Hydrangea garden planting and care in the open in the urals

For many hundreds of years, hydrangea flowers have delighted people with their incredible beauty. The homeland of this exotic beauty is America and East Asia. And today, people do not lose interest in this wondrous beauty. Below, we will talk about how the garden hydrangea is grown in the Urals, as well as all the secrets of caring for this wonderful flower.

How to choose a variety

Many garden flower lovers are interested in what types and varieties of hydrangeas for Russian gardens are the most optimal, given the climatic conditions. First of all, this plant has more than 300 varieties of varieties, but not all of them are suitable for our area.

The following varieties are considered the most resistant:

• serrated hydrangea bluebird;
• pink hydrangea;
• hydrangea sargent;
• hydrangea ground cover;
• petiolate hydrangea;
• large-leaved hydrangea.

But such bushes are suitable for softer latitudes, but as for the Ural Territory, you should choose slightly different varieties, since this region is famous for its severe frosts in winter. Therefore, the most frost-resistant varieties that are adapted to life in this region are the panicle hydrangea shrub, tree hydrangea varieties and sargent hydrangea. These types of plants are considered the most unpretentious and resistant to bad weather. Thanks to these features, the likelihood that the plant will take root is much higher, unlike other varieties.

It is worth noting that the cultivation of such flowers requires a certain skill and skill in caring for them. To grow a beautiful, healthy plant, special attention should be paid to the choice of the sprout. Seedlings with a dry clod of earth are definitely not suitable for planting, since there is a high probability that such seed will not take root in the ground.

What are the optimal conditions for growth

How to choose the best place for planting hydrangeas in the country? In fact, there is nothing complicated if you follow several rules, namely:

• flowering shrubs must be protected from the wind;
• the direct rays of the sun should not fall on the hydrangea;
• the most ideal place for planting is a fence. Thus, you can decorate the fence and get a good help for the flower.

It is worth noting that hydrangea, regardless of the variety, is very fond of shade, especially the paniculate representative. Therefore, if the initial location was not chosen correctly, then it is better to transplant the hydrangea to another location.

Choosing a soil for an exotic beauty

Correctly selected soil, the key to good hydrangea growth. The most ideal for such a plant is the land rich in peat. And in order to avoid problems with weathering and freezing of the trunk, it is enough to cover the ground around the bush with the bark of coniferous leaves or use geo textiles. Thanks to such simple manipulations, the frost resistance of the plant will increase significantly.

In cases where the land is not particularly rich in fertilizers, you can add fertile black soil by placing it at the bottom of a dug hole.

The main condition for the good growth of hydrangeas is the regular loosening of the soil located near the roots. This procedure will help provide oxygen access. But what to do when there is practically no time for constant leaving, then mulch will come to the rescue. It should be poured into the ground when planting in a small layer.

How to properly water

The exotic beauty hydrangea requires regular watering. Otherwise, a lack of moisture will lead to the fact that in the winter the plant will simply freeze out. This rule is especially relevant for still not matured shoots.

If, due to the busyness of the gardener, it is not possible to water the hydrangea from the watering can, you can install automatic or drip irrigation. For such care, the plant will surely thank you with a beautiful and luxurious flowering.

As for only the seedlings planted in the ground, they should be watered daily until the sprout hardens. And as soon as the hydrangea grows, the number of waterings is reduced to three times a week. If it is summer weather outside, then the plant is watered only as the soil dries up, in order to prevent the trunk from drying out.

In general, there are no strict rules regarding watering, in order to determine whether the flowers need moisture, you should check the soil under it, if it has dried more than 3 cm, then it is time for moisture.

Secrets of the correct planting of hydrangeas

In order for the shrub to please the eye and take root on the site, the choice of planting time must be taken very seriously.

Hydrangea should be planted in the spring or fall. But do not forget that the planting of a garden beauty will be carried out in a rather cold climate, so the time for planting is preferable in the spring.

As for the landing rules, there are several of them, namely:

1. the hole for planting a plant should be no more than 30 cm, and the distance between the shoots should be kept in a meter;
2. before planting the hydrangea, fertilize the substrate, pour a 5 cm layer of peat into the planting hole;
3. immediately before planting the plant, the root should be shortened by 2 cm;
4. it is advisable to place a hydrangea in a flower bed with single sprouts;
5. when the sprout is placed in the planting hole, it is not recommended to deepen the root collar;
6. at spring planting, one-year-old shoots are shortened by three buds;
7. as soon as the hydrangea is planted, it is well watered and the topsoil around a 5 cm layer of peat is covered or ordinary manure is used, such a manipulation is needed to keep the base of the flower warm.

Planting a plant in the Urals in autumn is not a good idea, since delicate shoots do not adapt to the climate and will die in winter.

We feed the plant correctly

Overwintered hydrangea should be fertilized with top dressing. If the landing in the ground is the first, then ordinary humus is also added. A little later, they feed them with nitrogen supplements or use ready-made fertilizers for these purposes, which can be purchased at any flower shop. This applies to both young plants and perennials.

In order for the hydrangea to bloom and delight the eye, the soil under it is fertilized twice a month according to the following principle.

At the beginning of the growth of a flower, one of the following plants can be introduced into the ground, namely:

• sulfuric potassium;
• urea;
• superphosphate.

