Hydrangea paniculata

Hydrangea paniculata (lat. Hydrangea paniculata) is a perennial deciduous shrub with a height of 0.5 to 3 m. A beautiful unpretentious plant with recognizable pyramidal inflorescences is actively cultivated in the European region, ideal for planting and growing in a country house, suburban area. Great about Hydrangea —> Hydrangea

General characteristics

Due to the abundant long flowering, unpretentiousness and pronounced decorative properties, the plant is widely distributed in Russia and Europe. The name “hydrangea” has been applied to it since the 14th century. It was then that the bush was first grown in the gardens of the nobility of England and France. Originally translated from Latin, this name meant “garden”. In 1753, European botanists gave the plant the name Hydrangea, which, translated from the language of Homer, sounds like a “vessel of water.” There is also a version according to which the flower got its name due to the shape of the seed pods in the form of a jug and love for abundant watering.

The modern database includes more than 50 types of hydrangeas with different characteristics and properties. Some of them can be seen in the photo in the Encyclopedia of Flowers catalogue. A separate group among plants is occupied by beautiful winter-hardy shrubs with inflorescences in the form of pyramids. This is panicle hydrangea. It is of particular interest to landscape designers and gardeners for its properties and characteristics:

  1. Care. The bush grows quickly, forms a beautiful dense crown, does not require professional care. Partial shade is best for the plant, so the proximity to trees and other shrubs is not undesirable. Prefers acidic soil, does not tolerate chalk, ash, dolomite flour as mineral supplements and fertilizers. Adult hydrangea paniculate, prepared for winter, does not require warming.
  2. Leaves. The bush has green, brightly colored elliptical or ovoid leaves, the length of which reaches 12 cm.
  3. First bloom. For the first time, the plant blooms and bears fruit 4-5 years after planting.
  4. Aroma. Hydrangea paniculata is a honey plant. Depending on the variety, it has a more or less pronounced aroma. The most intense honey smell of the flower is characteristic of Wim’s Red. This species can be recognized by very large panicles (up to 35 cm), rich burgundy-red hue in early autumn. The plant exudes a pleasant aroma from early summer to mid-autumn.
  5. Inflorescence. The flower is a broad-pyramidal densely hairy panicle. Its length often approaches 25 cm. The panicle consists of fertile and sterile four-petal (moth) flowers. The first are very small, their petals quickly fall off. Barren ones reach a diameter of up to 2.5 cm.
  6. Flowering period. The plant, with proper care and the application of the necessary fertilizers, blooms from the second half of June to October. During this period, an adult copy looks like a big beautiful bouquet. According to external characteristics, it resembles lilac, but compares favorably with it in the form of a bush, greater productivity and flowering persistence.
  7. Country of origin. The birthplace of paniculate hydrangea is the forests of Japan, China, and South Sakhalin.
  8. The place for landing. Favorable conditions for shrubs are partial shade, moderate soil moisture. Exposure to direct sunlight adversely affects the quality of inflorescences, growth and condition, so the plant is not recommended to be planted in completely open areas.
  9. Bush height. With the provision of acceptable care and optimal conditions for growth and development, the height of an adult bush varies from 1.5 to 3 m, the size of the crown diameter is up to 3 m.
  10. Winter hardiness. An adult plant is resistant to temperature changes, frosts, tolerates winter cold well in areas with a temperate cold climate.

Variety of varieties

Hydrangea paniculata attracts amateur flower growers and landscape designers with a wide variety of varieties. There are several dozen types of them. Flower growers classify varieties depending on cold resistance, bush height, flowering start time, color and agricultural practices.

Winter-hardy varieties

The cold-resistant species of Hydrangea paniculata include the following varieties:

All presented species are frost-resistant, withstand from -35 to -30 ° C. Adult specimens do not require winter warming.

Hydrangea paniculata variety: "Limelight"

Limelight

Beautiful fast growing hydrangea paniculata with shades of inflorescences from pale green to white and pink. Pleases the owner with large flowers with a delicate aroma and original coloring from July to September. The height of the bush is about 2.5 m. It is intended for planting and growing in regions with cold winters, it tolerates frosts down to -35 ° C without consequences. Wedding photos are often taken against its background.

Hydrangea paniculata variety: "Levana"

Levan

Tall (up to 3 m), but does not require a garter and special care variety. Shrub with powerful shoots of a light brown hue and impressive for its species size of inflorescences (up to 50 cm) is not picky about lighting conditions, it is characterized by rapid growth and color constancy. The panicle remains white until the end of flowering, a slight pinkish tint may appear at the base of the cone. Levana is a universal variety that adapts well to any soil, including those with a short excess of moisture. Due to these properties, it is often used for landscaping public spaces. Often serves as a backdrop for beautiful photos.

