Amazing hydrangea, the species of which are quite numerous, is a shrub or small tree that is covered with inflorescences consisting of two types of flowers. The first is large specimens that have four sepals. They are completely sterile. The second version of the flowers is quite small, but its representatives perform reproductive functions. This article will consider the types of hydrangeas with photos of their representatives. After all, each of them deserves not only illustrations, but also a separate description.
General information
Hydrangea is a genus of flowers that includes about eighty species. The greatest variety of these plants can be found in Japan, China, as well as in America.
Several varieties grow in the Far East. Of course, the types of garden hydrangeas are not so diverse, but still there is plenty to choose from. The family to which the plant belongs is called Saxifrage. This indicates that this flower is strong enough and hardy. But he, despite all his strength, has an amazing appearance. You can verify this by studying the types of hydrangeas presented in the article with photos that show the beauty of this plant.
Flowering features
Flowering occurs from spring to late autumn. Inflorescences of this plant are located at the ends of its stems and have the shape of a ball. They are called a shield or whisk. Some species possess flowers of a reproductive and non-reproductive nature. They differ in that they have different sizes. Smaller (reproductive) are located in the center, and larger (sterile) along the edge. But the inflorescence can consist only of fertile (fertile) flowers.
Then they will all be the same size. More often, hydrangea, the species of which are so numerous, has a white color. But there may be other shades. You can find plants of red, blue, pink, and purple flowers. Such colors, as a rule, depend on the hydrogen index of the soil. In acidic soil, specimens grow whose petals turn blue, and in alkaline soil plants with pink or purple flowers. Any types of hydrangeas, garden or wild, have the same fruit. Usually it is represented by a box divided into compartments. Their number can range from two to five.
Historical moments
Europeans first became acquainted with hydrangea at the end of the eighteenth century. It was then that the first French expedition around the world took place. Its participants brought large-leaved hydrangea, which was discovered by them on the island of Mauritius, located in the Indian Ocean. According to one version, this plant got its name in honor of Princess Hortense, who was the sister of Prince Nassau-Siegen. According to another, more romantic assumption, the flower was named by the French doctor Commerson, dedicating it to his lover, who bore the name of Hortense.
In 1739, this plant was studied by the botanist Jan Frederic Grovonius, who gave him the name "hydrangia". It was he who combined two Latin words in the name of this flower. One of them means water, and the other - a jug. These associations were provoked not only by the shape of the seed containers, but also by the moisture loving nature of this flower. Since then, the hydrangea flower has become more and more famous, the varieties and species of which conquer people everywhere. Before reaching Europe, this plant conquered all of Asia. And this is not surprising. Hydrangea has a number of positive characteristics. She feels wonderful not only at home, but also in the garden. The most famous and popular is garden or large-leafed. But what else is hydrangea (species)? Varieties, photos of which are found in this article, may well be grown in our climatic conditions. And they are not at all afraid of the weather vagaries of the Russian climate.
Recommendations for choosing a landing site
The nature of our region is not too spoiled by shrubs that can bloom beautifully. Such a gap allows filling borrowed in other areas and winter-resistant plants. An example of such a shrub is lilac. She is so fond and accustomed that she is considered "native".
But many of these plants did not receive proper attention, which is completely in vain. Hydrangea is one of these, the species and varieties of which, although very beautiful, are not widespread. Although some of them tolerate a temperate climate and are unpretentious in care.
Unfortunately, we cannot grow any hydrangeas. Types and varieties for Russian gardens in the middle lane are somewhat limited. This, of course, is due to the climatic conditions of our area. But for all of them there are general recommendations. Whatever the hydrangea (species), planting and caring for the plant, produced in garden conditions, require some preparation. All representatives of this wonderful flower love that there is a lot of light. They feel best in open areas, although they do not favor too bright a sun. Therefore, they grow and develop well and in slightly shaded places. Important features when choosing a landing site are its protection from the wind and constant soil moisture. As well as acidic or slightly acidic soil.
Hydrangea: types and care
The soil in which you are going to grow your flowers must be fertile. It should not be alkalized. Since alkaline soils lead to the development of chlorosis. Hydrangea leaves begin to turn yellow and lose their attractiveness. To prevent this, once every ten days, water is irrigated with a saline solution, which must certainly contain iron.
