Rules for planting and caring for garden hydrangeas in the country
An unpretentious shrub - garden hydrangea - becomes the decoration of a personal plot with proper planting and systematic care. Growing a flowering plant is not difficult for professionals and novice gardeners. There are more than 40 types of hydrangeas: from lianas to compact tree-like shrubs that can grow up to 3 meters tall in the wild. Most hydrangeas grow in Asia and Japan.
Description and characteristics
The hydrangea is a popular shrub for summer cottages and gardens. Depending on the type and place of growth, they are evergreen or deciduous plants. The main characteristics of the graceful shrub:
- Large lush spherical inflorescences.
- The color of the petals depends on the acidity of the soil.
- Moisture-loving plant.
- There are deciduous and evergreen species.
- The shrub is resistant to diseases and pests.
- The leaves are broad with serrated edges.
Hydrangea does not like to apply a large amount of organic fertilizers, flowers on the bushes may not form.
Important! Shelters are necessary for the winter, even for frost-resistant species.
The graceful shrub can be propagated by seeds, dividing the bush and using shoots.
Landing rules
The flowering shrub will become a decoration of the garden, subject to the terms and rules of planting. It is necessary to correctly choose the place of growth of the future flower and correctly place the plants in relation to other green inhabitants of the garden.
The timing
Shrubs are planted in spring or fall. If the hydrangea was grown in seedlings, the young bushes are planted in late April - early May, when the threat of frost has passed. By dividing the bush, the plant multiplies both in autumn and in spring. When planting in autumn, it is important to take into account that the bush must take root, which means that it should stand at least a month before the onset of the first frosts.
Seat selection
Garden views prefer well-lit areas on the site. But we must not forget that with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, the leaves of the plant can burn. Hydrangeas are often planted as protective plants or as hedges. In landscape design, single or group plantings are used.
Soil requirements
The hydrangea has no special requirements for the soil. Shrubs can grow on relatively poor soils. It is known that the color of the petals of garden hydrangeas depends on the level of acidity of the soil where the plants grow. So, on neutral soil, inflorescences are painted white, on alkaline - pink, on acid - blue or blue.This feature of hydrangeas is used by designers to create various color compositions.
It is unacceptable to introduce large amounts of fresh organic matter under the bushes, the plant will "get into the foliage" and will not pick up buds.
Landing scheme
The hydrangea bush is quite sprawling, this should be taken into account in the scheme of planting young shrubs. The distance between the bushes should be at least 150 centimeters. The planting hole is dug to a depth of 60-70 centimeters. For group plantings, so that the plants do not shade each other, use a checkerboard arrangement of the bushes.
How to take care of it?
The first year after planting is a crucial stage in plant grafting. During this period, it is necessary to provide crops with the required amount of moisture, carry out regular weeding and loosen flower plantings.
watering
The hydrangea is a shrub that likes humidity. To grow a healthy plant, it is necessary to water it regularly and in a timely manner. In times of drought, irrigation is carried out twice a day: at the root, in the morning and in the evening. The water temperature should be at least +20 C, so that the plant does not receive thermal shock due to a sharp drop in temperature.
top dresser
It is not necessary to feed the bushes the first year after planting, the hydrangea will grow well anyway. It is unacceptable to feed the bushes with fresh manure, and an excess of nitrogen contributes to the growth of foliage, while the plant may not pick up buds at all.
Whey is the best food for growing garden hydrangeas.It is recommended to water the bush with curd, yogurt or kefir two or three times per season. Once a season, the hydrangea is sprinkled with real chicken droppings or an infusion of cow patties.
Mulching
To maintain the level of moisture in the soil, garden hydrangea bushes are mulched with sawdust, straw or freshly cut grass. This procedure is carried out after watering and loosening the trunk circle.
Size
An important measure for caring for the plant is the pruning of faded inflorescences and flowering stems. Pruned cuttings can be rooted.
Important! Pruning of flowering stems begins at four years of age.
The size scheme of each type of shrub is different. Tree species begin to bud early and must be pruned first. Varieties with large leaves and panicles are pruned infrequently and with extreme caution, often limited to only sanitary pruning of shrubs.
