Content
The care required for the full development of ornamental plants is a complex process. Soil selection and replacement is one of the most important procedures. Hydrangea soil includes several components. The composition directly depends on the type of plant and the place where it is grown.
What soil is needed for hydrangea
Hydrangea is considered an unpretentious plant to care for. But in order for it to grow normally, bloom regularly and not be exposed to diseases, attention should be paid to the composition of the soil in which the planting is carried out.
The soil for such a plant should have the following properties:
- contain enough nutrients;
- be loose and light;
- it is good to pass liquid and not to retain moisture;
- do not contain the larvae of harmful insects, weed seeds;
- have the required level of acidity.
Nutrients are necessary so that the plant does not experience a pronounced need for elements that it cannot get from sunlight. This is especially true for outdoor hydrangeas. In gardens and flower beds, planting is usually done after other plants. They absorb nutrients from the soil, so recharge is needed.
Hydrangea got its name from its moisture-loving nature.
Looseness is another important soil requirement for hydrangeas. Their root system is sensitive to negative factors. The high density of the soil will lead to the fact that the plant will not be able to fully root.
An equally important criterion is water permeability. The composition of the soil should provide a full outflow of liquid. Stagnant water with abundant watering will provoke the process of decay in the root system. This is fraught with the development of diseases and the death of hydrangeas.
The flower loves soil with low to medium acidity. The optimal indicator is considered to be pH 5.5. At the same time, lime cannot be added to the soil for hydrangeas. Special procedures are carried out only if there are signs indicating a sharp drop in acidity.
Composition of the earth for hydrangea
Soil requirements differ depending on where the plant is grown. For flowers kept in open areas, the requirements for the composition of the soil are more specific. Indoor hydrangeas are less susceptible to negative factors. They are easier to adapt to indoor conditions. Therefore, the need for certain components is less pronounced.
Soil for indoor hydrangea
You can buy ready-made substrate in garden supply stores. This option is recommended for inexperienced growers, as it allows you to eliminate mistakes when making your own soil mixture. To make the soil for hydrangea yourself, you need to know the exact composition.
You will need:
- peat;
- turf and leafy land;
- sand.
The ratio of the components is determined based on the size and age of the bush. Leave a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot. It is necessary to ensure the outflow of fluid and prevent stagnation.
The prepared potting mix must be sterilized by heat treatment.The need for such a procedure is explained by the fact that harmful microorganisms or small insect pests can get into the substrate in place with the ground. They can not only infect hydrangeas, but also spread to other indoor plants, provoking diseases.
Hydrangea can be grown as a garden type or on a windowsill as a houseplant
At home, the easiest way to sterilize the soil is in the oven. It is enough to expose the soil to thermal effects at a temperature of +80 degrees for 1 hour.
The duration of the process can be shortened. The oven is heated to 200 degrees, the soil mixture is put there for 10 minutes. Thanks to heat treatment, any pathogenic microorganisms die along with weed seeds that could have gotten into the ground. The disadvantage of this method is that substances valuable to the plant are destroyed along with harmful bacteria.
What land is needed for hydrangea in the garden
Normal soil is not suitable for such a plant. One of the main reasons is the high content of organic matter. An additional factor is regular watering with hard water, which is not suitable for many ornamental plants.
The composition of the soil for garden hydrangea includes:
- fresh black soil;
- sod land;
- peat crumb;
- deciduous humus;
- sand.
The described components are mixed in equal proportions. Separate holes are prepared for each plant. The depth varies depending on the size of the seedling. The bottom of the hole is covered with a drainage layer.
The flower loves light, warmth and a special substrate.
When planting in open ground, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the site. Even if the soil for the garden hydrangea is prepared correctly, a number of factors can affect the quality of development or cause the death of the bush.
The bushes should be well lit by the sun. Therefore, planting them in darkened places is prohibited. The lack of light results in a shorter flowering period. Also, the landing site must be protected from strong winds.
How to prepare the soil for hydrangeas
There are several rules to follow when planting a plant in the ground. The general procedure for hydrangeas is not much different from other flowers.
The main stages of preparation:
- Digging up the earth at the landing site.
- Application of mineral fertilizers.
- Making a soil mixture with the addition of sand and peat.
- The introduction of substances to maintain the nutritional value of the soil.
For planting hydrangeas, holes are dug in advance, 35-40 cm deep. Prepared soil must be poured inside the hole, thoroughly watered and left for several days. Before planting hydrangeas, it is necessary to determine the degree of acidity. For this, a special apparatus is used or indicator tests are used.
The acidity should not exceed 6.0 pH. Otherwise, the hydrangea leaves will turn yellow. At the same time, low acidity will lead to the fact that the flowers will fade, and the plant itself will develop very slowly. Therefore, the recommended acidity is 5-5.5 pH.
After planting seedlings, it is necessary to mulch the soil. This promotes better hydrangea hydration and nutrient retention. For mulching, use compost, coniferous foliage or peat chips.
The plant can be planted in May and September, subject to warm weather and no rain.
It is recommended to plant in open ground in late spring. In May, the plant is planted when persistent warm weather sets in, provided there is no heavy rain. Also, the procedure can be carried out in September. However, this option is relevant only for regions with a warm climate and late onset of frosts.
General recommendations for planting garden hydrangeas:
Experienced gardening tips
A number of recommendations will help you grow beautiful hydrangeas indoors or in open areas.In addition to properly preparing the soil and planting flowers, it is necessary to carry out comprehensive and thorough care.
Hydrangeas need periodic replanting. The urgent need for such a procedure arises if an unsuitable place for growing is chosen. Regular transplantation is also required for indoor hydrangeas. The root system develops quickly and becomes cramped in the pot. The transplant is best done in the fall, so that the bush has time to adapt to a new place before the cold weather.
You need to water the hydrangea no more than 1 time a week so that the water does not stagnate in the soil.
Another important recommendation is adherence to the watering regime. Hydrangea needs a lot of fluid. At the same time, the flower grows well only if the water does not stagnate in the soil. Therefore, regular watering is required - once a week. In this case, it is important to ensure that after the procedure, the water is quickly absorbed by the soil, and does not stand near the roots. If the liquid does not go away in a short period of time, this indicates that the soil is very compacted.
Experienced flower growers recommend covering the garden hydrangea for the winter. Autumn pruning is carried out beforehand, during which dry and damaged shoots are removed. Fallen leaves are collected from under the bush. Otherwise, they begin to rot in the soil, provoking stagnation of liquid and creating conditions for the appearance of pests.
It is recommended to cover the bush with plastic wrap. It has good thermal insulation properties while allowing sunlight to pass through. The soil around the bush should be covered with straw, coniferous leaves or sawdust, which do not retain moisture and protect the flower from low temperatures.
Before wintering, top dressing is applied to the ground. Mineral fertilizers are useful for hydrangeas. Organic fertilizers are best done in the spring, after the soil has warmed up. This contributes to the formation of buds and the subsequent profuse flowering.
Conclusion
The soil for a hydrangea must meet several criteria, as otherwise the plant will develop poorly and often get sick. The substrate for planting such flowers can be purchased in stores or made by yourself. The soil mixture must necessarily include peat, sand, earth and be supplemented with minerals. In addition to proper soil preparation, such a plant needs comprehensive care, including transplantation, regular watering and shelter for the winter.