Hydrangea paniculata variety: "Kyushu"

Kyushu

Tall (up to 3 m) shrub-honey plant with graceful flowers, the shade of which varies from cream in summer to pink in autumn. A plant with a dense and spreading crown in the form of a fan has a pleasant aroma, loves shady places, and reacts negatively to drafts.

Hydrangea paniculata variety: "Pink Diamond"

Pink Diamond

A beautiful tall (up to 3 m) bush with dull green rough leaves and large conical inflorescences. By the beginning of autumn, panicles acquire a rich coral-pink color. Best of all, the beauty of the hydrangea paniculata Pink Diamond is conveyed by the photo. The grade well transfers winter, frosts to – 30 °C without shelter. It has good regenerative properties, is not demanding in care, and is intended for cultivation in urban conditions. Can become decoration of parks, squares.

Hydrangea paniculata variety: "Pink Lady"

Pink Lady

One of the most beautiful medium-sized (1.5-2 m) varieties of panicled hydrangea. Numerous photos on the Internet confirm this fact. The plant is characterized by abundant and long flowering (July-October). Large, wide-conical panicles of white color gradually become pink by autumn.

Hydrangea paniculata variety: "Vanilla Fraze"

Vanilla Fraze

Variety with an unusual attractive panicle color, which, depending on the time of flowering, varies from creamy to bright pink. A shrub with a spreading crown grows well both in sunny areas and in partial shade. Reaches 1.5 to 2 m in height. To obtain beautiful large inflorescences up to 30 cm long, the plant must be planted in light penumbra, fertilized under the root in spring and summer. The flowering period begins in June, ends in October. It also does without shelter for the winter.

Hydrangea paniculata variety: "Kandelayt"

Candelight

Hydrangea paniculata variety with strong maroon, almost purple shoots at the top, which end in lush creamy white inflorescences. Against the background of this plant, especially beautiful photos are obtained. The leaves of this species are green, with small teeth. A compact plant with a dense crown does not exceed 1.5 m in length, it is intended for growing in shady or sunny areas with moderate soil moisture.

Hydrangea paniculata variety: "Bobo"

Bobo

A dwarf variety of the variety, 10 years ago it was recognized as the best among paniculate hydrangeas at the international flower show in Belgium. The distinctive properties of a plant up to 0.7 m high include the unusual color of the petals. In July, the flower is lemon green, then it turns white, and in September it turns pale pink. In order to obtain beautiful conical inflorescences 15-20 cm long when grown in a warm climate, the plant must be planted in partial shade. In other Russian regions, well-lit or slightly shaded places are suitable for this.

Undersized varieties

Low-growing varieties of panicled hydrangea are the choice of gardeners planning the design of small garden, suburban and summer cottages. Beautiful compact bushes are ideal for growing in open ground, flowerpots, containers, flowerbeds, terraces and verandas. In addition to their small size, they are distinguished by high cold resistance and abundant long flowering. Among the most popular among this variety include the following varieties:

Hydrangea paniculata variety: "Little Quick Fire"

Little Quick Fire

Neat early variety with white showy flowers. Vertically growing panicles up to 15 cm long become pink with time, then red. Flowering begins in June, ends in September. Winter-hardy plant reaches a height of up to 1.5 meters. Most often used for growing in containers, serves as a backdrop for holiday photos. To achieve abundant flowering, the bush must be planted in drained soil, provide the necessary soil moisture, use organic fertilizers and mineral complexes.

Hydrangea paniculata variety: "Little Spooky"

Little Spooky

The shortest representative of the paniculate hydrangea with a characteristic greenish-white shade of inflorescences. Compact low bushes up to 0.5 m high are actively used in landscape design. Planted in flowerpots, decorate verandas, balconies, terraces.

Hydrangea paniculata variety: "Little Lime"

Little Lime

A variety of winter-hardy low-growing shrub with a pleasant light green shade of inflorescences in partial shade, white – when grown in direct sunlight. In autumn, a pink border appears on the petals. The plant with velvety green leaves reaches a height of no more than 0.8 m. The size of the panicles is medium. The variety is characterized by abundant flowering. As a result, the leaves due to the inflorescences are almost invisible.

Hydrangea paniculata variety: "Mont Aso"

Mont Aso

Variety of undersized paniculate hydrangea with milky white flowers in June for planting in sunny areas of the site. Cold hardy, suitable for growing outdoors or in a container with slightly acidic soil.

