Annually pleased with abundant flowering, it is necessary correct fit... This requires more than just planting it in the ground.
Important factors affecting its growth and development are: planting time, right choice places and preparation of soil mixture. Any mistake can lead to the fact that the hydrangea bush will not only not bloom, but will stop growing and die.
When is the best time to plant a hydrangea, in autumn or spring? How to properly prepare the site and soil for the plant? You will find the answers in the article.
Preparing for landing
When to plant hydrangea outdoors, preferably in late spring. In regions with a temperate climate, the plant can be planted in the second half of April. V northern regions with a harsher climate, planting is carried out no earlier than early May, when the ground thaws and warms up well.
Sometimes, in a mild climate and warm winter, it is possible to plant hydrangeas in early September. Planting hydrangeas in the fall can only be carried out for seedlings with a well-developed root system.
After purchasing a seedling, you must choose appropriate place where to plant hydrangea... It must be well lit.
However, the direct sun can hit the bush only in the morning hours, since the hydrangea does not tolerate prolonged sunlight. In the afternoon, the bush should be slightly shaded.
You can plant a bush under the cover of a tall tree. Shouldn't choose too much open space, since the plant does not like the wind. You also need to consider that garden hydrangea - large plant, it will take a lot of space to grow.
It is very important where to plant the hydrangea, it is better to think about the place in advance before buying seedlings!
Before planting a seedling, you need to dig a planting hole and fill it with a soil mixture, the composition of which will allow the plant to develop correctly. After that, you can start planting.
Optimal soil composition
Garden hydrangea can grow in a variety of soil compositions. The soil mixture for it can be either neutral or slightly acidic. But hydrangea develops best in soil with a slightly acidic reaction, but it does not tolerate alkaline soils and quickly dies in them.
Usually the soil for planting hydrangeas has the following composition:
- Humus;
- Sod land;
- Overripe foliage;
- Peat or pine sawdust;
- Sand.
All components are taken in equal parts. It is also recommended to add special additives to the soil for the care of hydrangeas. These drugs are sold in flower shops and garden centers.
How to properly plant a hydrangea outdoors in the garden
Now let's take a closer look at the stages of how to plant a hydrangea. After the place for planting the bush is selected, it is necessary to dig a planting hole. It is recommended to make it wide and deep enough, regardless of the size of the seedling.
The optimum will be the size of the pit 50x50 cm, at least 60 cm deep. Such dimensions will provide room for the development of the root system, which is necessary for the regular and long-term flowering of hydrangeas.
An empty planting pit must be thoroughly spilled with water.... The surrounding soil must be saturated with moisture. To do this, at least 3 buckets of water are poured into the pit. After a day, you can start planting the plant.
For planting, mix the amount of soil substrate required to fill the pit. Dry mineral fertilizers (50 g of fertilizers per plant) are added to the specified soil composition and mixed thoroughly.
You can also use specialized fertilizer for hydrangeas.
The planting hole is filled with a prepared soil substrate, slightly compacting it. In the center, a hole is made the size of an earthen lump on the roots of the seedling.
The bush is set in a hole, the roots are buried in earth. The earth around the bush is compacted with hands. If, after compaction, the planting pit turns out to be insufficiently filled, a substrate is added from above.
After planting, the hydrangea is well watered so that the entire volume of soil in the pit is saturated with moisture. Following this, the soil is covered with a layer of mulch. It contains crushed bark or sawdust of deciduous trees. Soil mulching is necessary to retain moisture in the soil.
When planting several hydrangea bushes, the distance between them should be at least 1 m. This is necessary so that the bushes, growing, do not shade each other.
Now that you know how to plant a hydrangea correctly, you need to take care of the plant in a timely manner.
Basics of care and feeding
Caring for a garden hydrangea after planting includes regular watering. This is necessary for the rapid growth of the seedling and its lush flowering.
Top dressing of the bush is carried out from late May to early September. It is recommended to feed the plant at the beginning of the growing season, during the period of bud formation and flowering, as well as after the end of flowering in early autumn. For this, various compositions of fertilizers are used.
At the end of spring, for a quick build-up of leaf mass by 1 sq. m of soil is brought in:
- Urea (20 g);
- Superphosphate (40 g);
- Potassium sulfate (30 g).
In June, when buds are laid, the following composition of fertilizers is applied to the soil:
- Superphosphate (60 g);
- Potassium sulfate (40 g).
At the beginning of autumn, up to 20 kg of manure is applied under each hydrangea bush. To increase the strength of the shoots, the plant is watered 3-4 times throughout the season with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
Hydrangea - moisture-loving plant... She does not tolerate drying out of the earth and can even shed buds and leaves. Therefore, you need to water the bushes regularly. The soil should never dry out. However, excessive moisture is also not desirable for the plant.
If stagnation of water in the soil occurs frequently, this can cause the death of the plant. Water the hydrangea abundantly and regularly, but not excessively.
