Hydrangea Strawberry Blossom (Hydrangea Paniculata Strawberry Blossom) - description
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Hydrangea Strawberry Blossom is one of the most beautiful shrub flowers. Even the most inconspicuous garden plot will take on a luxurious look if several magnificently blooming beauties are present in it.
A bit of history
Hydrangea
The hydrangea flower is named after the sister of Carl-Heinrich Nasau-Siegen, Prince of the Holy Roman Empire. It was first described by Philibert Commerson, a physician and naturalist with a passion for botany. However, some experts claim that the name of this flower comes from the Greek word "Hydrangea" which means "vessel with water".
Habitat
Some species of this plant grow in North and South America. However, hydrangea came to Europe in the 18th century. from the countries of the Far East. Thanks to its beauty, it quickly spread throughout the continent, setting fashion trends in the park landscape. There are more than 600 varieties of hydrangea species.
Hortense Strawberry Blossom. Description
Varietal novelty - Strawberry Blossom hydrangea, is a perennial shrub, the height of which can reach 1.5-1.7 m. Large dark green leaves are oval in shape and emphasize the decorative effect of the flower. The inflorescences are large, resembling strawberries in shape.
The beginning of flowering is mid-July, the end is the beginning of October. Like all hydrangeas, the flowers initially have a light green hue, but over time they turn white, and then turn into a pink-strawberry color. The plant has a lifespan of approximately 4 years.
Transplanting Strawberry Blossom hydrangea after purchase in open ground
The newly purchased plant must be transplanted, following certain rules.
Choosing a seat for landing
The choice of a planting site depends on the number of warm and sunny days per year. If these are mid-latitudes, then the hydrangea should be placed in open, well-lit areas. If these are southern areas, then it will be correct to place shrubs in shaded areas. Moisture-loving hydrangea will not tolerate the proximity of other plants that also actively absorb moisture.
Hydrangea Strawberry Blossom
Soil substrate
The soil for Strawberry Blossom should be nutrient-rich and retain moisture well. In addition, the acidity of the soil is important for the flower, pH = 5. The best soil for a shrub should consist of peat, humus, earth, and river sand.
Conditions for landing
Planting hydrangeas depends on the region in which they plan to grow it. If this is the south, then the best time to root is autumn. If these are mid-latitudes, then it is advisable to plant a flower in the spring. The shrub usually takes root well and you can count on a lush flowering after three months.
The subtleties of planting a plant
The bush hole should be 30/30/30 cm in size, the step between the plants should be at least 1 m. Before deepening the plant, add humus and peat to the hole.The shrub must be rooted in such a way that the root collar is at ground level. Not higher and not lower.
Propagation of hydrangea Strawberry Blossom cuttings
Almost any type of hydrangea is easy to propagate on its own. There are several ways:
- by cuttings:
- dividing the bush;
- sowing seeds;
- layering;
- vaccination.
As a rule, gardeners prefer to propagate this ornamental shrub by cuttings and layering.
The best time to breed hydrangeas
Depending on whether it is planned to breed Strawberry Blossom in spring or autumn, cuttings are selected. In the spring, young apical shoots of the shrub are taken, and in the fall, cuttings with already formed ovaries are considered the most suitable. Experienced flower growers still prefer spring reproduction, since during this period the plant survival rate is almost 100%.
The choice of planting material
The shank for rooting is selected taking into account some requirements:
- the stalk should not have a thick bark;
- it is better to take cuttings from root shoots;
- the stalk should have several small leaves. If there are large leaf plates on it, then they are truncated by half;
- cuttings are taken only from a bush, not older than 10 years.
Preparing the cutting for planting
The first step is to mark the cutting in a water-based nutrient medium. After several roots 3-5 cm long are formed on the stem, you can start planting in the ground.
Soil substrate can be bought ready-made or you can mix peat, humus, sand and garden chernozem in equal proportions. Drainage is laid at the bottom of the seedling boxes, then the young hydrangea is filled with soil and deepened. The pots can be wrapped in rags. So the delicate root system of the flower will warm up faster and the rooting process will go more actively.
Propagation of hydrangea by cuttings
Reproduction by layering
You can propagate the shrub by layering. The optimal time for this process is early spring, before the first buds bloom.
A healthy branch is selected and buried in well-loosened soil. It is important to moisten and loosen the soil every day until the plant is completely rooted. On average, during the season, the buried shoot should reach a height of 45-50 cm. In the fall, it should be carefully cut off from the mother bush and planted in a permanent place.
Hydrangea care
Hydrangea Strawberry Blossom cannot be called a capricious plant. However, it is still worth adhering to some care rules.
Watering
This plant is quite hygrophilous, which means that it should be watered regularly, if possible, with soft settled water or rainwater. Each bush requires at least 15-20 liters of water for one watering. In addition, this flower responds well to fertilization.
Top dressing
Top dressing is carried out three times per season with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. The first time - during the period of active budding. The second time - in early July, the third - in mid-August. To strengthen the stems, water the hydrangea with a weak solution of manganese from time to time.
Pruning
To stimulate the growth of hydrangeas, it is necessary to carry out sanitary pruning of the shrub, which is done in early spring. It is necessary to remove the dried old branches, and the young and strong ones should be stopped in such a way that three healthy buds remain. During the flowering period, all weak twigs and faded bunches are removed.
Wintering hydrangea Strawberry Blossom
Hydrangea Strawberry Blossom belongs to the paniculate species, which means it is able to withstand even the most severe frosts.
Preparing hydrangeas for wintering
If the plant did not hurt during the whole season and did not experience a lack of care, then it will endure wintering without any damage to itself.The only thing that would be appropriate to do in winter is to add an additional layer of mulch to the base area of the plant.
Hydrangea Stravberry Blossom, a description and detailed care recommendations for which can be found in updated flower catalogs no older than 3 years old, is a wonderful and completely not capricious plant that will decorate any garden or site.