When a plant throws out buds, the following substances are used for fertilization:

• superphosphate;
• potassium sulfate.

And when the summer period ends, 10 kg of compost or humus are applied under each plant.

As for the dosage of the above fertilizers, then when buying such a product, you should first read the instructions, where recommendations are given in detail.

Choosing a way to reproduce hydrangea

When planting this beautiful plant in his garden, each person should know several rules for caring for this plant, reproduction and pruning are carried out in a way that will be most optimal for the climate where this exotic beauty grows. If you strictly follow all the rules, then the first flowering buds will delight the gardener in 4 years.

How to propagate a hydrangea yourself? There are 3 ways to do this, namely:

1. sowing seeds;
2. cuttings;
3. reproduction by layering.

Propagation by cuttings

Choosing this method, the gardener should know that the procedure should be started in the spring. Starting from the specified period, a division is carried out, from the mother bush, processed and planted, in the shade on separate beds or in small pots. And with the onset of cold weather, the sprouts are hidden in the basement.

And only when warmth comes to the ground, the hydrangea is taken out into the fresh air. Green branches are removed from the sprouts, and the trunk of the plant is planted in the ground. In this case, the branches should be arranged in the form of a fan.

Before winter, the tree is mulched, and in spring, each bud will delight a flower lover with a flower bud. Propagation of garden hydrangea by cuttings in spring, the procedure is not complicated, the main thing is to follow the rules.

Reproduction by layering

This flower also propagates by layering, for this it will be necessary to dig up the plant with the onset of spring. Then, radial paths are created up to 2 cm deep. In the prepared paths, carefully lay out one sprout from the bottom of the flower. Next, they take small pieces of wire and pinch the shoots with them, and then pour a little on top of the earth.

Thanks to this method, by the end of summer, new shoots will appear on each layer. As soon as they become visible, they need to be given a couple of weeks to strengthen, and only then they are divided, so that later they can be planted.

Hydrangea seeds, reproduction

Hydrangea seeds

To sow seeds for seedlings, it is necessary to plant the prepared material in early March in individual pots, which are covered with a glass container on top. The temperature for germination should be + 22 ° C. Seed material should be provided with constant daylight, and the ground should be constantly moistened.

Sowing hydrangea can also be done in greenhouses, subject to the above conditions.
Under such conditions, after 35-40 days, the first shoots will appear after they are sown. A couple of weeks more, they should grow in pots, at this time the young are taken out for a couple of hours daily, outside, so that the plants get used to the temperature. And as soon as the sprouts grow 10 cm, they can be transplanted to a permanent place.

It is possible to plant a hydrangea with seeds, but this planting does not always give a result, the best way to get offspring is cuttings and layering.

Preparing the plant for wintering

How to prepare hydrangea for winter? This manipulation is most important for this flower, since the correct shelter guarantees the safety of the plant.
As described above, one of the most important flower care procedures is preparing the plant for the coming winter.

Hydrangea care in the fall involves mulching the plant with soil, premixed with compost.
It is very important to approach this procedure responsibly in the case when the bush grows in the flower bed only for the first year. In this case, the hydrangea needs not only mulching, but also bending all its branches to the ground. Moreover, it is necessary to pin down the young branches.

IMPORTANT

Today, flower shops and nurseries offer new varieties of hydrangea, which can throw out the buds in the first year.But, do not rush to acquire such sprouts. The fact is that there is no data on their frost resistance. Therefore, such a purchase will resemble a pig in a poke.

How to create the perfect hiding place for hydrangeas for the winter

Preparing a hydrangea for winter requires shelter to keep its buds from freezing. Basically, summer residents with experience recommend the two most effective ways to help preserve the flower.

To cover the hydrangea for the winter, you can use agrofibre or a regular wooden box. The branches of the plant are bent to the ground, and on top of them the above-described shelters are tightly laid, on which a layer of spruce branches is poured. Before starting this procedure, the stem at the very root is carefully covered with a layer of dry leaves.

In addition to the above, many gardeners recommend covering the top with coniferous litter or dry leaves, so that the layer is at least 10 cm.This will help protect the plant from even the most severe frosts.

Shelter hydrangeas for the winter provides another way that requires some preparation. It is necessary to count 30 cm from the plant and install in this place a kind of wire frame that will completely cover the plant. The constructed frame should be at least 10 cm higher than the bush itself. When it is ready, the shrub is well covered with dry leaves, so that the leaves cover the created frame. Thanks to this design, the hydrangea can easily withstand the winter.

All about pruning and shaping a bush

Caring for garden hydrangea also provides for mandatory pruning, which is performed not only for beauty, but also to give an impetus to the flowering of the shrub.

Caring for a hydrangea in the garden also includes shaping the plant. For such purposes, pruning of the bush is carried out from time to time. If this manipulation is not carried out, then over time the hydrangea will become thick and take on a neglected look. And this will directly affect flowering, since the buds become quite small.
If the gardener is pruning, then the plant will not only retain its initially magnificent appearance, but will also improve it significantly.

How is the correct aesthetic pruning done? For these purposes, the bushes that have wintered are preliminarily examined. Then, up to 10 strongest shoots are selected, which are shortened by a couple of buds.