Hydrangea shrub, species and photos of which are presented in this article, prefers the following version of the soil mixture for growth. This combination in equal proportions of peat, sand, as well as sheet and turf soil. It is best to plant hydrangeas in early spring. When planning a landing, they dig a hole fifteen to twenty days before it. Width and depth should be about half a meter. The pit should contain fertile soil, and the neck of the root should be located at the level of the soil. After planting, hydrangea is well watered and cover the ground near the trunk with peat.
As for fertilizers, it is better to use potassium permanganate in solution or slurry. At the beginning of summer and all spring, hydrangeas should be fertilized better with acidic nutrients, and in July, August and autumn - with phosphorus-potash.
Every year, the plant requires spring pruning. If it is not produced, then the bushes are pulled out until they simply break off under the influence of their own weight. Propagation of hydrangeas is done by cuttings. They are cut off when they are already flexible, but not yet numb. Shrubs begin to form at least three years old.
Hydrangea: types, varieties, photos of representatives
Some of the types and varieties of hydrangeas existing in nature are able to grow and even please with their flowering in temperate gardens. Treelike and paniculate are best suited. Bretschneider's hydrangea and petiolus hydrangea develops somewhat worse. Therefore, they require special care.
But numerous types of large-leaved hydrangea practically do not take root. We can please ourselves only with some of its varieties with all their diversity. The largest number of species of this wonderful flower is found in the nature of East Asia. So, let's figure out what types of hydrangeas are in our gardens.
Tree hydrangea is most often represented by the following varieties. Variety "Annabel" has the appearance of a bush, the height of which does not exceed one and a half meters.
The diameter of its crown can reach three meters. The leaves are large, juicy green. They do not change their color even in the autumn period. Flowering begins in June and continues until the end of September. Inflorescences are white.
The next grade of Grandiflora. This spreading type of shrub is densely covered with cream flowers. This beauty lasts from June to September.
And one more, no less beautiful, variety "Sterilis". It is characterized by a longer flowering period. Whitish-green inflorescences, under the weight of which the branches bend, cover the bush until the end of October.
Panicled hydrangea varieties are also very beautiful. This is a real decoration of the garden. This species also has a variety called Grandiflora. Its inflorescences are in the shape of a pyramid and reach thirty centimeters in length. Flowers change their color. Initially, they have a creamy tint. In the active phase of flowering - white. Over time, the inflorescences turn pink, and by the fall, they acquire a greenish-red color.
The tall shrub of the Kiushu variety has a very unusual crown shape - in the form of a fan. Its inflorescences are white and fragrant. A distinctive feature is resistance to frost. The flowering period lasts from mid-July and captures half of October.
Another cultivar, Symphony of Color, blooms from early July to late September. It requires shelter for the winter. Over the entire flowering period, its color changes from pale cream to wine red.
A plant in our area rarely exceeds a meter in height. The types of garden hydrangea, photos of which can be found in this section, are very beautiful and change color depending on the level of acidity of the soil in which they grow. The Early Blue variety has very strong stems and does not need a garter. During flowering, it can bloom about six inflorescences at once.
Their color is bright blue. It has a powerful root system, thanks to which it can feel quite comfortable in the tub. The flowering period begins in July and lasts until the end of September. In the climatic conditions of our area, wintering is possible only with shelter or in the winter garden.
Petiole hydrangea is a shrub in the form of a vine. She has suction cups and airy roots. Thanks to these devices, this species is able to conquer heights up to twenty-five meters. The flowers are pink and white and collected in large loose inflorescences. This hydrangea is capable of quite well developing and growing under shading conditions. Although it blooms better in open areas. Requires wind protection. This view is perfect for decorating gazebos or decorating walls.
One of the most resistant species is Bretschneider hydrangea. She courageously suffers not only winter, but also prolonged drought. Its inflorescences have a milky hue. In the beginning they are greenish, and in the end they turn purple. Flowering occurs every year and continues throughout the summer, starting in June.
Large-leaved hydrangea: features of care
The birthplace of this plant is Japan. It is there that this type of hydrangea is able to reach a height of four meters. Unfortunately, large-leaved hydrangea is not very resistant to cold and can winter only in a state of shelter. Previously, this species was grown only as a home potted plant, but later varieties more resistant to frost were bred, which allowed this plant to move from the windowsill to the garden.
The soil should have an acidic environment and consist in equal parts of peat, humus, sand, leaf and turf soil. This hydrangea is very sensitive to the appearance of lime in the soil. It should not be planted under the trees, since in this case it will be deprived of moisture and nutrition. The place of growth should be slightly shaded.
