Hydrangea is a beautiful deciduous, large-leaved shrub, actively used in decorating flower beds, terraces, flower beds, decorating partitions, walls and arched openings. Thanks to its many flowers, collected in large bright inflorescences, it can play the role of a background in group plantings, emphasizing the beauty of conifers and other shrubs, and can act as a single solitary plant.
Hydrangea is so beloved by many plant growers for its beauty, splendor and duration of flowering, as well as for its excellent adaptive capabilities to the climatic conditions of central Russia. It tolerates severe temperature drops up to -25 ° C and does not require shelter for the winter. In this article we will talk about one of the most famous plant varieties. Hydrangea "Grandiflora" (paniculata) is considered the most famous representative of this perennial. It can reach 2 m in height, has hard, fleecy leaves below and blooms with “panicles” of creamy white color.
Hydrangea "Grandiflora": soil and lighting
This wonderful winter-hardy variety grows well on slightly acidic and neutral soils. It is desirable that the land be fertile, and most importantly - not sandy. Interestingly, the color of hydrangea becomes more anchor when the bush grows on acidic soil. If the land on your site is not sufficiently acidic, when planting a plant, you should add spruce semi-overgrown mortality, peat and sawdust. Any deoxidizing agents (lime, ash, chalk, etc.) are contraindicated for the Grandiflora hydrangea plant. Planting and caring for the shrub consists in selecting the right slightly acidic soil and timely hydration. Perennial loves water, so it needs to be watered often enough so that the earth is moist all the time.
As for lighting, hydrangea prefers open sunny areas: in the shade it will languish and stop developing. When
planting hydrangea in slightly acidic soil in a bright warm place and with regular watering, it will bloom profusely and for a long time from year to year.
Hydrangea "Grandiflora": care and planting
To plant on a permanent place take seedlings of four years of age. A light area with fertile soil is prepared for them . Dig a hole measuring 50 x 70 cm or a meter strip if it is planned to form a hedge from a bush . A distance of about 1 m is maintained between the pits, and several years later, the planting is thinned out so that between the adult bushes a gap of 2-2.5 m is obtained. The Grandiflora hydrangea plant is planted in spring (in a warm climate, autumn planting is also possible). Seedlings are placed in a pit, covered with a soil mixture and mulched with peat and compost.
Grandiflora Hydrangea in your garden. Fertilize and care for the plant
This perennial responds well to frequent top dressing, as for abundant flowering and active growth it requires a large amount of nutrients. The main thing to remember is that fertilizer is applied after watering the plant to avoid root burns. During the growing season, fertilizer is applied from young nettles, once every two weeks an infusion of fermented mullein (3 l of water per bucket of manure). During the flowering period, complex mineral fertilizer is used, applying it every 14 days. In addition to watering, fertilizing and creating favorable conditions, the hydrangea “Grandiflora” needs annual pruning. This procedure contributes to the long and lush flowering of perennials. In early spring (March or April), weak and diseased shoots are removed, the frozen ones are cut off, leaving healthy parts. Without pruning, the plant will become neglected and bloom poorly.