Unlike most garden plants, hydrangea does not require a lot of trouble from the gardener. And with proper care, she will delight the eyes of others with incredibly lush flowering. Today we will tell you about the most interesting varieties of hydrangea tree-like, the rules for caring for this amazing plant.
Description
Hydrangea is a member of the Hydrangea family. Her homeland is eastern North America. This plant is found in natural conditions, for example, on rocky and wooded mountains, along mountain streams from Oklahoma to Georgia, in Indiana, Missouri, New York. Tree hydrangea is widespread in China and India. This is a delightful ornamental shrub, the height of which can reach two meters! It is very popular all over the world due to its unpretentiousness, bright and colorful bouquet.
Hydrangea Features
Let us consider hydrangea tree-like in more detail. Its description, like photographs, is amazing. Round shrubs form thin shoots covered with a light fluff. Hydrangea leaves have a length of about 20 centimeters and a bright green color. The lower surface of the leaves usually has a light bluish tint. The inflorescences are quite large - their diameter can be about 15 cm. These inflorescences form flowers, the width of which is about two centimeters. The hydrangea tree-like blossoms (this is visible in the photo) is magnificent and long - from mid-July to October. At the end of the flowering period, the seeds ripen.
Plant advantages
Speaking about the advantages of this shrub, gardeners note its good winter hardiness. Even after severe frosts, shoots continue to grow. A plus can be attributed to a high percentage of rooting of cuttings. This plant develops well on soils with a slightly acid reaction, but tolerates the presence of lime in the soil.
The most popular varieties
Based on this species, various varieties have been created that can be purchased in special nurseries in our country. Consider the varieties of hydrangea tree in more detail.
- Gardeners fell in love with Hydrangea Annabel for their huge snow-white inflorescences, whose diameter is about 25 centimeters. The shrub grows incredibly fast, its height can reach 1.5 m. In reviews of the plant, gardeners usually note that the variety is unpretentious, but it blooms profusely all summer.
- The variety Grandiflora is characterized by long and lush flowering, a spectacular appearance. By the way, the hydrangea inflorescences of this variety during the flowering period repeatedly change color. So, only the blossoming flowers have a pale green hue, then they become snow-white. When the flowering period comes to an end, hydrangea acquires a light cream color. The shrub grows to two meters, and in width it often grows to three meters!
- Pink Annabelle. This variety of hydrangea tree-like (pictured below) was created on the basis of the Annabel variety. This is the first plant of this species, the inflorescences of which have a pleasant pink color. This variety has one more feature - if, after the first flowering, pruning of the bush is carried out, after 5-6 weeks it will bloom again!
- Another variety, based on the Annabelle tree hydrangea, is called Strong Annabel. Unlike the “relative” inflorescences, the hydrangea inflorescences do not die out in the rain or from the wind. The branches of this shrub are strong and strong, flowering begins in June and ends in September.
- Among the new varieties of hydrangea tree and White House. The size of the white inflorescences of this shrub reaches 25 cm. The plant is characterized by a spreading domed crown. The height of this hydrangea is usually 1.5 meters.
Hydrangea treelike: planting and care. Choosing a place for a bush
The first thing to do before planting this spectacular plant is to decide on a place. If you live in an area with a warm climate, it is best to prepare a place in partial shade. Of course, hydrangeas can grow in sunny areas, but it is important to understand that she will need regular plentiful watering. Hydrangeas, planted in the middle lane and to the north, prefer areas with openwork shade or good lighting.
Landing time
Gardeners living in southern Russia can plant tree hydrangeas both in spring (immediately after thawing the soil, but before buds open), and in autumn. They are equally well rooted and will endure winter without any problems. But in the northern regions of our country, planting is recommended only in the spring.
Features of planting hydrangeas
The size of the pit depends on the size of the coma of the earth, which is located on the roots of the seedling. Usually it varies from 30 to 40 centimeters. This type of hydrangea is very demanding on the presence of moisture and various nutrients in the soil. Therefore, a mixture of turf soil, compost, river sand and humus should be added to the landing pit.
An important stage in preparing the plant for planting is the inspection of the roots. Too long, dried and broken should be removed. It is best if the roots are approximately the same length. Entangled roots must be untangled and straightened. In order for the seedlings to surely take root, it is recommended to soak the hydrangea tree-like in the heteroauxin solution for a period of two hours to a day before planting.
During planting, the root neck should be placed at ground level. In no case should it be covered with earth. Immediately after planting, shoots need to be abundantly watered and topped up with soil. Gardeners note that a slight drying of the roots of this plant can complicate rooting, the bush develops more slowly. It is also important to protect young bushes from the sun and drafts.
Care rules: watering
Like other types of this plant, hydrangea tree-like needs regular application of water. This should be done at least once a week. An adult plant will need at least 15-20 liters of water. Watering less often is possible only in case of precipitation.