There is one pruning trick that many experienced growers use. If only a couple of buds are left in the lower part of the bush, then the plant will throw out a few buds, but the flowers will be very large and beautiful, and the bush itself will take on an exotic look.

But in this case, each gardener decides for himself, the only condition, completely cut off should be dry inflorescences.

IMPORTANT

If the tree has abundant flowering, then the branches may not be able to cope with the weight of the buds. Therefore, decorative trimming should be done to avoid possible damage.

Sanitary pruning of the flower is also very important when preparing for winter. The sprouts are shortened by a third or half.

It is worth noting that pruning hydrangeas in the spring is quite real. The overwhelming majority of experienced growers strongly recommend pruning such varieties in early spring. Until that moment when the buds bloom on the plant.

If the choice fell on spring pruning, then perform it as follows:

• thin out an adult plant;
• get rid of all weak branches;
• cut off all branches growing inside the bush, which can create extra shadow;
• if frozen branches are found, then they are cut off before the start of healthy wood.

After sanitary pruning, the plant should be tied up in a bunch and fixed with a pre-installed stand. Such a support can be made of metal or wood in the form of an ordinary stick.

IMPORTANT

Sometimes rooted cuttings begin to throw out buds.In order to avoid this, such beauty should be immediately removed to fill the young shoots with strength.

We fight pests and plant diseases

How to properly care for this flower so that it delights the grower with its lush flowering? It is important to know that each plant is susceptible to pests and diseases that must be destroyed in a timely manner, this also applies to the garden queen.

The most common ailment of this exotic beauty is bush chlorosis, which manifests itself as a result of a lack of iron. Chlorosis can damage the bush not only from excess lime, but also from frequent watering with hard water.

There are several signs indicating the problem that has appeared, namely:

1. sharp yellowing of foliage;
2. clarification of leaves;
3. drooping plant.

If all of the above signs appear, then the acidity of the soil should be brought back to normal immediately. To do this, you need to purchase a drug or prepare a mixture yourself, which neutralizes the alkali in the soil.

And to perform such a manipulation, you can use the tools at hand:

Dissolve a teaspoon of citric acid in 15 liters of water and water the plant. Florists with experience recommend watering the plant with this remedy every month.

Dissolve a citramon tablet in 5 liters of water and water the bush. It is recommended to carry out such watering every month.

100 g apple cider vinegar is added to 10 liters of water and watering is carried out in the same way as described above.

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Garden hydrangea is a very decorative and unpretentious flowering shrub. Despite the fact that this plant is quite thermophilic, it can be grown in different climatic zones.

So, in the conditions of the mountainous Urals, it feels great and blooms profusely. With the right landing site and proper care, hydrangea perfectly tolerates the harsh Ural climate.

In the article, you will learn in detail about the cultivation of hydrangeas in the Urals.

Features of the climatic conditions of the Urals

The climatic conditions of the Urals are different for all of its regions. So, in the north - in the circumpolar and northern Urals - summer lasts no more than 1 month, and the average July temperature does not exceed 6 ° C. But in the middle and southern Urals, the climate is much milder. Here in summer the temperature rises up to 20 and even up to 28 ° C. The average winter temperature is -20 ... -22 ° C, although it can drop down to -35 ° C. In these regions, it is possible to grow frost-resistant varieties of hydrangea.

The climate of the Urals is characterized by an uneven distribution of precipitation. The ridge traps large air masses. For this reason, in the Cis-Urals, the average annual rainfall is much higher than in the Trans-Urals. The air humidity in these areas also differs.

In the western part of the Urals, the climate is temperate continental, while the eastern part is characterized by continental climatic conditions. The difference between summer and winter temperatures in the Cis-Urals is 38-42 ° C, and beyond the Ural ridge this figure is much higher. Here in winter, frosts are kept down to -45 ° C. Therefore, even when growing the most frost-resistant varieties of hydrangea, the bushes must be carefully covered for the winter. Without shelter in these harsh conditions, the plant does not survive.

Choosing a place for planting hydrangeas

When choosing a place for planting hydrangeas, it is necessary to take into account its illumination, protection from the wind and soil moisture. It is also important to know the composition of the soil at the planting site in order, if necessary, to fill the planting hole with the soil mixture that is optimal for the plant.

In some areas of the Urals, summer is quite hot and sunny... When planting hydrangeas, you need to choose a place with diffused lighting. The sun's rays should not hit the leaves of the plant in the afternoon. Only in the morning hours is it possible to illuminate with direct sunlight. Therefore, it is better to plant a hydrangea under the crowns of trees.

Place the hydrangea in a quiet location. She does not like the wind, grows poorly and blooms in open spaces.It is better to plant a bush near a solid fence or wall of a house so that it is reliably protected from gusts of wind.

A moisture-loving hydrangea should not be planted in an arid place. It is desirable that the soil is well moistened and does not dry out. Otherwise, this plant will need to be watered frequently for good flowering.

But stagnation of water in the soil is just as harmful for him as drying out. Hydrangea should not be planted in swampy places. From excess moisture, root decay begins, the bush quickly dies.

A slightly acidic soil is necessary for the correct development of hydrangeas.... In the Urals, such soils are practically not found. Podzolized and leached chernozems, sod-podzolic and gray forest soils prevail here.

They have a neutral or alkaline reaction, so it is impossible to grow hydrangea on natural soil in many places. When planting a plant, peat is added to the planting hole to acidify the soil.