In the shape of a tree
Prune in spring and autumn. It is necessary to remove all faded inflorescences and diseased, dried and damaged stems. The pruning of last year's stems is carried out to a length of 4 buds. To avoid thickening, remove excess non-flowering shoots.
paniculate
Panicle hydrangeas are also pruned twice: in the spring and in the fall. Spring pruning is the removal of weak and dying shoots, the pruning of old branches for the growth of young shoots. In autumn, it is necessary to remove faded cone-shaped inflorescences and thin out the bush.
large-leaved
The rule of thumb for pruning bigleaf hydrangeas is to save young shoots that have not had time to bloom. Only biennial faded branches are cut.The pruning is deep, almost to the root of the root. It is also necessary to carry out a procedure of sanitary pruning, thinning and rejuvenation of plants.
Prepare for winter
In order for the plant to quickly move away from hibernation and hurt less in the spring, it is recommended to close the bushes for the winter, even if the hydrangea belongs to frost-resistant varieties. Film, agrofiber or ordinary spruce branches are used as shelters. In regions with cold winters with little snow, it is imperative to close the garden hydrangea for the winter.
After flowering
In order for the bushes to retain their decorative appearance, pruning of faded inflorescences is carried out immediately after flowering. Bushes loosen, mulch and remove weeds and dead branches.
Protection against diseases and pests
Garden hydrangea is a plant with persistent immunity, slightly susceptible to fungal diseases and attacks of harmful insects. But it is recommended to carry out preventive treatment of plantings, especially in regions with a changing climate.
Powdery mildew
A fungal disease that primarily affects the leaves of a plant. Affected bushes are covered with a rough white bloom, the leaves dry up and curl. As a preventive measure, the plants are sprayed with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or brilliant green. In case of severe infection, the bushes are treated with "Furacilin", "Fitosporin" or "Fundazol".
Aphid
An insidious pest that spreads to hydrangea bushes from neighboring affected plants. Aphids are able to completely destroy a flowering bush. For prevention, the bushes are sprinkled with wood ash or sprayed with diluted mustard powder.In case of severe infection, apply "Tanrek", "Biotlin" or "Aktara".
White rot
A fungal disease that affects the root system of a bush. The causative agent is a fungus, it is found in the soil, therefore it is important to disinfect the soil before planting young bushes: scald the soil with boiling water or spill with a solution of potassium permanganate.
It is necessary to treat the disease when the first signs appear - the formation of a white fluffy plaque on the leaves and stems of the plant. Apply "Fitosporin" or "Fundazol".
Septoria
The appearance of dark brown spots on the leaf plates of hydrangeas signals the onset of an insidious fungal disease - septoria. The fungus parasitizes the plant, taking away important nutrients and trace elements from it. Foliage begins to yellow and fall off. The disease is highly contagious and quickly spreads to other horticultural crops. Against septoriasis used oxychloride, "Fundazol", "Fitosporin".
Fungal diseases
Garden hydrangeas can be affected by various fungal diseases. Usually the infection comes from the soil or from other infected plants. In order to avoid massive infections, preventive measures are taken:
- Spray the bushes with a solution of brilliant green or iodine.
- Before planting, the soil is disinfected with potassium permanganate or scalded with boiling water.
- Watering is carried out in the evening without moisture getting on the leaves.
- Marigolds or calendulas are planted nearby, scaring off pests with their pungent smell.
The use of pesticides is justified only in case of severe infection.
ring stitch
viral disease.It affects the leaves of hydrangeas, on which vague spots in the form of rings are formed, gradually increasing in diameter. The sheets are deformed, dry, twisted. The hydrangea loses its strength, the buds of these bushes may not develop.
This disease cannot be treated. The affected bush should be dug with a clod of earth and removed from the beds.
grape snail
A favorite delicacy of grape snails is the leaves of garden hydrangeas. The pest hides in thickened plantings, gradually eats the leaves and buds of plants. You can get rid of snails by picking up the pests manually. In case of a large number of pests, you can apply insecticides: “Lightning”, “Typhos” or “Vermitic”.
