A real "bomb" in the flower world is this Hydrangea Bombschell! They call it that because of its unusual “exploding” flowering. By the way, hydrangea of this variety blooms from June until the very frosts. Its flowering is magnificent and continuous! In this article, we will talk about how to grow panicle panicle hydrangea, provide it with proper care.
Description of "explosive" hydrangea
Incredibly beautiful variety brought Belgian gardeners. The main differences between this hydrangea and others are low growth and incredibly plentiful flowering. Panicled Hydrangea Bombshell begins to bloom in June and continues to delight until the first cold weather. At first, the inflorescences have a pistachio-white color, but by the fall they acquire a light pinkish tint.
The color of hydrangea leaves depends on the soil into which the plant is planted. Usually it is a saturated green, but it can be a very light shade. The height of the bush can reach 90-120 cm. From other panicled hydrangeas, Bombshell is distinguished by almost spherical inflorescences. In each - a lot of sterile colors, the diameter of which is about three centimeters. By the way, the bush itself takes a spherical shape over time. The reason for this is the large weight of the inflorescences: under it, the branches lean towards the ground.
Landing
The main condition when choosing a place for landing - it must be protected from direct sunlight. In their reviews, gardeners say: this hydrangea does not tolerate bright light, under it it grows poorly, ceases to bloom. It is best to plant Hydrangea Bombshell in openwork partial shade.
In addition to protection from the sun, shrubs also require protection from drafts. The plant is also required for the soil - the land into which hydrangea will be planted must be fertile, well moistened and trained. Bombshell will grow quite well on a peat substrate. Want hydrangea blooms to be saturated? Choose land with the lowest possible pH!
It is best to plant hydrangea panicled Bombshell in the spring. The selected place should be carefully dug up and all weeds removed. The approximate size of the pit for future garden decoration is 60X60 cm. The seedling is lowered into the prepared recess and filled up, at the same time, having carefully compacted the ground. It is not worth digging the root neck, you can generally leave it on the surface. After planting, the plant needs abundant watering and mulching. The height of the mulch layer, by the way, should be at least 10 cm - so the plant will not miss a drop of moisture!
Features of hydrangea care
Bombshell is considered to be one of the most unpretentious varieties, it does not need a garter. Even a beginner will cope with planting hydrangea panicled Bombshell and caring for it! It can grow in the most extreme conditions - on roads, in gassed places. The only condition is sufficient watering. By the way, scientists gave this plant the name "vessel with water." Panicled hydrangea simply loves water, and therefore it must be abundantly watered. Especially if the bush grows next to large trees.
Should I give hydrangea? Each gardener decides for himself. But if you still decide to fertilize the bush, do it in moderation. It is enough to feed him three times a year: before the buds swell, in the process of opening the leaves and during the flowering of the bush. What “goodies” will Hydrangea Bombshell benefit? Citric acid, slurry, urea and nettle infusion. You can not overdo it with top dressing, otherwise the stems simply break under the weight of inflorescences.
Winter hardiness
What should be considered when preparing hydrangea for winter? Firstly, the root system of this shrub grows wide, and therefore is especially vulnerable during frosts. Secondly, flowers appear on the shoots of last year. Therefore, wintering should be especially careful. First you need to cover the roots well. For this, rotted manure is suitable. Peat and dry leaves can be used as insulation, but their layer should not be less than 20 cm. Branches also need protection. They can be bent slightly to the ground or create shelter over a bush.
Hydrangea Bombshell: pruning description
One of the most important steps in hydrangea care is pruning. If mistakes are made during this process, then the flowering of the shrub can become sparse. Formative pruning must be done at the end of March. To do this, select from five to ten strong shoots and shorten them to four to five buds. Excess stems are removed.
You can rejuvenate an old bush with pruning. All shoots are cut very short - up to a hemp 7-10 cm high. Next year the plant will give a lot of young shoots, which means that the flowering of hydrangea Bombshell will be much more plentiful.
In no case do not cut the bush before the cold! Dry branches and flowers are able to save buds from frost.
Pests and diseases
Hydrangeas, like other garden plants, are often exposed to various diseases. The most common is powdery mildew. There are several ways to get rid of it:
- a solution of foundationazole with water will help well, proportions - 20 grams per 10 liters;
- Bordeaux liquid - a solution of copper sulfate and milk of lime - will cure the plant.
Sometimes aphids attack the plant. You can make a cure for it yourself - for 10 liters of water you need to take 250 g of peeled minced garlic. Infuse the mixture for two days, then add 50 g of mild laundry soap to it. Spray the plant once a week until the aphids disappear.
Bombshell in the landscape
Gardeners (amateurs and professionals) note: such a magnificent beauty as hydrangea Bombschell looks great both in single and in group plantings. Its spreading form can turn the garden into an air cloud, emphasize the size of the site.
Bright and lush shrub perfectly combines with other plants. It looks especially good next to coniferous stands. You can combine luxurious hydrangea with hosts, astilbe, cuff. In mixborders, you can compose from three bushes.
Airy white hats will suit the most different styles of garden design. Reviews of Hydrangea Bombshell confirm this. These plants will be able to revive any, even the most boring landscape. Try to plant at least one Bombshell hydrangea on the plot - and you will want to plant a few dozen more plants of this variety!