Suitable varieties of hydrangea for the Urals

Hydrangea is grown by many gardeners of the Urals. But not all plant species are suitable for a given region. Many varieties of hydrangea cannot survive harsh winters even with careful hiding. Here, only panicle hydrangea and tree hydrangea are grown. It is recommended to choose the most winter-hardy varieties of these species.

In the Ural region, the following varieties of panicle hydrangea are popular:

• Dart's Little-Dot;
• "Limelight 'Pieter Zwijnenburg";
• "Kyushu";
• Vanille Fraise;
• "Unique".

«Dart's Little-Dot"- a low-growing compact variety, not exceeding 80 cm in height. The flowers are milky white, collected in large inflorescences.

Over time, they change color to pink. Blooms from mid-July to late August. Withstands frosts down to -29 ° C without shelter. In the photo on the left.

«Limelight 'Pieter Zwijnenburg"- a large plant, reaching a height of 2.5 m. It has creamy white inflorescences with a slight green tint. Blooms from mid-summer to late September. Winter hardiness of this variety is high.

«Kyushu"- another variety of panicle hydrangea with high winter hardiness. The plant forms very large bushes, the height and diameter of which reaches 3 m. White fragrant flowers are collected in long inflorescences. Flowering is very long, ends in mid-October.

«Vanille fraise"- a small flowering plant, the height of which is rarely more than 1.5 m. Forms large inflorescences of creamy white flowers. By the end of flowering, the inflorescences turn dark red. Blooms until mid-September. Withstands temperatures up to -29 ° C without shelter.

«Unique"Is a fairly large plant, the height of which often reaches 2.5 m. It blooms with white inflorescences, which eventually acquire a pinkish tint. Withstands winter frosts down to -34 ° C without shelter.

Also on the territory of the Urals, many varieties of tree hydrangea are successfully grown. The following varieties are especially popular:

• Annabelle;
• Sterilis;
• Hayes Starburst.

«Annabelle"- a frost-resistant variety that blooms until mid-September. Its height does not exceed 1 m. It blooms profusely with white flowers, collected in large round inflorescences. In the photo on the right.

«Sterilis"- long-flowering variety. It usually blooms from mid-summer to late October. Young inflorescences have a light greenish tint, over time the flowers become pure white. Blooms profusely. A frost-resistant enough variety for growing in the harsh conditions of the Urals.

«Hayes starburst"- a frost-resistant variety that can withstand temperatures of -34 ° C without shelter. This is a compact plant, not exceeding 1.5 m in size. It has snow-white double flowers, collected in large inflorescences.

Hydrangea care basics in the Urals

The frequency of watering hydrangeas depends on the weather conditions in the region. If it rains regularly and the ground is constantly wet, there is no need to water the bushes. But very often, especially in the Trans-Urals, summer is quite hot and dry. At this time, the hydrangea must be watered as the soil dries out, but not to allow it to dry out completely.

In order for the bush to develop better and bloom annually, it is recommended to acidify the soil on which it grows... This is done twice a season. The hydrangea bush is watered with an acidic solution. You can use whey. Good results are obtained by the juice of 1 lemon, diluted in 5 liters of water.

For abundant flowering of hydrangeas, regular feeding is necessary. This procedure is carried out twice a month from May to August.

In late spring and early summer, the plant is fed with complex fertilizers with a large amount of nitrogen-containing substances. This will allow you to quickly build up leaf mass and prepare for flowering.

In the middle and at the end of summer, hydrangeas are fed with complex fertilizers for flowering plants with a predominance of phosphorus and potassium. This will support flowering and slow down the development of new shoots, which will not have time to mature before the onset of cold weather.

Hydrangea wintering

Each frost-resistant hydrangea variety has its own temperature range at which it can winter without shelter. But usually in winter in the Urals, the temperature drops much lower and the shoots of the plant freeze out. Therefore, even the most frost-resistant varieties of hydrangeas when grown in the Urals must be carefully covered.

Before the first autumn frosts, the bush begins to prepare for wintering. Leaves, except for the topmost ones, are removed on all shoots. The bush is pulled together with a rope and wrapped with a covering material.

Then it is carefully bent to the ground and fixed with bricks or stones. From above, the plant is covered with sawdust and covered with spruce branches, and to protect it from moisture, it is covered on top with a film or roofing material.

You can also use the frame method of shelter.... In this case, the plant is not bent to the ground. A metal mesh frame is erected around it, which is filled with dry leaves and sawdust. From above, the entire structure is covered with a film or roofing material.

With the onset of spring warming, the hydrangea is carefully and gradually freed from the shelter. But the bush is completely opened only after the end of the spring frost.

Plant pruning

In the first 3-4 years of life, the hydrangea is not pruned. Then they carry out the annual spring forming and autumn sanitary pruning of the plant. Sanitary pruning is done to remove excess and dry parts of the plant that interfere with its growth and are a medium for the development of infection. Formative pruning is necessary to give the plant a decorative effect and to ensure annual flowering.

In the fall, dry inflorescences are cut from the bush... Remove all leaves except the youngest at the tops of the shoots. Dry branches are also cut to prevent them from becoming a source of infection during the winter. After that, the bush can be covered for the winter.

