Panicled hydrangea is one of the most beautiful and widespread ornamental plants, which is loved not only by flower growers, but also by breeders. During the existence of this species, many varieties were bred. The five of the best of them includes Selection. It is about the description and features of growing this varietal specimen that will be discussed in the article.
Grade description
Hydrangea paniculata Selection (panicle hydrangea Selection) forms a large bush 2-3 m high. Its shoots are strong and strong. The stems are painted red-brown, large leaves are green. The venation in the form of arcs is clearly visible on them, which gives the effect of corrugation.
This variety produces buds early - in mid-June. Inflorescences form in the form of dense, wide-conical panicles. The flowers are white. At the end of flowering, they acquire a pinkish tint. Flowering lasts a long time, until October.
Did you know? The Latin name of the genus hydrangea Hydrangeaceae consists of three words: hydor ("water"), angor ("longing"), hortis ("garden") and is translated as "the one that yearns for water." The name reflects such a quality of a flower as moisture lovingness.
Panicle Hydrangea Selection, in contrast to other species and varieties of this decorative culture, is less capricious and more hardy. It is distinguished by such characteristics:
- loves light, but can put up with partial shade;
- does not tolerate stagnation of water;
- exacting to the soil;
- needs shelter for the winter.
Use in landscape design
They like to plant Hydrangea Selection as a single plant. It is also suitable for group plantings, composing compositions with other decorative cultures. Often this flowering plant is used to create lush hedges.
The flower looks beautiful near arbors, places for relaxation. It goes well with coniferous and perennial herbaceous crops.
Landing
In order for Hydrangea Selection to please lush and prolonged flowering, special attention should be paid to a competent planting. It is important to choose the right place for growing, taking into account all the preferences of the capricious beauty. You also need to prepare the site in accordance with the recommendations. At the last stage, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the landing technology.
Seat selection
This variety loves sunlight, so it must be grown in open sunny areas, well protected from the winds. In partial shade, this hydrangea will also grow well, without a decrease in decorative qualities. In the shade, landing is not allowed.
Soil preparation
The best hydrangea soils are loamy with a slightly acidic or acidic pH. Before planting, you should take care of the drainage of the site, since stagnation of moisture is detrimental to this decorative culture.
To fill the planting holes should be prepared in advance of the soil mixture. It is mixed from peat, humus and sand in equal proportions. If possible, you can add needles.
Landing process
Planting hydrangea is easy. This can be done in the spring (in April - May) and in the fall (in September - October). 2–4 weeks before planting, you need to dig out the landing holes. They should be 2-3 times larger than the earthen lump of seedlings.
Important! When placing panicle hydrangea seedlings in the ground, it is necessary to ensure that the root neck does not deepen.
In the future, proceed as follows:
- A day before planting, make abundant watering of the holes, using 2-3 buckets for each of them.
- On the day the seedlings move into the soil, drainage from coarse sand or expanded clay should be laid to the bottom of the hole.
- Sprinkle with a layer of prepared in advance nutrient mixture.
- Set the seedling in the center of the hole.
- Distribute the root system evenly.
- Fill the hole to the top with earth.
- To carry out watering.
- Cover the soil with a layer of mulch.
Care
Hydrangea cannot be called an unpretentious plant. It requires increased attention to itself. The main activities that you need to take care of this crop are moisturizing, fertilizing, trimming. Loosening, weeding and mulching are also required. It is important that care is carried out regularly and competently.
Important! It is strictly forbidden to use nitrogen-containing fertilizers in autumn. This can provoke active plant growth, as a result of which it will not be able to leave normally for wintering.
Watering and feeding
Since Hydrangea Selection is very fond of moisture, it will have to be watered 2 times a week. In hot and dry periods, the frequency of humidification is worth increasing. Under one plant, it is recommended to pour about 30 liters of settled or filtered water. During irrigation, it is necessary to ensure that the drops do not fall on the leaves, stems and inflorescences. Otherwise, unaesthetic spots may form.
The key to lush flowering are regular fertilizer application. It is necessary to fertilize hydrangea several times a season. The first top dressing is preferably done in the spring. At this time, the flower especially needs nitrogen, which stimulates the growth of green mass. The owner of the flower garden can resort to the use of urea, nitrofoski or ready-made mineral mixtures. Also for irrigation, a manganese solution is used.
In the summer, it is recommended to make ready-made mineral dressings, for example, “Kemira Flower”, “Agricola”. At this time, the introduction of organics is possible - slurry, infusion of nettle leaves, an aqueous solution of chicken droppings. Such top dressing can be carried out every month.Important! In autumn, the flower needs phosphorus and potassium. Watering should be done with the addition of superphosphate and potassium sulfate.
Pruning
In order for hydrangea to maintain a decorative look, it should be periodically trimmed. This will make a beautiful shape, extend flowering, strengthen shoots. The first pruning must be done in early spring before sap flow begins. If this process has already started, then you must wait until the leaves bloom.
Did you know? So that hydrangea flowers can be painted in interesting colors, before they release the buds, you can water the soil with a solution of aluminum or ammonia alum, and then white flowers will be blue and pink ones will be purple. The introduction of iron into the soil allows you to get inflorescences of blue shades.
During pruning, shoots should be removed that thicken the bush, become sick, shriveled, and frozen. Only old branches can be cut, since last year inflorescences will form. During the autumn pruning, the correct beautiful crown is formed. Branches should be shortened by 3-5 buds. Mature bushes can be trimmed, leaving 3-4 eyes on the shoots.
Mulching and warming for the winter
Despite the fact that Hydrangea Selection is one of the most winter-hardy plants among other varieties belonging to the panicled species, closer to winter it should still be covered. Wintering without shelter is possible only for mature plants in regions with warm winters.
To help hydrangea successfully survive the winter period, its ground organs must be covered with dry grass, lapnik, straw, fallen leaves, and the soil on the site should be covered with humus, peat, sawdust so that they warm the roots.
Breeding
Hydrangea can be propagated by seed or vegetative methods. This decorative culture is rarely bred with seeds. This is due to the duration and complexity of the process. More often resort to cuttings and the formation of layering.
Cuttings are harvested in the spring, after pruning. Strong branches should be selected and a section of 15 cm long should be cut from them. Planting material must be placed in nutrient soil for rooting. Faster roots will appear if you create the conditions of a mini-greenhouse.Important! In the process of rooting and growing the stalk should be watered. He will be ready for landing at a permanent place a year later.
Forming layering is also quite simple. It is necessary to choose a strong lower shoot, make 1-2 cuts on it, tilt it to the ground, dig it in and fix it. Next spring, young plants with roots should be carefully separated from the mother plant and transplanted to a permanent place.
So, if you need to decorate the site with a beautiful decorative plant, then you can look at the variety of panicle hydrangea. With regular and quality care, it blooms luxuriantly and for a long time. With the participation of this plant, you can create many interesting compositions.
