Hydrangea garden, planting and care in the open field
Content:
Garden hydrangea is one of the favorite plants of gardeners. This plant is distinguished by a lush and juicy palette of beautiful inflorescences. And also it is characterized by long flowering from spring to the very frost. However, in order for this plant to please the eye as long as possible, it is necessary to observe simple care rules behind him.
In this article, we will consecutively sanctify the main points of growing garden hydrangea. We will try to reveal all the features step by step.
What happens and what does a garden hydrangea look like?
Briefly about garden hydrangea, planting and caring for it in the open field. Until recently, hydrangea was considered a thermophilic plant that did not tolerate low temperatures. However, recently, thanks to the work of breeders, many frost-resistant varieties have been bred that can withstand a drop in temperature. There are about eighty varieties of hydrangea. They are tree-like and climbing. Domestic gardeners prefer large-leaved garden hydrangea. The shrubs of this magnificent plant delight with long and abundant flowering. The caps of the inflorescences reach a diameter of up to 20 cm. Inflorescences of various shades can be formed on one bush, which only adds to this plant a graceful splendor. The flowering palette is very diverse from white shades to rich burgundy and blue colors. The height will depend on the variety chosen. In height, hydrangea grows up to one and a half meters.
Long blooming is the main reason for choosing hydrangeas for decorating and landscaping gardens and recreation areas. They are used as hedges. Hydrangeas look elegant and spectacular near reservoirs, delighting with their reflection in the water. And also planted at the entrance of the house or terrace.
How to choose a suitable place for a plant?
It is necessary to think carefully about the place for planting hydrangeas. She does not tolerate a transplant. Therefore, this fact must be taken into account from the very beginning. Garden hydrangea grows well in partial shade. If the sun shines from morning to noon, then this will be the perfect place for a garden hydrangea. And also it will grow well near garden structures. As a rule, in such places there is no scorching sun rays, and there is an opportunity to hide from the cold, piercing winds in the winter.
However, sunshine should be sufficient as this affects the flowering period. If the place is heavily shaded, then there will be few inflorescences.
What must be observed when planting in the ground?
When landing in the ground, time and time must be taken into account. It directly depends on the geographic location. In the southern regions of the country, it is good to plant in the autumn, in the first half of October. This is the most appropriate period. In cool weather, seedlings have time to take root before winter frosts.
For regions with longer winters, it is best to plant seedlings in the spring. April is the most favorable time for this. The frosts are receding, and the earth is already warming up well. In the northern regions, it is best to plant in mid-May.
When choosing seedlings, the root system should be checked. It should be intact and well developed. For better survival, it is advisable to purchase plants with closed roots. This will prevent the plant from experiencing stress when planting in the ground. It easily takes root in new conditions.Plants with a closed root system are best purchased from specialized nurseries.
Hydrangea grows well where the soil has a weak to moderately acidic environment. For this, a mixture is prepared, which consists of equal parts of sand, peat, turf and leafy earth. This mixture must be filled with a pit prepared in advance. Thus, a place is prepared for a garden hydrangea. The planted seedlings must be spilled abundantly with water and covered with compost.
What are the secrets to follow when watering?
Hydrangea is a very moisture-loving plant. It does not like dry soil. The name of the plant speaks for itself. Translated from Latin, it means "a vessel with water." Abundant watering is necessary in the first year after planting the seedling in the ground. This allows you to maintain a stable temperature regime around the plant.
In the future, watering should be regular, with sufficient water. Lack of moisture contributes not only to wilting of the foliage, but also burns to the leaves are possible, and in the worst case, it can cause the death of the plant itself.
It is necessary to regularly water with a weak solution of potassium permanganate - this is one of the secrets. This procedure will give the plant flexibility.
It is good to water the garden hydrangea with fermented milk solutions. It can be both kefir and yogurt. In addition, it is good to spray the leaves with an acidic composition. Serum is best for this. Such spraying and fermented milk watering contribute to the formation of lush inflorescences.
What should be done to have abundant flowering?
Of course, this requires the plant to have adequate nutrition. Before the buds appear, hydrangea needs complex fertilizer. This plant responds well to feeding with microelements, phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen. This is a prerequisite for abundant flowering.
During the flowering period, the plant lays new flower buds. This is one of the features of the hydrangea. Therefore, increased nutrition during the flowering period is simply necessary for the plant. It is especially good to feed with superphosphate and potassium sulfate. But during this period, exclude nitrogen altogether. This will allow the plant to safely prepare for the winter period.
Garden hydrangea does not require pruning, since the buds of future inflorescences are laid on last year's shoots. Therefore, only damaged and dried branches are cut. It is also worth thinning and rejuvenating the bushes by removing shoots that have reached the age of four. After flowering, it is necessary to remove wilted inflorescences. This needs to be paid attention to throughout the flowering period.
How to properly prepare a plant for wintering?
In order not to damage and preserve the shoots of last year, you need to cover the plant well from winter frosts. Since hydrangea blooms on these shoots. This is especially true for young plants with a fragile root system. During the first three years, a plant under new conditions may experience stress from everything: soil composition, lack of moisture, unstable temperature conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to cover for the winter, so as not to add stress to the young plant.
The ground near the trunk can be covered with sawdust or spruce branches. Bend the branches to the ground, securing them with metal holders, covering them with plastic boxes on top. This will help keep the branches from being damaged and kinked.
An adult garden hydrangea is able to withstand low temperatures without additional shelter.