During the period of rapid growth and in the hot summer months, it is recommended to water the plant 2-3 times a week. But if the weather is cool and rainy, watering is significantly reduced.
Soil maintenance and plant pruning
Soil care is not limited to fertilization. Throughout the season, it is necessary to loosen the soil around the hydrangea bush. it good way retention of moisture in it.
Also, loosening makes the soil more breathable, because the crust formed after watering on the surface of the soil does not allow oxygen to penetrate to the roots of the plant. The soil should be loosened weekly the next day after watering, when it dries up a little.
One more necessary procedure when growing a garden hydrangea, it is pruning. Plants are pruned from 3-4 years of age... The best time for formative pruning is early April.
After wintering, the bushes are opened and carefully examined. Cold-damaged shoots, as well as weak and dried branches are to be removed. Old and very dense bushes remove several branches growing inside the crown.
For all types of hydrangeas, branches that have faded last year are pruned by 1/3... It is recommended not to touch the rest of the shoots. The fact is that some types of hydrangeas grow buds on the shoots of the current year. They can shorten all branches.
But there are species in which flowers are formed on the shoots of the last year. If you prune them by mistake, you can remove the flower buds and the plant will not bloom.
Wintering and how to prepare for it
At the beginning of September, they stop feeding and abundant watering of the plant. Hydrangea gradually goes into a state of dormancy, its shoots ripen, which is especially important for successful wintering. Before the first frosts, all remaining leaves, except for the topmost ones, are removed from the hydrangea bush. Now the bush is ready for winter shelter.
Cover hydrangea bushes in different ways... The easiest way is to tie and pull off the branches with a rope, and wrap the entire bush with covering material.
After that, it is carefully bent to the ground and fixed with bricks or stones.
Dry foliage is poured on top or the bush is covered with spruce branches, and then covered with a waterproof material.
There is another way - a frame shelter. The bush is pulled together and wrapped with a covering material. Then a frame is made around the bush of metal mesh... It is filled with dry foliage, and protected from above with a waterproof material.
The covered plant successfully waits out the winter, and with the onset of warm weather, it is gradually opened and the branches unwound. The cover is completely removed only after the end of the frost.
Pest control
Garden hydrangea is affected only by aphids and red spider mite... These pests feed on plant sap and are able to multiply in large quantities... Very often, the lack of control of them leads to the death of the plant.
Leaf aphids accumulate at the tops of the shoots and petioles of the youngest leaves. Gradually multiplying, it sucks out the sap of the plant, which leads to twisting and drying of the tops of the shoots. The bush stops growing and does not bloom.
To destroy aphids, it is not recommended to use folk methods
... They are not effective and do not completely get rid of harmful insects. Only purchased insecticidal preparations for the destruction of aphids can help in the fight against them.
Spider mites are harmful arachnids. Ticks are very small and often invisible to the naked eye. You can only notice the cobwebs on the youngest leaves of the plant.
To combat this dangerous pest there are drugs - acaricides and insecto-acaricides that destroy harmful arachnids.
Planting a homemade hydrangea in a pot
Garden hydrangea is grown outdoors. But rooted cuttings are not recommended to be immediately planted in the garden. They spend 2-3 years indoors, as they may not be able to withstand the winter. They are planted in pots as houseplants.
A pot for planting cuttings of hydrangea can be of any material... In ceramics and in plastic, this plant develops equally well. The planting capacity should not be too high or low. It is advisable to choose it so that the diameter is equal to the height.
The size of the pot is of particular importance. The root system should fit freely in it, but you should not choose too large a capacity. Usually rooted cuttings are planted in pots with a diameter of 9-10 cm.
For planting hydrangeas in a pot, a slightly acidic soil mixture is suitable, consisting of peat, leafy earth and coarse sand in equal parts. You can also use commercial soil mixtures for hydrangeas or azaleas, which are sold in any flower shop.
Before planting, a drainage layer of fine expanded clay must be laid on the bottom of the pot... It will facilitate the removal excess water into the pallet.
Also, the moisture remaining in the expanded clay after irrigation will long time maintain the required soil moisture in the pot.
On top of the drainage, a few centimeters of the soil substrate are poured into the pot.
The roots of the plant are placed in a pot and straightened, and then sprinkled with soil on top. The soil in the pot is compacted, the stalk is well watered.
V apartment conditions hydrangea usually grows up to 3 years old. When to transplant the hydrangea: Every spring in a larger pot. When the plant is strong enough and grows, it is transplanted to a flower bed or garden.
How to plant and care for room hydrangea- you can find out in detail.