Top dressing
Experienced gardeners are advised to carry out four dressings in one season. The first will be required for the plant when the shoots begin their active growth. Fertilizers containing potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen should be added. You can add trace elements to this composition. The second application of nutrients must be carried out during the formation of the buds. Potassium and superphosphate are suitable. The same fertilizers must be applied two more times during the summer.
Loosening and mulching
Another extremely important stage of care is soil mulching. This procedure is necessary after the shoots begin to grow. You need to take peat, sawdust or wood chips. The height should not be less than 5 centimeters. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the mulch layer does not touch the shoot and trunks. During one season, it is necessary to loosen the soil around hydrangea 2-3 times.
Pruning
What else will require hydrangea tree? Care for it must certainly include cropping. It can be divided into several types:
- formative;
- sanitary;
- anti-aging.
Consider all types in more detail.
Formative pruning must be done in early spring. It is needed so that the bushes are kept in good condition. The thing is that this plant blooms on the shoots of the new year. That is, over time, they become very thick, lose their attractiveness. This significantly reduces the quality of flowering. Thanks to forming pruning, the shoots become stronger and stronger. Inflorescences also increase. With this type of pruning, strong shoots need to be shortened by no more than five buds, weak - by 3 buds. Immediately after trimming, fertilizer containing potassium and nitrogen must be applied.
Sanitary pruning is usually carried out already in the second year after planting a plant. It is necessary to trim broken, dry branches and shoots that are poorly developed. Last year’s branches should also be shortened.
In order to rejuvenate the bushes, gardeners recommend sanitary pruning. During this procedure, all branches are cut at the level of half a meter from the surface of the earth. Please note: after sanitary pruning, the plant will begin to bloom only after a year. Do not prune bushes under four years old.
Transfer
If the plant needed a transplant, this should be done in early spring, as soon as the snow melts. However, in the southern regions this can be done in the spring. Here are the main rules for hydrangea transplantation:
- Before proceeding to the procedure for replanting a bush, it is necessary to trim it. Shoots should be shortened by a third of the length.
- The plant should be transplanted together with a large earthen lump, trying not to damage the roots. If during excavation of hydrangea the earthen root was damaged or the root system was damaged, gardeners recommend a radical pruning. Otherwise, the plant is unlikely to take root.
- The first two months after transplanting hydrangea to a new place, it is worth shading. It is important to water the plant regularly.
Another step that must not be forgotten is feeding. It must be carried out no earlier than a month after transplanting, when the growth of shoots resumes.
Preparing the plant for winter
In their reviews of hydrangea tree gardeners note its excellent winter hardiness. Among its advantages is the rapid growth of shoots even after severe colds. It is these qualities that allow you to grow shrubs in almost any climatic zone. However, in the middle lane and northern regions, it is recommended to shelter for hydrangeas: a wooden stake should be stuck in the ground next to the shrub, to which shoots should be tied. Next, you need to cover hydrangea with branches of spruce branches, fastened together. Instead of spruce branches, special covering materials can be used.
Hydrangea propagation
The easiest way to propagate tree hydrangeas is propagation by cuttings. The rooting percentage reaches 100% if the green cuttings are treated with a solution of indolylbutyric acid. You can harvest cuttings twice a year: the first time in early June, the second time in July. Cut the cuttings with three pairs of leaves. Slices must be treated with a growth stimulator, and then place the cuttings on a shady bed. The soil must be moist and loose. The rooting process usually lasts about 20-30 days. Throughout this time, you need to water the plant and cover with cropped plastic bottles.
Another option is reproduction by layering. In spring, you need to bend the shoot to the ground, after digging a shallow and long hole. Then you need to fill it with a 2-centimeter layer of earth. The end of the shoot must be bent up. During the season, it is necessary to add soil several times and periodically moisten. After a year, the rooted shoot must be separated from the bush by secateurs and planted in a shady area. Such a plant will bloom in the fourth year.
Pests and diseases
Only two pests usually infect tree hydrangea - a spider mite and green leaf aphid. To combat them, it is recommended to use chemicals sold in specialized stores. However, it is much easier to prevent pests than to treat a plant. For example, you can treat hydrangeas with a solution consisting of a bucket of warm water, 300 grams of dandelion roots (you need to chop them well). Infuse the solution for about three hours. They need to process the plant both before the leaves appear on it, and after flowering. Among the diseases, a fungal disease called powdery mildew can be distinguished. Both chemical preparations and folk remedies will help to cope with it. One of the most effective is the use of manure. A third of the manure bucket must be poured with cold water and left for 3-4 days. It is important to periodically mix such a composition. After 3-4 days, the solution should be filtered, diluted with water (the optimal combination is 1:10). In the evening you need to spray hydrangea.