Hydrangea was first discovered on the island of Mauritius. There are various legends about how a plant got into Europe. But no matter how this happens, it successfully grows and blooms in our gardens.
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The best varieties of panicle hydrangea for Moscow region
The plant has become a favorite among gardeners in the Moscow region, new zoned species have been grown. Among the best varieties of panicle hydrangea for the Moscow Region, we note the more popular:
- Grandiflora. Large shrub reaches a height of three meters. Large cone-shaped inflorescences grow 30 cm long. Blossom begins in white, which turns red-gray by autumn. Resistant to diseases and pests.
- Vanilla Frize. Tall bush. Very decorative with green velvet leaves. The flowering is plentiful, the flowers change shades from white to pink, inflorescences grow 40 cm. It tolerates the winter cold of the Moscow region, does not require shelter.
- Anabel. Compact plant, 1.5 m high. It blooms profusely and continuously. White hydrangea balls adorn the garden. Foliage remains decorative until late fall.
- Bobo. Dwarf shrub. The height does not exceed 1 m, the volume of the bush is 80 cm. It is characterized by long flowering from July to September. The inflorescences are white, conical. There are instances of pink or lemon colors.
- Phantom. Abundant flowers hide the leaves of the bush. Flower brushes are pink or lilac, 35 cm long. The crown is sprawling. Requires cropping. The bush grows to 2.5 m.
Planting Tips
Young hydrangea bushes are planted in May. Adult plants can be transplanted in September. The shrub grows up to 10 years in one place and at the same time grows.
Hydrangea is planted in prepared pits located at a distance of one and a half meters from each other. Sizes of the pit: width 50-60 cm, depth - 40-45 cm. The roots of the bush grow horizontally in breadth, so a deep pit is not needed. The root neck is left at the soil level without deepening.
Acidic soil is suitable for hydrangea, so no lime or ash is added. The soil has the following composition: garden land; compost or leaf humus; peat and sand. The ratio of parts should be 2: 2: 2: 1. To this mixture we add fertilizer for azaleas or rhododendrons, which acidifies the soil.
The plant requires high humidity to grow. In the heat it should be watered daily. It is important to choose the right place to land. The hot midday sun is undesirable for this shrub. It will be best if at noon it will be shaded. He is sheltered from the cold winds. Nearby tall trees will draw moisture from the soil, which is detrimental to hydrangea.
One of the attractive characteristics of panicled hydrangea is its winter hardiness. Shelter only young seedlings, under the age of three years. It is enough to cover them with spruce branches. On an adult plant in spring, frozen branches should be cut, and inflorescences will appear on new shoots.
Care for hydrangea in the suburbs
The climate of Moscow region is quite suitable for cultivating this shrub. Growing varieties zoned for this area, you can achieve a good result and get a beautiful healthy plant. Care for hydrangea in the suburbs consists in timely watering, fertilizing, pruning.
Fertilizer application
They must be applied several times per season. In May-June, we begin to apply fertilizers having the following composition:
- Urea - 1 tbsp. a spoon.
- Superphosphate - 2 tbsp. spoons.
- Potassium sulfate - 1 st. a spoon.
This mixture is dissolved in 10 liters. water, it contributes to the growth of green mass, the growth of shoots. Additionally, you can add organic matter in liquid form - mullein or bird droppings.
Since mid-June, we use elements that contribute to the beginning of flowering and its duration. The composition should include phosphate and potash fertilizers. Prepare such a liquid solution: 70 g of superphosphate and 45 g of potassium sulfate are dissolved in water. Water the bushes every two weeks until the end of flowering.
Bush pruning
Panicle hydrangea gives inflorescences on the shoots of the current year, so pruning will not damage flowering. You need to carry out the procedure in the spring in March. It is important to have time to do this before the sap flow begins. Otherwise, the juice will ooze on the slices for a long time, the plant will weaken and may die.
Old, broken, and growing inward branches should be cut. Healthy shoots shorten to a living kidney. Do not make the bush very dense, this will lead to the formation of small inflorescences. In autumn, faded inflorescences must be cut so that branches do not break from the severity of snow.
Aging bushes need to be rejuvenated. To do this, cut all the shoots to a height of 7 cm from the surface of the earth. With the onset of spring, the growth of new young branches will begin. The bush will again become beautiful and magnificent.
Landscaping Ideas
A beautiful ornamental shrub with lush hats of flowers will be an adornment for any site. This is one of the favorite elements of landscape design in the gardens near Moscow. Use various solutions:
- Hydrangea is grown in separate bushes among a wide lawn.
- Hydrangeas planted along the fence look beautiful, especially in combination with other ornamental plants.
- A hedge from this shrubbery will be able to please the whole summer season, at first succulent greens will prevail, and then it will be decorated with flower balls of delicate colors - white, pink, and purple.
Problems with growing in the suburbs and central Russia
There are no particular problems with hydrangea cultivation in these regions. It is important to choose the right varieties that are suitable for the area. Subject to all agricultural practices, this plant will please with beautiful foliage and lush flowering.
Shrubs should not be planted in lowlands where there is a threat of close occurrence of groundwater.The place where the water stagnates for a long time will not work, and the roots will be constantly wet, which will cause their decay and death of the whole plant.
In the Moscow region, late frosts are possible. This can damage young shoots and buds. This can be avoided if you build a temporary shelter or spray the plant with anti-stress drugs.
The problem may be insufficient soil fertility. But it is solved by introducing a fertile mixture and fertilizers into the planting pits, as well as regular top dressing of the plant.
Hydrangea is a very effective plant. It will become a worthy decoration of your garden. No need to regret the effort expended, just enjoy its beauty.