Garden hydrangea, planting and caring for which is considered quite difficult, is often called in another way - hydrangea (Hydrangea). It is a beautiful deciduous shrub, sometimes a liana or a small tree, which is often grown on personal plot... It can be grown from seeds or cuttings. This gorgeous plant continues to bloom all summer long. When it blooms, huge air caps of white, purple and even burgundy inflorescences almost completely cover the bush. But in fact, this is a relatively unpretentious plant to care for, it can be planted not only in the country, but in parks, squares and near houses, and every year the flowers will delight passers-by with their splendor, and the oak-leaved hydrangea will attract attention with unusual foliage.
Types of hydrangeas
Especially popular, at the same time blue and pink, large-leaved hydrangea. For the conditions of central Russia, panicle hydrangea is considered the most suitable (the Phantom and Limelight varieties are especially famous) and, since they are resistant to frost. Other species common in our latitudes - oak-leaved hydrangea, rough, large-flowered - are much more thermophilic, they will need additional shelter for the winter.
The panicle hydrangea has cone-shaped inflorescences that can change color, for example, in the Limelight variety, the lime flowers turn white, the Sunday Fries initially have a green panicle at the end of flowering - pink. The Laimlat variety is also distinguished by strong shoots that are able to withstand endless profuse flowering... They are also varied in size - the Phantom variety is considered one of the largest. 
Popular varieties of panicle hydrangea
- Grandiflora is a very lush bush, the panicle is first white, then pink.
- Limelight - at the beginning, the inflorescences are painted in a bright lime color, as the name of the variety indicates. After the flowers change color to lemon, and then to white.
- Wim Rutten - creamy flowers exude a honey aroma (like the Phantom variety), over time they turn pink and then wine-red.
- Vanilla Fries - the flowers of this variety look like clouds, the inflorescences are pink with a white tip, by autumn they become crimson. Created in the French nursery "Renault", requires shelter.
- Sunday Fries is another brainchild of Renault nursery, fluffy inflorescences change their color from green to bright pink.
- Phantom is a record variety, the length of its inflorescences is from 30 cm, the bush grows up to 2 m.
Popular varieties tree hydrangea
- Annabelle is a variety on the basis of which many modern hybrids of tree hydrangea are created. Blooms all summer. Inflorescences are white, large, up to 20 cm in diameter.
- Invincibel - inflorescences change color from dark pink to a lighter shade.
- Incredibol - huge caps of white inflorescences, about 30 cm in diameter.
Popular varieties of large-leaved hydrangea, also known as "blue" hydrangea:
- Freedom;
- Perfection;
- Jomari;
- Mini Penny.
Oak-leaved hydrangea is represented by Harmony and Applause varieties. Thanks to the leaves, it is decorative for almost a whole year. Other types of hydrangea - ash, Bretschneider, serrate - are less common.
Hydrangea care
Hydrangea care begins in March. It is better to check the condition of the plants under the shelter in advance, and if the weather is warm, start airing them a little. During a thaw on the site, you need to ensure that there is no stagnation of melt water at the roots: you can dig drainage grooves. Shelter is removed from large-leaved shrubs when the threat of frost has passed. It is very important to prune the hydrangea correctly. If for some reason the pruning was not done in the fall, it is necessary to do it in March, when the snow has not melted. Due to the fact that sap flow begins early, if you are late or do not do this at all, the plant may begin to "cry", this will greatly weaken it and may even cause death.
It is important to remember that all parts of the hydrangea contain toxic substances, therefore they must be protected from children and pets and, if trimming or planting seeds, wear gloves.
In mid-April, when the air warms up to + 10–12 ° C, and the soil thaws to a depth of 20 cm,. Young shoots per season give a strong increase, often up to half a meter, therefore, for active growth, they need nutrition - nitrogen fertilizers are best absorbed by the roots: you can take 1 tbsp. l. calcium nitrate and dilute it in 10 liters of water. Plants will also be grateful for organic feeding, then the flowering will be more abundant, and the flowers will be larger.
When young leaves begin to grow, the shrub should be mulched with rotted manure or humus. This will inhibit the growth of weeds, improve the soil structure and serve as an additional fertilizer. Garden hydrangea, judging by the name, loves watering very much, therefore it is important when summer comes to water it abundantly - this will require at least 10 liters of water. The Phantom variety requires about 30 liters. If purchased potted plants- in May they can be planted in the country.
If you plan to plant a hydrangea, it is important to remember that its roots are superficial, they are actively growing in width, therefore the hole must be dug correctly: it will need to be shallow, but wide. Large-leaved hydrangeas should be planted in the country in such a place that the sun illuminates them for at least 6 hours, but falls on the leaves only in the morning and evening. Shade-tolerant enough paniculata (for example, varieties Limelight, Phantom), treelike and oak-leaved hydrangea. If the earth is clayey, so that the water does not stagnate, drainage from broken brick... Before planting a shrub, the root system should be soaked in a bucket of water, gently spreading the roots.
