Hydrangea is a perennial shrub that belongs to the genus of flowering plants. The decorative culture in question can often be found in the country, in gardens, front gardens and parks. In order for the plant to have an attractive and healthy appearance, it is necessary to adhere to certain planting rules.
Advantages and disadvantages of planting hydrangeas in spring
The bush under consideration can be planted both in spring and in autumn. But most gardeners tend to spring planting. Planting hydrangea in this period has its pros and cons. The main advantage of planting in the spring is favorable weather conditions. Heat will ensure successful adaptation of the culture to a new place. This is especially true for the northern regions of Russia, which are characterized by a rather cold and short-term fall.
Planting in spring is necessary for young hydrangea seedlings obtained by the method of cuttings, as well as for large-leaved representatives of this family. The disadvantages of this procedure include the culture’s demand for moisture and the need for shading from the scorching sun.
Features regional landing
Like many plants, hydrangea, in addition to basic needs, needs a certain area and climatic zone. In the southern territory of the Russian Federation, all varieties of hydrangea perfectly tolerate spring planting and further care. The main condition for planting in this area is the presence of shade for the bush from high-growing plants and buildings, as well as the need for regular watering in case of drying out the soil.
In the Urals and Siberia in early spring, it is permissible to plant almost all varieties of hydrangea, since they are characterized by high winter hardiness. The best varieties for this area are considered tree-like and panicled. Experts recommend the use of dwarf varieties for this area.
The central region of the Russian Federation is considered favorable for the spring planting of these species of plants in question:
- panicle hydrangea;
- mottled hydrangea.
The northwest and the Leningrad region are an excellent option for planting many varieties of hydrangeas, for example, Polar Bear or Lime Light. This area is characterized by acidic soil, which is excellent for the bush under consideration. Gardeners in this region in spring prefer to plant a paniculate species, which is suitable for all conditions for spring planting and further growth.
Important! Due to the fact that this bush has special lighting requirements (if there is a lack of light, the plant blooms worse, and when there is too much sun, the crop needs abundant watering), you should choose a place to plant very carefully. In the south, at noon, the shrub should be covered by penumbra, and in the central regions, a sunny or slightly shaded area should be chosen.
How to plant hydrangea in spring
The best month for the spring planting of hydrangea is March. The seedling manages to take root well, thereby tolerating the first winter well.
The landing technique is as follows:
- When choosing a place, it is necessary to give preference to acidic soils with moderate humidity.
- Dig a landing hole according to the parameters of 0.3 × 0.3 m.
- A mixture of organic matter, mineral fertilizers and sand, well mixed with the soil, is added to the bottom, and peat is added.
- They fill it with earth so that the root neck is not buried.
- The next stage is moderate watering and the introduction of mulch (humus with peat in equal amounts).
- Seedlings are cut for 3-4 buds.
Planting bushes in groups implies maintaining a distance between them of 1–1.5 m.
Cuttings
If a gardener has chosen the method of hydrangea cuttings, then it is recommended to carry it out in late spring. This is due to the fact that the upper part of the shoots used for this method of reproduction has grown enough.
Important! After the third step, experts recommend treating the plant (lower part) with a stimulating powder for better root formation, for example, “Zircon” or “Hetero-Auxin”.
The first part of the process is accompanied by such actions:
- The top of the shoot is trimmed with a sharp garden tool, capturing three pairs of leaves.
- After removing the two lower internodes, and cutting off the upper half by half, an oblique cut (from below) should be performed.
- It is recommended to leave the stalk for 12 hours in a solution that stimulates growth.
- The seedling is buried in well-moistened sand at a slope of 45 °.
- Further, the plant can be sprayed and stored in a greenhouse made of polyethylene.
- Cuttings must be stored in shaded areas. Watering and airing should be regular.
The second part is the landing itself. It is accompanied by such actions:
- With the advent of the roots (about 20-30 days), the cuttings are immersed in containers with nutrient soil from sod land and peat in equal amounts.
- Sand is also recommended in this soil mixture.
- If it is not possible to arrange a greenhouse for the winter, then the plant can be dug in the country, well covering it.
- In the spring, when the growth of cuttings is activated, the plant can be planted in open ground in a permanent place.
Layering
This method of reproduction is usually carried out in March, before budding. You can plant hydrangea in this way:
- Loosening the near-trunk circle of the bush is carried out with further leveling of the soil.
- Radial grooves are excavated 1.5–2 cm deep. The lower shoots of hydrangea are bent into these recesses (one per hole).
- Branches are fixed with brackets and sprinkled with soil.
- In August, layering should start new shoots. When their height is more than 15 cm, it is necessary to carry out the earthing up, which is repeated after 1–1.5 weeks with a further repetition of the procedure until the “knoll” reaches 20–25 cm in height.
- In mid-autumn (October), cuttings are dug up and all shoots are separated, which have reached about 50 cm in height.
- Saplings should be dug for wintering, and in the spring they are planted in pots in the garden.
- Next March, the plants will be ready for planting in a permanent place.
Seeds
It is possible to grow hydrangea with the help of seeds at home, or you can do it right away in the open ground. Consider the second option. The place for sowing hydrangeas should be slightly shaded, where the scorching rays of the sun will not fall, burning young plants. Landing is carried out in the second half of spring, closer to May.
The technology of propagation of hydrangea seeds is as follows:
- The land is dug up with the removal of weeds and other plants.
- The soil is fertilized with a mixture of peat and humus, it is also permissible to replace the second component with compost.