Hydrangea is planted in the garden in the spring, as soon as the threat of frost passes. If there are several bushes, then a distance of at least one meter should be observed between them. Hydrangea should be watered with soft water. Ideal rain. After watering, the soil should be mulched using peat or needles. Fertilize the ground, usually at the beginning of growth, during the laying of buds and during flowering. As soon as the first frosts appear, the bushes should be bumped to a height of about thirty centimeters, and cover the top with two layers of film with holes. In November, the branches of the plant should be well bent to the ground and thoroughly covered with dry foliage. After this, cover the hydrangea with a box. Pruning plants produce in spring and autumn. You can propagate by cuttings or layering.
Panicled Hydrangea: Growing and Care
This type of hydrangea is able to tolerate even wetlands. Abundant flowering of the bush is possible if the ground under it remains moist. All types of panicled hydrangea grow best in acidic clay soils.
It is better to place the plant near a hedge or near any building. This will protect hydrangea from the wind. But at the same time, the site should be well lit. This view feels quite comfortable in the conditions of gassed air. This makes it possible to plant shrubs along the road. If your region is characterized by severe climate, then try to provide the plant for the winter with at least a little shelter.
In general, panicled hydrangea belongs to frost-resistant plants. At the very beginning of spring, and preferably at the end of winter, pruning should be carried out. It is important here not to miss one moment. During pruning, the rest period should continue. If it has already completed, then the trimmed plant is able to get sick. If you want to achieve a large number of flowers, then last year's shoots should be cut very short. But gentle pruning will help to enhance the growth of stems. Every two weeks hydrangea should be fed with liquid mineral fertilizers. One week after top dressing, organic fertilizer is added. Make such a recharge once a month. Reproduction of this species is carried out by cuttings or layering. The first three years, the young plant should be well covered in the winter.
Hydrangea
All types of tree hydrangeas love moist fertile soil with low acidity. Although a certain amount of lime this species is quite capable of surviving. Flowering is plentiful. Usually occurs from early June to late September. But flowers bloom only on young shoots. Last year’s branches are not involved in the process. Inflorescences of this species retain their shape well even in a cut state, so they often become part of the composition of dried flowers. In areas located closer to the north, it is best to plant this type of plant in the spring, and in the southern region this can also be done in the fall.
If several copies grow in your garden, then they should be removed from each other by no less than a meter.
The root system of treelike hydrangea, although not deep, is wide enough. Therefore, the pit prepared for planting should be in the form of a cube, each face of which is at least thirty centimeters. About a third of a bucket of humus is poured inside the pit and then planted. At the end of planting, the plant is watered with soft water, and the soil around the trunk is covered with peat.
This hydrangea requires abundant watering, as well as regular recharge with the help of mineral and organic fertilizers. In the fall, shrubs should be huddled thirty centimeters from the ground. But the most important thing in caring for this plant is pruning. As soon as growth buds begin to swell in early spring, hydrangea must be cut off. From six to twelve last year's growths should be left in the bush. This type of hydrangea is easy to propagate. This can be done not only with the help of layering and cuttings, but also with root offspring or bush division.
Pests and diseases
Hydrangea, like many other plants, is susceptible to various diseases, as well as pest attacks. Incorrect temperature conditions, violation of irrigation requirements, untimely dressing of plants and even dense planting of bushes can lead to this.
Very often, hydrangea diseases are provoked by high humidity. Under such conditions, downy mildew develops rapidly. This is evidenced by the spots appearing on the leaves. At first they are yellow, and then darken. On the back of the sheet, plaque can be detected. If symptoms are detected, a fungicide treatment should be performed immediately.
In the summer, hydrangea shoots can be attacked by gray rot. Brown spots appear on them. In this case, all affected areas must be removed and destroyed, and the remaining ones treated with a fungicide. Hydrangeas belong to those types of plants that are often affected by viral infections. Of the pests, these shrubs are most often visited by a spider mite, as well as aphids.
Hydrangea, the types of which were considered in this article, is a real decoration of any garden. She is not always capricious in leaving, and many of her varieties are sufficiently resistant to frost so that we can afford to grow them.
If you strictly observe all the rules for caring for this plant, then the award will be a plentifully flowering bush, delighting not only with large inflorescences, but also their ability to change color during the entire flowering period. Hydrangea will provide beauty and unusualness to your garden.