The pit must be filled with the following mixture: 4 buckets of humus or quail manure, 2 - peat, 1 - needles and garden soil in small quantities. It is better to immediately add complex fertilizer, superphosphate and mix the resulting substrate. For example, the Phantom variety, with a lack of nutrition, begins to produce pale inflorescences. It is necessary to plant shrubs in the country carefully, the soil should be mulched with a thick layer of coniferous litter. After planting, the soil must be shed well, so that not only the soil in the pit becomes wet, but also the lump in which the hydrangea grew. Further care for plants is abundant watering, which is gradually reduced to 1 time in 7 days. But the Phantom variety should be watered a little more often.
When summer comes, the garden hydrangea plants flower buds. New shoots are actively developing, therefore, nutritious feeding with mineral fertilizers, where there is a lot of phosphorus and potassium, is again required. This is the best time to successfully propagate hydrangea by cuttings. In July, when inflorescences are forming in the large-leaved hydrangea, you can change their color from pink to blue. Most The best way- water the shrub with alum (aluminum salts). Another option is to use special ready-made preparations.
Aluminum salts begin to act only in an acidic environment, therefore, hydrangea must grow in acidic soil to change its color.
In case of a neutral or alkaline reaction, the soil will have to be "acidified". To do this, before planting the plant, add moor peat to the pit and use it as mulch. Watering the soil with a weak solution of table vinegar or citric acid... Watering can be repeated once a week. Throughout the summer, you need to continue abundant watering, especially if the shrub is located in a bright, well-lit area. To make the flowering almost endless, in mid-July, you can feed the plants for the third time or with a small nitrogen content.
Hydrangea wintering
In early autumn, while there is no constant rainfall, the bush is watered abundantly, and the soil is mulched wood chips and dry foliage. Pruning begins in October. If cuttings were rooted in the summer or was purchased blue hydrangea in a pot, you need to properly prepare young plants for wintering as follows:
- dig pots into the garden;
- cover them with dry foliage;
- cover with lattice boxes on top;
- put the film on top, leaving the side walls of the box open.
Thus, rooted cuttings winter best. Most decorative species hydrangeas need to make a winter shelter every year. If there is a threat of frost, thermophilic species harbor special material, after removing all the leaves and tying the shoots in the form of a sheaf.
There are several ways to properly cover your shrub for the winter.
- You can bend the stems to the ground and fix with staples, and cover the base with a thick layer of peat. Put arcs on top with a cross, on which to put the non-woven material in several layers - depending on its type. Before the frosts hit, you can leave vents for ventilation.
- Shoots are pinned to the ground; spruce branches or covering material should be placed under the stems. Then - a layer of peat or compost, and on it - a sheet of slate.
- A frame is made under the bush, the hydrangea is covered with pine needles or dry foliage, the frame is covered with non-woven material in 2 layers. From above, you should cover the shrub from excess water. In the spring, the shelter should be removed in stages, completely - when the threat of frost has passed.
Propagation of hydrangea
You can grow hydrangea from seeds, propagate by dividing the bush, cuttings and layering. Growing hydrangeas from seeds is easy, they are immediately sown into the ground in March, without stratification. But this breeding method is the longest. It will take more than one year to wait for flowering. Hydrangeas from cuttings bloom the next year. To propagate a flower in this way in summer period, you need to cut the shoots with two pairs of leaves from the middle of the bush. You should choose those where there are no buds. Their length should be up to 17 cm. The cut is made oblique, a centimeter below the buds, leaf plates, in order to reduce moisture evaporation, can be cut by a third.
The bottom of the cutting is powdered with rooting amplifiers, they are planted in pots with a light, moist, breathable substrate. They are placed in a greenhouse, for example, by making it out of plastic bottle... The containers are placed in partial shade; rooting takes about 6 weeks. Caring for cuttings consists in periodically moistening the soil and ventilating the greenhouse. When new growth appears, it can be removed. But the easiest way to reproduce hydrangea is to divide the bush.
Correct pruning
For many gardeners, pruning hydrangeas is only about removing dried or weakened shoots, they do this all year, believing that it is right, and then disappointed in the flowering of plants. For large-flowered hydrangea, crown care in the first year of life consists in shortening the shoots to a strong bud and mulching the roots. Only weak branches are cut in autumn. In the second year in July, strong shoots at the base are cut off to the growths that have grown below. In the third year and subsequent ones in July, dried and old shoots are removed.
Some varieties of hydrangeas bloom on last year's shoots, so it is correct to remove only faded inflorescences with four leaves in the middle of summer, since flower buds are laid in August. Drastic pruning of such plants will deprive them of flowering next year. In the Phantom variety, branches are removed without affecting the skeletal ones. By following these simple rules, it is easy to get an attractive, abundantly flowering shrub.
Output
Hydrangea - ornamental shrub, which is able to decorate any corner of the garden. Several of its types are winter-hardy in middle lane Russia, but the rest need shelter. The most common and resistant to cold are paniculate and tree-like. A popular variety of panicle hydrangea is Phantom, and a tree-like variety is Annabelle.
