hydrangea care

After planting, the correct cultivation of a flower is as follows:

1. Watering extremely necessary for this moisture-loving plant. No wonder this is a "vessel with water"! Even the slightest drying out of the soil can disrupt its development. In a dry, hot season, it is necessary to “water” it weekly with soft (rain) water up to 20 liters. In wet weather, rainy summer, you can water up to 5 times per season. Dry autumn requires additional watering. After all, the consequence of moisture deficiency can be a decrease in winter hardiness. For preventive purposes, when watering, you need to add up to 3 g of potassium permanganate. Watering time is morning. To preserve moisture, the plant is mulched.
2. Loosening the soil around the bush, hydrangeas are carried out regularly (after watering) to a depth of 10 cm. The minimum amount of loosening for oxygen access to the root system is at least 3 times per season.
3. Fertilizer / feeding when planting in the proposed potting mix for the first couple of years is not necessary. Then you need to do this in this order:

• in the spring, after pruning, the introduction of macro- and microelements (nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus);
• early summer - complex fertilizer without calcium and chlorine;
• at the first budding - feeding with superphosphate and potassium sulfate;
• at the end of August, potassium sulfate is introduced;
• fertilization with diluted manure (chicken / cow) - no more than 2 times for the whole season.

Feeding hydrangeas with lactic acid (sour milk, whey, kefir, sour bread) is very effective.

Remember! Excessive application of nitrogen leads to weak flowering, the occurrence of rot, problems during the wintering of perennials. A sense of proportion should be also when fertilizing with organic matter, mineral salts. Feeding with wood ash is excluded.

4. Pruning hydrangea is carried out depending on its age, season, goals. Pruning in all cases is carried out in the spring with swelling of the buds. Let us briefly dwell on these main points.

Youngsters need this for the formation of growths, stimulating the process of flower formation. To prepare for a lush flowering for the future, you need to remove the buds still the size of a pea for the first 2 years after planting, or to pick off all the inflorescences. In order to regulate the height, density, it is necessary to prune the plant in the spring (April-May). And if we are talking about the so-called cosmetic pruning here, then the older plants need to be sanitary.

Shrubs more than 3 years old "rejuvenate" by "freeing" space for the growth of new ones (removing all dried shoots, some of the old ones, shortening them by 5 buds).These "old people" can also be cut off "at the root", forming low stumps, from which new growth will begin to develop.

Compliance with these basic rules allows growers to avoid common mistakes. This is a careless attitude towards obsolete shoots or too fanatical removal of those still worth living.

Growing hydrangea, tips: video

Preparing for winter

Begins already with the first light frosts in the second half of October. This involves cutting off faded inflorescences. Otherwise, under the weight of snow, they can provoke the breaking of branches. In a harsh winter climate, experienced florists also practice sheltering young seedlings like clematis and grapes.

Attention! In the Central lane, Moscow region, Siberia, in the Urals and the North-West, paniculate, tree-like hydrangea must be covered.

Plants with insufficient winter hardiness can be transplanted into pots / flowerpots and removed. In particular, large-leaved plants must be dug up, transplanted into another container and transferred to the greenhouse, and then to the basement. Before that, it is necessary to remove all the leaves from the bush and leave only the buds of inflorescences located at the tips of the branches and a couple of leaves that protect them. Then the branches are tied with elastic fabric in bunches of 3-4 pieces. They are carefully bent very close to the ground, secured with staples and covered with agrofibre / burlap before the onset of cold weather.

On the eve of frost, instead of this shelter, the bundles are covered with dry compost, peat. Since frost is more dangerous for the tips of the shoots than the bases of the bush, the latter is sprinkled only a little. Further protection of the shelter consists in pulling the covering material over the set arcs.

This design (except for the ends) is covered with a film and remains until spring arrives. Open sides are a kind of "insurance" against the appearance of condensation inside it, hydrangea damping out.

From about mid-March, the film, the shelter material, is removed, the mulch is raked and again covered with burlap. After the frosts leave, the shelter is removed completely.

Diseases and the fight against them

In general, hydrangea is a fairly healthy plant, but it is difficult for it to resist some pests and sores. Their diseases can be triggered by an overabundance of soil components, an attack by aphids, spider mites, green leaf aphids, powdery mildew.

So, an overabundance of humus in the ground, lime leads to the loss of leaves of their color (chlorosis). For its treatment, plants should be watered with solutions of copper sulfate and potassium nitrate (after 3 days each).

With waterlogging of the air, the soil can be affected by powdery mildew. It can be eliminated by treating the leaves with a soap solution with the addition of copper sulfate.

Hydrangea is often damaged by green leafy aphids, which can be disposed of with infused garlic. It is prepared for 20 liters of water in the following composition: chopped garlic (200 g), laundry soap (40 g). After insisting for two days, they need to irrigate the bush until the aphids disappear (about 7 days).

However, many health problems of this beauty can be avoided with competent agricultural technology.

Healthy, colorful hydrangea can be a striking accent in landscaping. It gives room for the imagination of florists when creating various compositions. Experiments with different types and varieties of hydrangea make it possible to transform the living space into a marvelous garden of colors and aromas.