- A high bed is formed with a further leveling of the earth with a rake.
- Sowing is carried out randomly and is accompanied by a slight deepening of the seeds (not by instillation).
- Sand acts as drainage, which sprinkles on top of the ground.
- Watering is carried out in the form of spraying (in moderation, without stagnation of water).
Young plants will begin to emerge in 30–40 days.
Further care for hydrangea planted in spring
After spring planting, the young plant requires special care, which includes the following items:
- watering;
- mulching;
- pruning
- fertilizer;
- preparation for wintering.
Humidity and air temperature
Hydrangea is very fond of moisture, but does not tolerate stagnation of water. The frequency of watering depends on the air temperature. In the spring, 3 buckets of water will be enough for one bush. In summer, in hot weather, the plant is watered twice a week, and in cloudy or rainy times every 7 days. In the summer season, about 3-5 water buckets must be prepared per bush.
Mulching
This procedure is carried out after watering. Experts recommend conducting it in the spring, as this helps to maintain soil moisture throughout the summer period. This suggests that watering the bush even on hot days can be reduced to once a week.
When choosing a material for mulching, it is necessary to consider such factors:
- Sour mulch will make hydrangea turn blue. In this case, you can use coffee grounds or pine needles.
- Alkaline mulch will color the bush pink. To get this result, you need to add flour or chalk to the soil.
- Compost is a neutral mulch.
- The introduction of sawdust or pine needles will also be an excellent tool against pests.
The procedure is as follows:
- A 10-centimeter layer of mulch is laid under one hydrangea bush.
- The distance from the shoots to the mulch should be at least 7 cm so that the roots do not begin to rot.
- After the procedure, the mulch is watered abundantly.
A haircut
Pruning a hydrangea bush is a necessary procedure. It allows the plant to be densely covered with flowers due to a large number of young shoots, as well as to extend the flowering period. If the haircut was not carried out in the fall, then it must be carried out in March, before the thaw. The plant in question is characterized by early sap flow, therefore, if you miss this procedure or be late with its implementation, the branches will slope to the ground, forming the effect of "weeping" hydrangea.
As a result, the plant is greatly weakened and may even die. During pruning, you need to leave 7-10 strong shoots that shorten, cutting off the upper part of the branch with 3-5 buds. For cutting, only sharp garden tools should be used, as well as gloves, since hydrangea contains poisonous juice.
Fertilizer and fertilizing
This procedure is important for the active and lush growth of the bush. If hydrangea has received all the necessary nutrients, then it will bloom profusely and have a bright green color of leaves.
Did you know? Hydrangea was brought to Europe in the 20s of the XIX century and was originally grown as a houseplant because of its low frost resistance.
For a year, the bush of the decorative culture in question must be fertilized three times:
- In the spring, when growth is activated. Make 2 tbsp. l urea and double superphosphate, as well as 30 g of potassium sulfate per 1 m².
- During the formation of buds (July). Introduce 60 g of double superphosphate and 40 g of potassium sulfate per 1 m².
- In August. Up to two buckets of humus or compost are brought in under each shrub.
When a plant is fed with mineral fertilizers, it is necessary to distribute them uniformly under hydrangea, level the soil with a rake and irrigate. Organic matter is applied in an even layer without raking soil.
Winter preparations
This procedure is performed in September, until frequent precipitation. Preparing for wintering is accompanied by such actions:
- The plant should be well watered and make mulch from wood chips and dry leaves.
- In the middle of autumn, a bush is cut.
- For rooted cuttings (in summer) or blue hydrangea, purchased in a container, you should dig the pot in the garden, falling asleep on top with dry leaves, install protection on top of it in the form of a box, pulled on top of the film.
- Heat-loving hydrangea varieties must be covered with a special garden covering fabric. Before this, it is necessary to clear the bush from the foliage, and also tie the branches in the form of a sheaf.
You can also protect the plant from freezing in this way:
- Arches are installed above the bush and pulled over the covering material.
- Under the bushes they lay the spruce branches, bend the branches from above to the ground, then lay the spruce branches again, and from above they cover it with a film or non-woven material, reliably fixing it.
After wintering, the shelter is removed gradually and partially, layer by layer, with the retreat of frost and the arrival of heat.
What are the problems with planting hydrangeas in spring
It is very important to plant hydrangea seedlings in March, before the sap flow begins. This is due to the fact that at the end of the procedure the tops of the shoots can be trimmed to 3-4 buds. The abundant release of juice from the place of the cut can provoke the death of the plant. The only option is to introduce acidic mulch into the soil (peat or needles), which helps to slow down the process under consideration.
Did you know? Hydrangea looks very beautiful even when dry, so do not rush to throw away the bouquet after it dries. For several months this beautiful flower will be able to delight you with its appearance.
Despite the fact that many gardeners choose a spring planting of hydrangea for good rooting of the plant, as well as quick adaptation to a new place due to warm weather, the May sun is still considered to be very scorching and can burn young seedlings. To protect plants from this problem, it is recommended to initially plant plants in partial shade, and you can also create a shadow for an already planted bush, avoiding direct sunlight.
One of the problems of spring planting is the constant need for moisture in the bush. There are two solutions: applying mulch with moderate watering or regular moistening of the plant.
Thus, the spring planting of hydrangea is a popular option for gardeners, gardeners and landscape designers. Hydrangea, like many other decorative flowering bushes, has special requirements for the planting procedure and agricultural technology. However, knowing and fulfilling them, you can long admire the beautiful flowering of this culture.