These plants require annual pruning. When landing in a pit, nutrients... In hydrangea large-leaved in acidic soil, when using special alum, the color of the inflorescences changes. You can grow these plants from seeds, propagate by dividing the bush and cuttings.
Hydrangea is a flowering shrub, it is often used for landscaping lawns, parks and gardens. Is different large inflorescences, which bloom in the second half of summer, decorating the site until late autumn. In total, there are up to 35 plant species, one of the most popular is the tree hydrangea. It grows rapidly, in a season from a small seedling it can turn into a luxurious shrub. Planting and caring for hydrangea is not much different from the maintenance of others garden flowers, so even a beginner will not have any difficulties in growing.
How to plant a hydrangea correctly?
Most often, the plant is acquired in the form of a seedling. You can grow it yourself from seeds, but this process is long and will take at least 3 years. Seedlings of this age are best bought for planting.
When to plant hydrangea and how to choose the right place?
The gardener should immediately decide in which part of the garden the shrub will grow, since the hydrangea does not like transplants. It is worth giving preference to well-lit flower beds or lawns located along the house on the east or west side. However, if such a place was not found, then the shrub will grow well in partial shade.
Many gardeners are wondering when to plant a hydrangea, in spring or autumn? The seedling can be planted both in spring (early May) and in autumn (in September). It is believed that flowers planted in the spring take root faster and get sick less often, but if the seedling is strong and healthy, with a powerful root system, then it will take root well in the fall. Planting in autumn will harden the shrub, making it more hardy.
Requirements for the composition of the soil
The hydrangea is undemanding to the composition of the earth, but it will grow better in an acidic environment (pH value - 4.5–5), therefore, lime or ash should not be introduced into the pit during planting. If there is not enough acidic soil in the garden where the hydrangea will be grown, then you can add coniferous soil, sawdust, brown peat to it and dig it up.
Planting a hydrangea tree
On the site, it is necessary to prepare pits measuring 50x50x60 cm, where 60 cm is the depth. The bushes grow rapidly, so when planting several specimens, it is necessary to maintain a distance of at least one meter. In addition, later it will be easier to care for the hydrangea tree. For better rooting, professionals recommend preparing a fertile soil mixture and filling the planting hole with it.
Components:
- leaf land - 2 parts,
- fresh humus - 2 parts,
- fibrous peat substrate - 1 part,
- medium-grained sand - 1 part.
The seedlings are placed in the hole so that the root collar is flush with the top layer of the earth. Planting is best done in cloudy weather, but if the day is sunny, it is recommended to shade the plant.
Features of care for hydrangea tree
Growing a shrub like hydrangea, planting and care is not difficult. Everything a gardener needs to know: how to properly water and feed the plant, prune branches and cover for the winter.
Watering hydrangeas
The shrub prefers moist soil, even its name testifies to this - translated from the Greek hydrangea (Hydrangea) means "a vessel with water". It is recommended to water the plant once a week, pouring out about 15-17 liters of water. If the summer is rainy, then watering is reduced, focusing on the condition of the soil.
Fertilization
If during planting the seedling a nutrient mixture was added to the pit, then the hydrangea does not need additional feeding for the first year or two. However, do not forget that tree hydrangea prefers regular care, and when grown on poor soil, its inflorescences will become small and not so lush.
The first feeding should be organized in early spring, as soon as it gets warmer outside. Mineral fertilizer is prepared as follows:
- urea - 10 g,
- superphosphate - 15 g,
- potassium sulfate - 15 g.
Trace elements must be dissolved in 10-15 liters pure water... As soon as the first buds appear, you need to carry out a second mineral dressing, based on 10-15 liters of water:
- superphosphate - 30 g,
- potassium sulfate - 20 g.
Until the end of summer, two more dressings should be carried out, but with organic fertilizer. A 1:10 infusion of mullein is best suited.
Loosening and mulching the soil
To prevent moisture from evaporating longer, gardeners recommend mulching the soil at the base of the shrub. You can use peat or sawdust having laid out a layer of 5-6 cm, the procedure is carried out in the spring and leave the mulch until autumn. Caring for a tree hydrangea must necessarily include weeding and loosening the soil, as a rule, 2-3 times per season is enough.
Pruning hydrangea
The first 2 years after planting the seedling, all inflorescences must be removed from the bush. At this stage, it is important to grow a strong and healthy plant without allowing it to bloom. In adult specimens, dried inflorescences are removed in the fall, before wintering.
Hydrangea pruning is best done in March. It is necessary to select the 8-10 strongest branches and shorten them after 3-5 buds. Weak and withered branches can be pruned throughout summer season... Old shrubs are rejuvenated with vigorous pruning. It is necessary to cut off all branches with pruning shears, leaving only stumps no more than 6–8 cm in height. Soon, young shoots will grow at the hydrangea.
