Content
Flowering shrubs create a unique atmosphere in the countryside. The attention of many gardeners was attracted by the novelty of 2018 - the panicle hydrangea Samara Lydia. The variety is valuable for its compactness and rich color of leaves. The main advantage is delicate inflorescences that change color.
The color of the inflorescences changes from white to pink
Description of panicle hydrangea Samara Lydia
Like most types of hydrangea, Samara Lydia blooms for a long time - July, August and September. The bush is covered with a large number of compact (15 cm) conical inflorescences. In July, they are white, and in August they rapidly change color to hot pink or red (depending on the region).
The bushes of hydrangea Samarskaya Lydia are undersized - 1 - 1.3 m. They slowly increase in volume, so they are ideal for container growing. The width of the spreading crown is usually equal to the height of the bush. Dark green leaves favorably set off delicate inflorescences. There is a pleasant, unobtrusive aroma in the air.
Hydrangea Samara Lydia in landscape design
The new hydrangea variety is versatile in landscape design. It is used as a tapeworm in small gardens, planted on compact lawns. A lone bush looks good in a container. Due to its slow growth and small size, the culture is often used in group plantings.
Basic compositions with hydrangea Samara Lydia:
- narrow flower beds;
- curbs;
- hedges.
Winter hardiness of the hydrangea variety Samara Lydia
The panicle hydrangea belongs to the group of winter-hardy garden plants. Samara Lydia can withstand frosts down to -30 ° С. But the sudden changes in temperature, strong winds and lack of snow in winter make the culture less viable.
Experienced gardeners are advised to cover the root system of paniculate hydrangeas so that severe frost does not damage them through wet bare soil. The aerial part of young immature plants is securely wrapped. Frostbite branches can spread disease. A strong adult plant can successfully overwinter without shelter, but with prior good pruning. Flowers will appear on the shoots of the current season.
Inflorescences appear on the shoots of the current year
Planting and caring for hydrangea Samara Lydia
In order for the Samara Lydia hydrangea to be covered with dense foliage and an abundance of lush inflorescences, a number of conditions must be met. The main focus is on the following points:
- Site preparation.
- Landing.
- Care during the growing season.
- Preparing for winter.
Selection and preparation of the landing site
Panicle hydrangeas love well-lit areas. But to extend the flowering period and protect the leaves from burns, it is better to shade them for several hours in the middle of the day. This is done through careful planning of the landing site. Shade can be given by nearby shrubs and trees, as well as buildings.It is important that the shadow is not too deep and too long.
The ideal soil for hydrangea Samara Lydia has the following characteristics:
- Increased acidity.
- Fertility.
- Humidity.
- Air permeability.
Problems with acidity, fertility and air permeability are solved simultaneously by introducing organic fertilizers into the soil. High-moor peat, leaf compost, fresh manure and rotted needles are suitable. The looseness of the soil is further enhanced by the addition of sand. The preparation of the selected place is carried out in advance, since organic matter is not absorbed immediately.
Landing rules
In the southern regions, the Samara Lydia hydrangea is planted in early autumn. The plant manages to take root before the onset of frost and already next year pleases with lush flowering. The middle lane and northern regions are suitable for spring planting. The earth should be warm enough. Hydrangea seedlings with a closed root system can be planted in any warm month.
Low-growing shrub with delicate inflorescences suitable for open field and cultivation in containers
Stages of planting hydrangea Samara Lydia:
- Dig a hole 2 times the diameter of the root system.
- Lay 10 cm of a drainage layer of gravel, crushed stone or broken brick.
- Black soil with sand and sour peat is covered.
- Spread the roots at the bottom of the pit.
- Fill with the remaining soil mixture, tamp.
- The trunk circle is mulched.
- Tie the bush to the support.
- Watered with cold water.
- Cover with foil or agrofiber.
Watering and feeding
For hydrangea Samara Lydia, it is important to maintain the level of soil moisture. For this, watering is carried out often - once a week. For one young plant, 1 bucket of water is consumed, for an adult bush - 2. It is necessary to water, trying not to wet the leaves.
Experienced gardeners advise feeding according to the following scheme:
- Nitrogen fertilizers are applied every 2 weeks during spring and the first half of summer.
- Long-acting mineral fertilizers are used once in the spring.
- Top dressing to improve flowering is introduced once in the spring.
- A weak solution of potassium permanganate is fed once a month.
- Potash dressings are introduced instead of nitrogen ones during the budding period.
Since the second half of August, top dressing is not carried out. Intensive flowering of hydrangea Samara Lydia is facilitated by organic fertilizers. However, overuse will result in the inability of the branches to support huge inflorescences.
Pruning
For the winter, the bushes of paniculate hydrangea get rid of flowers. In early spring, cardinal pruning is carried out. Most of each shoot is removed, leaving 2-3 buds. Young branches with flower buds will develop from them during the season. Until next spring they will become lignified.
Sanitary pruning is mandatory every year. Remove damaged, twisted and formed shoots on old wood. Some branches are completely cut off, if necessary, you need to thin out the crown.
Preparing for winter
Before winter, dried inflorescences are cut from the shoots and the leaves are completely removed. This is necessary so that the accumulation of moisture does not lead to infection of the bush. It is not necessary to carry out the autumn processing of the Samara Lydia hydrangea - the variety is well protected from diseases.
In case of a snowless unstable winter, an air cushion is created on the trunk circle. To do this, use dry foliage, grass or moss. Shelter of the ground part is mandatory only for a young bush. Frostbite of the branches is not scary for an adult plant, since they are removed during spring pruning.
Young hydrangea is reliably covered for the winter
Reproduction
Varietal characteristics are not preserved when propagated by seeds. For hydrangea Samarskaya Lydia, only cuttings and rooting are suitable.The second option is preferable if you need to get only a few seedlings.
Cuttings are cut during the period of bud swelling. Each of them must have 2 internodes. The upper cut is made straight, the lower one - at an angle of 45 °. Rooting soil consists of peat and sand. The sprout is deepened by 3-4 cm, watered and covered with foil. A warm and bright place is needed for rooting.
Reproduction by layering is the easiest way. The strongest shoot of the season is lowered to the ground and buried. For fastening, use a bracket, brick or stone. The rooting area is always kept moist. In the next season, the resulting shoot can be planted.
Diseases and pests
The reasons for some changes in the appearance of the Samara Lydia hydrangea should be sought in inappropriate conditions. For example, black spots on leaves can appear from excess sunlight or hard water. Darkening and softening of leaves occurs due to excessive watering or temperature fluctuations.
A weakened plant is prone to chlorosis, peronosporosis, gray mold, powdery mildew and ring spot. Sometimes a crop is attacked by nematodes, ticks or aphids. Problems are easily solved with specialized tools.
Conclusion
Hydrangea paniculata Samara Lydia - an achievement in the selection of ornamental plants. The combination of compact size, delicate color-changing inflorescences and rich leaves make the plant desirable for every gardener.
Plant care is standard for panicle hydrangeas. It is especially important to pay attention to the composition of the soil and regular watering. Proper feeding helps hydrangeas unleash their potential. Annual pruning is essential to maintain shape and bloom abundantly.
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