Formative pruning is carried out in the spring. Remove broken, frozen, weak and thin branches, as well as shoots growing inside the bush. Very dense and overgrown bushes must be thinned out by cutting out a few of the oldest branches.

Hydrangea species popular in the Urals form inflorescences on the shoots of the current year. Therefore, to form a beautiful crown, all long branches are cut by 1/3, which stimulates branching. The pruning procedure is carried out with a sharp garden pruner.

Terms and rules for landing in open ground

In the Urals, the planting of hydrangeas in the ground is carried out at the end of spring, when the earth is already well warmed up. It is impossible to plant bushes in the fall in this region. They, as a rule, do not have time to take root well and die from hypothermia, even with careful shelter.

Before disembarking, it is necessary to prepare a landing pit. Its dimensions should be at least 50x50x50 cm, even if the seedling is small. It is necessary to provide the required amount of soil in advance for the development of the root system of the bush. At least 3 buckets of water are poured into the finished pit to moisten the surrounding soil well. A day later, they begin to disembark.

Natural soils of the Urals have a neutral or alkaline reaction, which is unacceptable for the development of hydrangea. Therefore, for planting, you need to prepare an optimal earthen mixture. It should include: humus, leaf and coniferous soil, peat, sand. All components are taken in equal parts. A layer of sand or crushed stone is laid at the bottom of the pit, and on top it is filled with a prepared soil mixture.

Now you can plant a hydrangea bush.It should not be deeply buried so that the root collar remains at the soil level. After planting, the soil is crushed, and the plant is well watered. The soil surface is mulched to retain moisture. It is useful to use peat as mulch. Sawdust from fruit trees is also suitable.

The main mistakes of cultivation and their solution

Often inexperienced gardeners plant hydrangeas without taking into account the acidity of the soil. This is unacceptable for the Urals, since most of the natural soils of this region are unsuitable for growing hydrangeas.

To grow a healthy and regularly flowering shrub, the soil for planting must have an acidity of 5.0-5.5... If the soil is neutral and this indicator is in the range of 6.0-7.0, the soil should be slightly acidified. On soils with an alkaline reaction (acidity in the range of 8.0-9.0), hydrangea quickly dies.

Determining the acidity of the soil is the main task of the gardener who wants to decorate his garden with blooming hydrangea. With a neutral soil reaction, it can be used for planting, but to fill the planting pit, this soil must be mixed with peat or coniferous soil. Alkaline soil is not used for planting hydrangeas. The planting hole is filled with soil mixture for hydrangeas, and the plant is fed monthly with iron sulfate (5 g per bucket of water).

Wrong landing site is another common mistake when growing hydrangeas. It should not be planted in places that are too dry. Often, even intensive watering does not help.

Also, you should not place bushes in lowlands where water stagnates. If it is not possible to choose another place, you need to prepare a deep planting hole, and lay a thick layer of crushed stone drainage on its bottom.

Often in the summer months, hydrangea bushes infest pests, which leads to the fall of flowers and the drying of young shoots. Most of all, the plant suffers from aphids, which can multiply on its shoots in huge numbers. Also, a red spider mite may appear on the bushes. There are also other garden pests.

You should not fight harmful insects using folk methods. They allow only partially to destroy them, but the pests will soon multiply again. It is necessary to use only purchased pesticides, with the help of which you can completely destroy pests and save the plant.

Propagation of hydrangea

There are 5 ways to breed hydrangeas:

• Sowing seeds;
• Reinking;
• Reproduction by layering;
• Reproduction by offspring;
• Division of the bush.

Hydrangea seeds are rarely propagated. This is a very time consuming and laborious method. Usually, vegetative propagation methods are used.

Cutting is the most productive method for producing young hydrangeas... Cuttings are cut in mid-July. They are rooted in pots in a mixture of peat and sand under a film. For quick rooting, they are treated with a root growth stimulator. Rooted cuttings are grown for at least 2 years as pot plants and only then are they planted in open ground.

To obtain a layering, cut the bark on the lower branch of the bush and drop it in the place of the cut. This is done in late spring. Usually, by the fall, the cuttings are already taking root. But they separate it and transplant it to a new place only the next year. The offspring are also transplanted - the lower rooted shoots of the bush.

Hydrangea bushes are divided only during transplantation, so it is rarely possible to get a new copy in this way. However, cuttings are fully formed plants that can bloom as early as next year. Divide the hydrangea bushes in the spring.

Many gardeners are interested in growing hydrangeas in the Urals. Cold -40⁰ and below are not uncommon there, even cold-resistant crops sometimes freeze out. Breeders are trying to make the life of northerners more beautiful and comfortable; pears, plums and even grapes ripen in Siberian and Ural gardens.You can decorate the site with lush hydrangea bushes, just do not take the first variety you like, pay attention to the zoned varieties. It is not easy for a southern plant to live in a northern climate, provide it with proper care, and your summer cottage will be buried in flowers.

Choosing a variety for cold terrain

Not every type of hydrangea can be grown outdoors in frosty winters. If you want to breed petiolate, large-flowered, or oak-leaved varieties, take care of a reliable shelter, severe cold can destroy the bushes. It is better for a novice florist to opt for a paniculate or tree-like variety. It is advisable to purchase planting material in nurseries of your region or take shoots in your area, and not bring them from other areas.