Preparing for winter
Treelike hydrangea is frost-resistant, so there is no need to cover it. However, it is recommended to overlay young specimens with mulch so that the roots do not freeze. Dry leaves or peat are used as a covering material, spreading them in a layer of 12-15 cm. If winter is expected to be harsh, then adult specimens can also be covered.
Diseases and pests of hydrangea tree
Hydrangea is ill quite rarely, but sometimes on the leaves or stems you can notice a whitish powdery coating - powdery mildew. To save the shrub, it is necessary to spray it with foundationazol solutions or Bordeaux liquid, according to the instructions.
Often, hydrangea is affected by aphids - these are grayish or light green insects that can be seen both on the leaves and on the branches of the bush. Aphids feed on plant sap and mainly affect young, delicate shoots and buds. For insect control, you can use chemicals(Aktellik, Fitoverm, Inta-vir) or use folk remedies.
The infusion of garlic has proven itself well, it is prepared as follows: chop 200 grams of peeled young cloves or squeeze through a special press, then pour 10 liters of clean water. On the third day, the infusion is filtered, and 40 grams are added to it laundry soap or a few drops of liquid. Spraying with such an infusion must be carried out weekly, until the last aphids disappear. However, it is worth remembering that garlic infusion has a pungent smell, this should be taken into account when choosing a treatment method.
As you can see, planting a hydrangea and caring for it is not difficult, and soon the gardener will be able to admire bright colors on your site. Hydrangea flowers can be used to make a wonderful winter bouquet. To do this, you need to cut off the branch when all the flowers in the inflorescence bloom, and then dry them in a dark room, hanging them from the ceiling or beam with their heads down.
Video how to plant a hydrangea tree
Decorating your own site is a rather painstaking process. One of the main conditions for creating an attractive landscape is the selection of suitable plant species. Hydrangea is always popular with many gardeners, appearance lush inflorescences which brings a feeling of lightness, airiness and extraordinary beauty. Before making your own choice, consider what the hydrangea looks like in the photo to make sure that your decision is correct, and familiarize yourself with the basic rules of growing.
Hydrangea inflorescences are globular and large enough. They consist of many small flowers. According to the principle of growth, hydrangea is:
Important! Thanks to this feature, with the correct combination of varieties, it is possible to use it to decorate various landscape forms.
Types of hydrangea
In the current selection, 35 types of hydrangea are distinguished, the care of which is not particularly difficult. 
The most suitable options for mid-latitude are represented by the following groups:
- Large-leaved. The shape of the flowers of this species is common. The dimensions of the spherical inflorescences, slightly flattened on top, reach a diameter of up to 30 cm. Such a hydrangea grows in the form of a shrub up to 2 meters high with wide large ovoid leaves. All varieties of this plant are thermophilic, although they firmly tolerate frosts up to 10 degrees, therefore, when planting on open area require mandatory winter shelter.
- Paniculata. The inflorescences of this species are distinguished by an original pyramidal shape, the length of which varies between 20-30 cm. The flowering period is quite long - from July to November, while the shade of the flowers gradually changes, acquiring a more intense purple color. The height of such a shrub is from 2 to 5 meters, and some tree varieties reach 10 m. Perfect solution for areas with not very favorable conditions- boggy or an abundance of gas formation. High frost resistance provides constant popularity for decorating adjoining and summer cottages in northern latitude.
- Pereshkovaya. This hydrangea belongs to the group of lianas, therefore, special suction cups grow on its stems for fastening. The length of the shoots reaches 25 meters, moreover, it can develop in height in the presence of support or creep along the ground in its absence. This variety is favorably distinguished by a dense dark green saturated mass of leaves, the shape of which is ovoid with smooth finely toothed edges. The diameter of the inflorescences ranges from 20-25 cm, but they quickly fall off. For growing hydrangeas of this type, shady areas are more acceptable.
- Bretschneider. The varieties of this species are favorably distinguished by their high resistance to unfavorable conditions - droughts and frosts. The flowering period usually lasts about 1 month - from mid-July to mid-late August. Inflorescences are formed in the form of umbrellas up to 15 cm in diameter, quite lush, collected from small fruiting flowers. The color changes from bright white to purple as flowering is complete. Grows in the form of a compact shrub, up to 3 meters high, with a rounded decorative crown. In addition to ovoid long (up to 12 cm) leaves, hairy shoots with characteristic lamellar bark exfoliation are also formed.
- Tree-like. This variety is distinguished not only by lush inflorescences, but also by large long oval leaves. When choosing varieties of tree hydrangea, please note that such shrubs will need regular, high-quality pruning in order to maintain their beautiful appearance and ensure full development. Such plants tolerate winter frosts rather poorly, but recover quickly in spring.
