Hydrangea belongs to plants of the Hortensia family. These are flowering ornamental shrubs. There are from 30 to 80 varieties of hydrangea, which today are widespread in all parts of the world. Most of the shrubs and short hydrangea trees grow in areas of East and South Asia, China, Japan, North and South America.
The hydrangea has inherited its name from the name of the princess since ancient times. In modern scientific botanical literature containing the classification of plants, hydrangea is referred to as Hydrangea, which in Greek means "filled vessel". This moisture-loving plant resembles a jug in its shape. In Japan, it is called a little differently "adzisai". Since 1820, hydrangea has also become widespread in European countries. Since the shrub could not withstand the harsh climate in these latitudes and often died in open ground conditions, at first gardeners grew it exclusively as a houseplant. However, by the middle of the last century, thanks to the efforts of breeders, the number of cultivated varieties of hydrangea reached about a hundred garden species. In the regions of the middle lane, about 12 varieties of hydrangea, which have a variety of colors, are especially popular.
Hydrangea flower - characteristics and description
Most varieties of hydrangea look like a short shrub that can reach a height of 1-3 m.However, sometimes there are hydrangea trees or lianas that can twine around tree trunks to the very top. All species are subdivided into evergreen and deciduous groups. In our area, as a rule, deciduous hydrangeas are grown, the flowering period of which lasts from spring to late autumn. The flower calyx is represented by a spherical shape in the form of an inflorescence. Only the inner seeds have the ability to ripen and form fruit. White flowers are widespread. Representatives of large-leaved hydrangea have different coloration, which is significantly influenced by soil acidity indicators. There are, for example, red, blue and lilac specimens of hydrangeas. If the soil is acidic, then blue varieties grow in it, if alkaline, pink or lilac, and neutral soil is characterized by beige flowers. The fruit of this shrub looks like a multilayer box filled with seeds.
In addition to the large-leaved species, in the mid-latitude regions, the treelike hydrangea is often found, which is characterized by resistance to survival in cold conditions, and also has the property of regeneration. Panicle hydrangea tolerates frost perfectly, which is one of the most durable varieties among all species.
There are other plant varieties: serrata hydrangea, serrata hydrangea, climbing hydrangea, radiant hydrangea, petiolate hydrangea, oakleaf hydrangea.
Pruning hydrangea after flowering
In addition to regular watering, fertilizing, loosening the soil, it is required to prune this ornamental shrub over time. Less experienced gardeners and flower lovers mistakenly believe that, like lilacs, hydrangeas must be constantly pruned. Such measures may only be suitable for certain varieties. The large-leaved hydrangea does not need pruning and blooms with the shoots that have grown in the past year. In this regard, young annual shoots need to be preserved for the winter so that they can bloom profusely next summer. Shrubs with snow-white inflorescences can form on young shoots. After pruning, new branches appear on the shrub, which will bring a large number of flowers. Pruning is recommended in early spring or fall. It must be done with great care so as not to damage the whole bush.
All types of hydrangeas are divided into several categories according to the pruning method. The first of them includes large-leaved hydrangea, serrate, prickly, oak-leaved and liana-shaped. They differ from other species in that they can form inflorescences on old shoots. It is necessary to prune these varieties as follows: remove old inflorescences to the first healthy buds.
Another category of plants includes species that can form buds on young stems. These include the main most common varieties of hydrangeas: paniculate and tree-like, which are pruned in the spring before flowering. In hydrangea paniculata, skeletal branches and shoots growing outward are left. Treelike hydrangea is pruned only after it reaches four years of age. Otherwise, the plant will gradually begin to dry out, and over time it may die altogether. This probably won't happen if you prune your shrub in the fall.
Adult plants with a developed branch system are cut to the root, leaving about 10 cm from each shoot. For large and mature plants, this rejuvenation procedure is best done gradually so that the root system can fully recover.
Gardeners are advised to do autumn pruning of shrubs, as it is better tolerated by the plant. Abundant flowering can be observed next year. In hydrangeas belonging to the second category, the inflorescences are cut off. This must be done in the absence of any shelter so that the graceful branches of the bush do not break in winter due to the weight of the snow cover. In hydrangea tree-like, thick shoots are removed, and in paniculate hydrangea, thin ones. The branches that have grown this season are shortened by several buds.
Preparing hydrangeas for winter
Before the cold weather comes, almost all types of this shrub must be carefully covered and prepared for winter. Hydrangeas die in mid-latitudes without insulation. Treelike hydrangea is considered the most hardy and frost-resistant species. However, if the roots of the plant survive the winter, the ends of the young branches may freeze.
In the fall, it is necessary to remove the leaves from the shrub, keeping only the uppermost ones. The shoots will gradually begin to thicken and become stronger. Then fertilize the soil with fertilizers containing phosphorus and potassium. The final step is to cover the hydrangea.
How to cover a hydrangea for the winter
In order to determine how the most reliable way to insulate a hydrangea for the winter, it is worth taking into account the peculiarities of the climate. Bushes of plants grown in the southern regions, before the onset of cold weather, you can simply huddle. In areas where severe winters occur, they must be covered. Low shrubs are covered with peat, and the surface is covered with a film. Under such a kind of winter blanket, the plant will be protected from freezing.
Another equally effective and proven method of hiding is the following. The plant is tied with a rope and neatly laid on boards with nails, to which branches are tied.After that, the shrub is left in this position for the winter, covering it with spruce paws or sawdust. To protect such a structure from the wind, a spunbond or iron sheet is laid on top.
The method of covering the near-trunk circle with spruce branches is often used. For this, the branches in a radial position are bent to the ground, and the base of the shrub is covered with peat. To fix the shoots, they are fixed with wooden or metal staples. The branches are covered with spruce branches, and then with lutrastil, which must be pressed with some heavy objects. Bricks or planks are great. Hydrangea insulated in this way may not be afraid of severe frosts.
If the bush is already old enough, then its branches cannot be bent and covered in this way. Therefore, it is wrapped in lutrastil and secured with a rope. Then a metal frame in the form of a mesh is erected over the plant, which is torn with sheets of roofing material. Dry foliage is poured inside the frame.
Over time, the endurance of hydrangeas to adverse conditions increases, so adult shrubs do not require special shelter. However, young plants should equally not be left unprotected for the winter.