If dwarf varieties are planted on the site, they can be completely covered with snow, in such a "fur coat" the flower will become 10 degrees warmer than in the open air. When the hydrangea is not higher than a meter, its branches can be bent to the ground, and the Ural weather itself will wrap the ground in high snowdrifts. It will be more difficult to insulate a three-meter bush, it remains to hope that the upper branches will withstand severe frost.

Do not be surprised if friends give you a branch from their bush, and the inflorescences turn out to be of a different shade. You have a hydrangea of ​​exactly the same variety, it's just that this plant can change colors. It all depends on the acidity of the soil. At the dacha, where the main plant lived, the soil is sour and the inflorescences are bluish. You planted shoots in the ground with an alkaline reaction - expect that in the summer it will be covered with pink tassels.

Where to find planting material

The best option for obtaining planting material is to purchase seedlings of zoned varieties in the nursery. Conscientious sellers will never offer you a bush with bare roots. Hydrangea does not tolerate even short-term drying out of the underground part, buy plants only in containers filled with soil. Remove the bush from the container, inspect the soil and root system. If you notice mold or rotten growths, skip the purchase.

The seedling must be healthy without damage. When purchasing a flower with already open leaves, make sure they are fresh, bright green. If the foliage has lost its elasticity or acquired a brownish tint, it is likely that the hydrangea is infected with some kind of infectious disease. You can purchase a plant in the summer, when the inflorescences have already blossomed, in this method there are both pros and cons. You can choose a bush with the most beautiful inflorescences, but hydrangeas will have less time for rooting and gaining strength before a difficult winter in the Urals.

You can detach part of the bush or take a stalk from neighbors in the country. In the spring, several shoots with part of the root system are separated from the overgrown flower with a shovel and planted in a new place. When propagating by cuttings, it is advisable to treat the cut with special stimulants and stick it into the ground. In less than a month, the hydrangea will take root and start developing in a new place.

Planting hydrangeas

In warm regions, hydrangea is planted in spring, summer and autumn. In the harsh Ural climate, it is necessary for the plant to take root well and get stronger by winter. If you plant the bushes as soon as the spring frosts end, they will take root well during the warm season and will be ready for the cold.

The site must be well lit and protected from strong winds. Determine from which side the site is blown by the most intense air currents, plant a flower so that it is protected by buildings, fences and dense bushes. Hydrangea loves fertile soils with a high content of black soil or peat. If the soil is clay, you can fertilize it with humus or compost. Add coarse sand for looseness and drainage. The pH should be between 5-6 units. If it is too low, add peat or needles, and if it is low, add lime.

Dig holes with a depth and diameter of 0.5 m at a distance of one and a half meters from each other.Place gravel on the bottom for drainage and 2-3 shovels of humus or peat. The roots of the hydrangea branch strongly, gently spread all the processes, place them in the hole so that the root collar is at ground level. Bury the holes with fertile soil, water well and mulch with peat or pine needles, the layer thickness should be at least 6 cm.

Advice

When planting a hydrangea, set it so that the root collar rises a few centimeters above the ground. When you add a layer of mulch, it will be in the right place, so you don't have to shovel the peat off the stems.

Care

In the warm season, growing and caring for hydrangea consists of the same operations that are used for growing other flowering shrubs.

• Watering as the soil dries, 1-2 buckets per bush. Over the summer, water the bush with an acidic solution 2 times: add juice from one lemon to 5 liters of water.
• Top dressing with complex fertilizers in spring, early summer and during the formation of inflorescences.
• Weeding and loosening the soil. With good mulching, the need for these procedures disappears.
• Pruning. In the spring, remove all damaged, frozen, diseased and weak shoots, as well as branches growing inside the bush. In the fall, remove dried flowers and shoots that have not had time to woody. To rejuvenate aged plants, you need to leave 5 strong and healthy trunks, and cut the rest.

Advice

Hydrangea cannot tolerate excess calcium. When feeding, avoid preparations with a high content of this component and do not use ash and lime.

In summer cottages, it is common to grow hydrangeas in the form of a bush. If you plant plants a short distance from each other, you can make green screens, divide the area into several zones with hedges, or create a labyrinth. Small trees near the house or in a flower garden look original. To give the hydrangea a standard shape, you need to carry out formative pruning on one trunk for several seasons, and remove the remaining shoots.

If the bushes are tall, the tops of paniculate and tree-like varieties can be left uncovered for the winter or wrapped in non-woven material. All other species in the Urals must be completely insulated or grown in large tubs and transferred to a greenhouse or winter garden for the cold season. Bend low shoots to the ground, secure and cover with spruce branches or other insulating material. Pour a layer of mulch no thinner than 10 cm on the ground. After snowfalls, throw a large snowdrift over the bushes so that it protects the shoots from frost.

Diseases and pests

Even in unfamiliar climates, hydrangea rarely gets sick. To prevent such a nuisance from happening to your flower, purchase planting material only in reliable nurseries. When you dig up shoots or take cuttings from neighbors, carefully examine their bush. If you saw that he looks depressed, the leaves dry or change color - do not take it, why would you carry the infection to your site. Much also depends on you. Plant the plants at a sufficient distance from each other, do not allow the crown to become too dense. With good living conditions and proper care, the plant will be strong and able to resist infections and pests.