- Serrated. All varieties of this hydrangea are very sun-loving, so only open areas are suitable for planting. With development, the shrubs reach a height of 1.2 meters. Inflorescences are rather large and dense spherical in shape. The main advantage over other species is the very long flowering period, from early summer to late September.
- Sargent. The special appeal of such shrubs lies in the huge lush inflorescences, consisting of a combination of 2 tones and thick velvety foliage of a dark green hue. The height of plants with proper care reaches 4 meters. The opening of the inflorescences occurs at the end of summer.
- Oak-leaved. This hydrangea flower is unusually original due to the specific shape and texture of the crown. Outwardly, rough leaves resemble oak leaves, from which the name of the species was formed. The cone-shaped inflorescences bloom in the middle of summer and do not fall off until autumn.
Important! Watch a detailed video overview of the varieties and varieties of hydrangeas to determine the right type for your site.
Shades of hydrangea
Wide color palette- one of the most significant advantages of choosing this plant for planting in your own area. 
It is presented in multiple variations of the following tones:
Popular varieties
Before planting a hydrangea, pay attention to those varieties that are in constant demand among amateur gardeners and professional landscape designers:
When to plant a hydrangea?
In order for the hydrangea planting to be carried out correctly, first of all, determine in advance the right time. Optimal options to carry out such work:
Important! Please note that autumn planting is only suitable for growing hydrangeas in warm climates. If the site is located in northern latitude, give preference to the spring season to ensure good survival of the seedlings. 
Where to plant hydrangea?
The full development of shrubs of this species largely depends on how well the conditions for growth are met. 
Therefore, if you set out to increase the attractiveness of your adjoining territory using hydrangea, be sure to consider the following requirements when choosing a planting site:
Important! With regard to the amount of access to sunlight, adhere to the recommendations attached to a particular variety, since for some species open areas are preferable due to their excessive heat-lovingness, others feel more comfortable in full shade.
Landing rules
The basic requirements for planting hydrangeas are not much different from the standard shrub planting procedure.
Proceed as follows:
Video
Watch the video with an example of planting hydrangeas in an open area in order to clearly imagine the whole procedure in advance and organize your time correctly.
How to care for hydrangea?
Hydrangea care includes all the usual stages of procedures when growing any other plant:
- When using mineral fertilizers, be sure to observe moderation of feeding, as excessive development of inflorescences can lead to breakage of branches.
- As organic fertilizers use slurry or humus.
- Provide enough watering - 1-2 times a week.
- Loosen the soil on time and regularly to prevent cracking of the soil after watering in hot weather.
- In the fall, trim the inflorescences; in the spring, trim the shoots until the buds appear.
Important! Watch the video, which explains all the nuances of the hydrangea pruning procedure and clearly shows an example of this work.
- Mature shrubs are occasionally renewed with full root pruning in spring to ensure uniform development and abundant flowering.
- In the first year after planting, remove all inflorescences to allow the shoots of the shrub to grow stronger.
- To change the shade of the inflorescences, fertilize with watering 2 times a week with the following substances:
- Renew the mulch at least 2 times a year:
- For the winter, be sure to create an additional horizontal cover for the hydrangea shrub from film or spruce branches.
Important! This approach will help preserve the formed buds and ensure the hydrangea blooms early next year.
- When deciding to propagate hydrangea on your own, do it by harvesting cuttings, layering or dividing the bush - seeds and grafting for the formation of new shrubs are not relevant today.
Important! Watch the video, which details all the necessary information on propagating hydrangeas in the most popular way - cuttings.
Conclusion
Regardless of which variety and species you prefer, you will not have to regret your decision to grow hydrangea. You will certainly appreciate the extraordinary landscape beauty of your site and, over time, most likely diversify your species range by decorating other areas of the entire landscape with hydrangea in combination with other, no less bright and original flowering plants.
Hydrangea is a plant belonging to the genus Hortensia, numbering up to 100 different species. Most species are represented by shrubs with large, oval, wavy leaves along the edges. Hydrangea flowers are collected in large corymbose or paniculate inflorescences located at the ends of the shoots. The color of the flowers is white, pale pink, cream, purple and even red. The color of the flowers depends on the pH level of the soil. On acidic soils, flowers turn blue; on neutrals - pale beige; on alkaline - pink or lilac. Hydrangea inflorescences contain small fertile flowers located in the center and large sterile flowers that are located at the edge of the inflorescences. Hydrangeas bloom from spring to late autumn.
V natural conditions hydrangea grows in Asia, South and North America... The greatest species diversity is inherent in East Asia, China, Japan.
How to plant hydrangea in our climatic conditions ?