Spider
It inhabits the inner side of leaf blades. The pest feeds on plant juices, the leaves begin to turn yellow, dry up and fall to the ground. The best medicine against spider mites is Fufan. It should be used at the first signs of damage, the spider mite is able to quickly spread throughout the garden plot.
rootworm nematode
A parasitic worm that infects the root system and trunk of garden hydrangeas. During life, it spreads caustic secretions that poison plants and serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. It is very difficult to cure this disease, as a rule, the affected plants are removed with a clod, the soil is disinfected. Among the preventive chemicals used "Aktofit".
the reproduction
It's not difficult to increase the number of flowering shrubs in your area when it comes to garden hydrangeas. The plant is easily propagated by seed, layering, cuttings or by division of the bush.
Cuttings
The traditional method of raising hydrangeas is used by summer residents everywhere and is suitable for all types of hydrangeas. Green cuttings taken from the plants in mid-July, when the first buds are tied on the hydrangeas, are used as seedlings. The stem of a shoot suitable for multiplication is green in color. For reproduction, the branches of young plants are cut. The bud is cut, the leaves are cut in half, and the twig is placed in water. The optimal cutting length is 15 centimeters.
After 10-15 days, the cuttings will have roots, future plants during this period should be planted in individual containers. In about a month, the seedlings will give their own leaves, they can be planted in open ground.
Divide the bush
For this method of propagating hydrangeas, bushes that are at least 3 years old are used. As a rule, the division of the bush is carried out at the time of transplanting the bush. The method does not apply to paniculate species. The best time to spend is early spring.
Layers
Long-term complex method. Reproduction of garden hydrangeas by layering begins in early spring, when the buds have not yet bloomed on the plants. The trunk space of the bushes is carefully dug out and grooves are made. The lower branches are lowered into the recesses made and they are added drop by drop. It is necessary to ensure that the branches are in close contact with the ground. At the end of the season, several young shoots form on the layers. As soon as the height of young bushes reaches 20 centimeters, they can be dug up and transplanted to a permanent place.
Seeds
Natural hydrangea seed material does not need treatment before sowing. It is important to prepare the nutrient soil and disinfect it.... Hydrangea seeds are laid out on well-moistened, drip-free soil. Cover the seedling box with aluminum foil or glass. After 15 days, the first shoots will appear, at the stage of 3-4 true leaves, the plants dive and in early June they are transplanted into the open ground.
popular types
In nature, there are about 80 species of wild hydrangeas, some of them have been improved by breeders and are suitable for growing in the garden and decorating the urban landscape. Consider the main types of graceful plants.
large-leaved
The lush shrub is most popular with gardeners. This type of hydrangea forms charming balls of lush inflorescences. Large-leaved hydrangea is characterized by low frost resistance, requires winter shelter and careful care. Needs regular watering and sanitary pruning.
paniculate
It differs from the large-leaved hydrangea in the shape of the inflorescences, it is cone-shaped. Flowering from July to October. Suitable for creating dry winter bouquets. In landscape design, it is used to design areas of water bodies. Less demanding for routine care.
Pereshkovaya
Type of climbing hydrangea. It can reach a height of 10 meters, suitable for decorating gazebos and terraces. Differs in high winter hardiness and exquisite aroma during the flowering period.
In the shape of a tree
The plant is native to North America. Unpretentious in cultivation, forms spherical inflorescences. Requires regular pruning, overwinters well, forms a spreading bush about 2 meters in diameter.
ground cover
Ornamental creeping shrub.Plant height - no more than 30 centimeters. Medium winter hardiness, used to decorate vertical surfaces or alpine slides.
Dubolistnaya
Deciduous shrub up to 2 meters high. It differs in the original shape of the leaves, reminiscent of oak or maple leaf plates, which in the fall change color from green to red-brown.
How to change the color?
The basic color of the inflorescences of all types of hydrangeas is beige. Depending on the acidity of the soil, it can be changed. For this feature, the plant fell in love with landscape designers. So, on neutral soil, inflorescences are painted white, on alkaline - pink, on acid - blue or light blue. This feature of hydrangeas is used by designers to create various color compositions.
Planting seedlings
The best time for planting seedlings in the garden is May or June. Planting is carried out according to the scheme depending on the type and variety of the plant. Autumn planting is carried out a month before the onset of the first frosts.