Most often, the bush is affected by chlorosis. It arises from a lack of iron or an excess of lime in the soil. If you notice that the leaves become lighter and acquire a yellow tint, first of all, pay attention to the water for irrigation, it should be soft, preferably rainwater. Water diseased plants with water with the addition of potassium nitrate or iron sulfate at a concentration of 40 g per bucket.

Hydrangea can become infected with fungal infections.

• White rot. The leaves darken, rot, a white bloom appears on them.
• Gray rot. Watery spots appear on the leaves, which are then covered with a gray bloom, similar to cotton wool.
• Downy mildew. Oily spots appear on the aerial parts, which gradually darken.
• Powdery mildew.Yellowish, gradually turning brown spots are formed on the leaves. On the inside, a gray or purple bloom appears.

If the bush is damaged, treat it with copper oxychloride or other fungicides.

With high humidity or too dense planting, snails can attack the bushes. They eat young shoots and buds. If the pests are not destroyed, they will overwinter underground in the roots, and in the spring they will gnaw the emerging buds and young leaves. The main methods of control are manual collection of shellfish and poisoned baits. The bushes are also affected by spider mites and aphids. If you spot insects, treat the plants with an appropriate insecticide.

Conclusion

The magnificent hydrangea can be admired not only by residents of the southern regions, thanks to the selection work, this flower grows in Siberia and the Urals. When buying seedlings, keep in mind that not every species can withstand severe frosts. Buy varieties of local breeding, and when buying, check if cultivation in the open field is permissible, or this variety can only be bred as a houseplant.

The zoned varieties can withstand severe frosts, but it is better to help the plant survive the cold winter. Shoots that did not have time to woody will surely freeze, it is better to remove them in the fall. To prevent the bush from releasing new branches by the fall, do not feed it with nitrogen fertilizers from the second half of summer. Cover the ground around the trunks with a thick layer of mulch, and insulate the above-ground part if possible. Hortense does not ask for much attention from you, and she will surely repay for her care with beautiful lush bunches of flowers.

Garden hydrangea is a plant of amazing beauty and size, which can be confidently attributed to one of the most spectacular in the CIS and Eastern Europe. Given this fact, it is not surprising that a huge number of gardeners throughout the country, including in the Urals, want to get a similar plant for their site.

If there are no problems with planting and growing hydrangea in an Eastern European climate, growing it in the Urals will require meeting some of the requirements, which we will discuss below.

Variety selection

There are about 70 species of hydrangea in the world, and not all of them will take root in regions with cold climates, early winters, and short summers. That is why we have compiled a list of hydrangea varieties that are best suited for growing in the Urals, and which are listed below:

Hydrangea paniculata

Hydrangea

Hydrangea Sargent

It is these three varieties that can successfully take root in the territory of the Urals, and with the right content, give their owner a lush flowering, and huge inflorescences. As for other resistant hydrangeas, these include the following varieties:

1. Serrated hydrangea;
2. Hydrangea pink;
3. Stalked hydrangea;
4. Large-leaved hydrangea.

These varieties can also be grown in the Urals, but not recommended. The fact is that these varieties require slightly more sunlight, unlike the first 3 brothers, and are also extremely susceptible to the negative effects of temperature changes, which almost always happens in the Urals in spring and early autumn.

Landing conditions

Seat selection

First of all, you should decide on the place where you plan to plant the hydrangea. Here, one should definitely give preference to sunny areas, which is important for all climatic zones, but for the Urals it is simply vital. The fact is that all varieties of hydrangea are photophilous, and develop much more slowly in the shade.

And if, in a warm southern climate, growth in the shade can still be compensated by the duration of the warm season, in the northern latitudes this will inevitably affect the growth, development, and abundance of flowering.In addition, large hydrangea inflorescences can damage strong gusts of wind, which is also important for the Urals, which means they should be planted along walls, fences and fences, so that they serve as a natural shelter from the wind.

When to plant hydrangea

Now you need to decide on the landing time. Everything is extremely simple here. If you are going to plant large and formed cuttings of hydrangea, it is recommended that you plant them at the very end of summer, but on condition that 1 month before frost you organize a winter shelter for the planted cuttings, which we will talk about in more detail closer to the end of the article.

It is important to note that in the Urals, frosts can occur in early autumn, which means that, based on the climatic characteristics of this area, it is recommended to carry out the "autumn" planting of formed cuttings of hydrangea in the middle of summer. This method is good because a perennial stalk can bloom as early as next spring.

As for the rest of the hydrangea breeding methods (seedlings, layering, offspring), they should be done only in early spring. The harsh climate of the Urals will not allow tender and young plants to survive the winter if they are planted in the fall. Moreover, it is advisable to grow the planting material at home for at least 1-1.5 years, providing them with a cool winter in order to gradually strengthen them to grow in the open field.

The soil

It is impossible not to mention the soil in which hydrangea should be planted, regardless of the variety. So, it is necessary to categorically avoid soil with lime impurities, because hydrangea simply does not tolerate this element, and in soil with its abundant content it will not last even the season. As for the other parameters, preference should be given to soil with a high acidity index, since it is in such a soil that hydrangea grows best.