Requirements for growing conditions
Hydrangeas differ in cold resistance and level of shade tolerance, other requirements for growing conditions are similar:
- All types of hydrangeas prefer moist, breathable soil, with a slight acidity and the addition of peat and humus;
- A moisture-loving plant needs constant, thorough watering. Especially if the soil in which it is planted is sandy;
- Some varieties of hydrangeas cannot be left outdoors for the winter. Large-leaved hydrangea may freeze and not bloom if it will endure frost in the spring. Very coldy, up to minus 40 degrees, paniculata and motley hydrangea are well tolerated;
- It is necessary to grow hydrangea in places where there is a lot of sunlight, since it is a photophilous plant. But there are varieties of hydrangeas that love partial shade. And those planted in the sun begin to grow slowly, and their flowers become small.
Landing rules
How to plant hydrangea in spring? In the spring best time for planting, it is the beginning of May, when the earth warms up and the threat of frost passes. Autumn planting held in September:
- Hydrangea bushes should be spaced from each other at a distance of 1 to 1.5 meters;
- The dimensions of the pits for planting are 50x50x60 cm, each is filled with a mixture of peat, sand and humus;
- When planting, the neck of the root of the bush should be flush with the ground;
- After finishing planting, the plant is covered, protecting it from the sun and wind;
- In order for the plant to develop well and grow quickly, the inflorescence is cut off for two years.
Hydrangea care
In the spring, around the trunk of the plant, mulch is poured in a layer of 6 cm, leaving it for the whole summer. Mulch, consisting of peat and sawdust, helps to keep the soil moist for a long time. After weeding the soil and watering the bush, the soil should be loosened several times per season to 6 cm deep.
- Watering . Hydrangea loves moisture very much. For irrigation, soft water is used, preferably rainwater. Hydrangea is watered once a week as it is a moisture-loving plant. One plant requires 15 to 20 liters of water. Water it at the base of the roots. Water adhering to flowers and leaves can cause burns when heated in the sun. A small addition of potassium permanganate to the water will make the shoots much stronger. If the weather is rainy in summer, then watering is reduced to once a month.
- Top dressing. Hydrangea does not need to be fed for the first two years if the planting pit was filled with nutrient mixture during planting. After two years, it needs to be fertilized regularly.
- The first feeding is carried out in the spring when the first shoots appear. Mineral fertilizer with the content of trace elements, dilute as follows - dissolve 30 grams of fertilizer in 10 liters. water;
- The second feeding is done with the appearance of buds. For 1 sq. m. fertilizer is applied, which includes up to 80 g of superphosphate and up to 50 g of potassium sulfate;
- Subsequent feeding is carried out in the summer. The plant is fertilized with 10 liters. mullein solution at the rate of 1:10.
You need to be very careful about nitrogen fertilization... Overfeeding with nitrogen leads to poor winter hardiness of hydrangeas.
- Pruning. Hydrangea tolerates pruning well. To rejuvenate old hydrangea bushes, they are cut off, leaving small stumps up to 8 cm.
Thinning pruning is carried out in the spring, in the month of March-April, leaving 6 to 12 of the strongest shoots of the plant. They are shortened to 4 buds. Weak and frozen, as well as old branches are cut out. Because of a large number abandoned branches, flowers are formed small.
In September, all faded inflorescences are removed.
Reproduction of hydrangeas
Hydrangea reproduces in three ways:
- By dividing the bush. First, a place is prepared where the plots will be planted. Adult plant dug out and divided into 2-3 parts. The division is done so that each separated part has a kidney. Such reproduction is done in the autumn or spring;
- By cuttings. The emerging young shoots 10 cm long are cut from the bush. The leaves located at the bottom of the cutting are removed, and the cutting is planted in a greenhouse. Cuttings are carried out from April to June. The rooted plant is transplanted from a greenhouse into open ground and must be covered for the winter;
- Layers. Shoots are tilted to the ground, fixed and buried in soil. A small top up to 20 cm long should remain on the surface of the earth. During the winter, the shoot will take root, and in the spring it can be cut off from a common bush and transplanted to a permanent place.
Preparing for winter
The soil around the young hydrangea, for the first few years, needs to be covered for the winter in order to avoid freezing of the roots. For this, a 15 cm layer of dry leaves or peat is suitable. The horizontal shelter will help preserve the buds, so the plant will bloom earlier. Panicle hydrangea insulate with manure. The roots of the tree hydrangea do not need shelter.
Disease prevention
Despite the fact that hydrangeas rarely get sick, they are still susceptible to some diseases. A fungus may appear on the plant, yellow leaves, aphids, powdery mildew. If, nevertheless, the hydrangea gets sick, then the correct treatment will help cure it.
Get rid of the appearance of aphids, garlic tincture will help. The bushes are treated once a week until the aphids have completely disappeared. Powdery mildew is treated with a solution of Bordeaux liquid, at the rate of 100 gr. for 10 liters of water.
Landscape use
In landscape gardening, hydrangeas are used for single plantings and in groups.
Hosts, astilbe, black cohosh, cuffs are well suited as neighbors.
Hydrangeas are very expressive plants that bring joy in their appearance for many years.