The ideal soil for any type of hydrangea will be a soil rich in peat, or with a large admixture of clay. Soil with an abundant sand content is not suitable for hydrangeas, since such a substrate does not retain fertilizers, and when moistened, it does not allow air to pass through well.

Planting process

Planting hydrangeas outdoors is a fairly simple process that even a beginner can handle. To carry out planting work, it is enough to adhere to the following points:

1. Prepare the very hole for planting planting material, in our case a cuttings (we recommend propagating hydrangea by cuttings in the conditions of the Urals). Preparation must be done 2 weeks before planting. So, two weeks before planting, you should dig a hole 60 cm deep and 30-40 cm in diameter (not essential). Fertile soil is poured into the pit, the required composition of which we described above, after which it is diluted with peat, in an amount of about 2-3 kg. If desired, sawdust can be added to the mixture, in an amount of 500 grams, which will also contribute to an increase in acidity. Having done all these steps, the pit is left for 2 weeks (no need to water);
2. Let's start choosing a cutting. Everything is also simple here, in addition to the fact that the stalk should be whole and have full foliage, without admixture of yellowness, you should pay attention to its root system. The main part of the roots of the cuttings should be in a soil coma, and only in this form should the planting material be purchased. By purchasing a cutting without an earth coma on the roots, you will not only increase the period of its survival in the open field, but you will also not be able to store it for more than a few days;
3. During the planting of the cutting itself, dig a pre-prepared hole to a depth of 60 cm, put the cutting there, straighten the roots so that they look around the circle, do not bend and lift up, then fill them with the dug earth, if necessary, add new ... Thoroughly tamp the ground so that it does not sink in the future. Remember, the root collar should be at a depth of no more than 2 cm, otherwise the hydrangea will lag behind in growth;
4. Water the cutting with water so that the soil becomes moist at a depth of 50 cm, even more. One such watering will take about 30 liters of water;
5. Tie the stem to the peg so that the wind does not damage it. The planting process can be considered complete!

Growing and aftercare

After you have planted a hydrangea in your yard, you should start with simple rules for caring for it, which we will discuss in more detail below:

1. A hydrangea stalk is watered once a week, while trying to maintain a balance, and not to allow the soil to dry out exactly like its excessive moisture. As for the seedlings planted in the spring, they should be little by little, but water regularly every day until it grows, after which they begin to water it about 3 times a week. Remember, in the cold climate of the Urals, hydrangea will survive the summer without frequent watering, but in winter such a plant can freeze out even in a shelter;
2. There is no need to feed the cuttings planted in the fall, as it will soon be preparing for hibernation. Upon the arrival of spring, the overwintered stalk is fertilized with nitrogen fertilizers, organic fertilizers are applied from May to June, during the ripening of the inflorescences, the hydrangea is fed with fertilizers based on potassium and phosphorus. In general, you need to feed the hydrangea at intervals of 2 weeks, but given the severity of the climate in the Urals, as well as the short summer, feed them at intervals of 10 days.

Some gardeners feed hydrangeas in a slightly different way, as indicated below:

1. In the spring, fertilize with urea, superphosphate, or sulfuric potassium (only one preparation);
2. During the ejection period, the buds are fed with superphosphate or potassium sulfate;
3. At the end of the summer season, up to 10 kg of compost or humus is applied under the bush.

The first method of feeding is best used in cases when a short and cold summer is expected. The second method is suitable in cases where a hot and longer summer is expected.

Loosening and mulching

Regular loosening of the soil under the bush is not a strict necessity, but it has a beneficial effect on the supply of oxygen to the soil, which means, if possible, this procedure should be carried out at least once a week. You need to mulch the soil in a thick layer, and a mixture of manure and straw should be used as mulch (you can also use sawdust). Mulching can be neglected when grown in warm climatic zones, in the Urals it is strictly necessary!

Attitude to drafts

All types of hydrangeas do not tolerate drafts well, which is especially noticeable in cold climates. Hydrangeas exposed to regular drafts will begin to wither and may die!

Preparing for winter

All varieties of hydrangea in the Urals must be prepared for winter, and this is done in the following way:

• At the end of summer, mulch the soil with a thick layer, and in the fall, after the plant has dropped flowers, gently bend the branches, pin them to the ground, and cover with a blanket or cloth. Along the perimeter of the bush, 4 rods are installed, which are connected with a mesh or a dense film, thus forming a protective frame (see photo). A thick layer of leaves is poured inside the frame, so that they completely cover the bush and form a thick layer on top of it (50-60 cm);

• Next, the resulting structure is covered with polyethylene, everything is fixed with tape or wire, and left until spring. Remember, the frame must be at least 10 cm higher than the bush itself.

Pest control

Hydrangea is susceptible to powdery mildew infection, as well as aphid attacks. To combat these troubles, follow these steps:

1. Add 25 grams of foundationol to 10 liters of water, and spray the plant affected with powdery mildew;
2. Add 250 grams of grated garlic to 10 liters of water, and let it brew for 2 days, then cut 50 grams of laundry soap into the liquid, and spray the plant from aphids, at intervals of 7 days.

If the leaves of the hydrangea turn yellow sharply, and the bush is limp, the hydrangea may have developed chlorosis. For treatment, it is necessary to dissolve 1 tablet of citramon per 5 liters of water, and water the bush with this solution once a month, before the onset of autumn.