Hydrangea paniculata variety: "Polystar"

Polystar

Well recognizable variety with small flowers in the form of white-green stars against a background of small green leaves. By July, large cone-shaped panicles of paniculate hydrangea acquire a delicate salmon hue, and in August become rich dark pink.

Tall varieties

Beautiful tall shrubs with abundant long flowering – decoration of large garden plots, parks, squares, recreation areas. Let us dwell on some of the most interesting varieties from the point of view of landscape designers:

Hydrangea paniculata variety: "Grandiflora"

Grandiflora

a variety of panicled hydrangea, unique in beauty and size, with large pyramidal inflorescences of a white-yellowish, greenish or pinkish color. The bush grows rapidly after planting, reaches 2-2.5 m in height and width. The flowering period is June-October.

Hydrangea paniculata variety: "Mega Pearl"

Mega Pearl

winter-hardy honey plant up to 2.5 m high. It attracts attention with large and wide cone-shaped panicles of greenish-white, then – cream and reddish hue. Universal variety, designed for cultivation on soils with any characteristics. The species is not susceptible to diseases, it develops normally both in well-lit areas and in partial shade.

Hydrangea paniculata variety: "Goliath"

Goliath

one of the best varieties of tall (up to 3 m) paniculate hydrangea. A beautiful powerful plant begins to bloom in June, panicles – in the form of narrow cones with a wide base. The color of the petals is from snow-white to pale-pink by September-October. The plant is both light and shade-loving, resistant to low temperatures, responds well to fertilizers and top dressing.

Сорт гортензии метельчатой: "Дентель де Горрон"

Dentel de Gorron

very beautiful early-flowering bush with dense snow-white inflorescences, surprisingly reminiscent of lilacs. A tall (up to 2.5 m) plant with a rounded compact crown begins to bloom in the second half of June. At first, these are pyramidal panicles with long pedicels of a cream or slightly greenish hue. Later, the inflorescences acquire a luxurious snow-white color, which remains unchanged until the end of the flowering period.

Other types

Flower growers also distinguish the following varieties of paniculate hydrangea:

  • early (Vanilla Fraze, Kyushu, Presox);
  • late (Grandiflora, Goliath, Tardiva);
  • fragrant (Matilda, Kyushu, Weems Red);
  • white (Polar bear, Diamantino, Dolly);
  • green (Lime Light, Little Light);
  • pink (Pinky Winky, Vanilla Fraze, Pink Diamond);
  • moth (Tardiva, Kyushu, Presox);
  • for hedges (Pink Diamond, Lime Light, Diamond Rouge).

Each of the presented species with simple care is beautiful, disease and pest resistant plants for decorating a garden, summer cottage, park, square and other recreation areas.

Panicled Hydrangea Care

In order for the panicle hydrangea seedling to grow well, develop and please the owner for several decades with friendly abundant flowering, it is necessary to provide him with simple proper care.

  1. Watering. The younger the plant, the more carefully it is necessary to monitor soil moisture. It is especially important to follow this rule for newly planted bushes. The earth must be constantly wet, as drying out of the soil harms the root system and inhibits the development of the plant. In hot weather, abundant watering is necessary. The water consumption rate is about 30 liters per 1 m2. In rainy weather, the plant should not be watered. Excessive moisture has a negative effect on the condition of the plant, can lead to its death.
  2. Mulching. Experienced gardeners are advised to mulch the soil with sawdust, bark of coniferous trees to maintain moisture in the root zone. Thus, 2 tasks are solved at once. The soil at the roots always remains moist from watering to watering, and an acidic environment necessary for the normal growth, development and flowering of the shrub is also created and maintained. For the same purpose, a weak solution of potassium permanganate is used.
  3. Top dressing and fertilizers. Flowering from June to October takes a lot of energy from plants, so paniculate hydrangea needs the help of a gardener. Feeding must be done 4 times a year.
    The first is produced in the spring, before the formation of panicles. For these purposes, organic fertilizers are used, a liquid substance from diluted manure is best suited.
    The most optimal time for the second feeding is the ripening of inflorescences. The choice of fertilizers at this stage is more extensive. They should contain urea, superphosphates and potassium.
    The third feeding is carried out after the full blooming of all the buds. With the help of the mineral complex of fertilizers, the flowering period is extended, the quality of panicles is improved.
    The last dressing is done in order to prepare the bush for wintering. It is recommended to use special chemical compositions for hydrangeas for this.
  4. Pruning. Shrub care also includes timely pruning. It is produced not only to give the necessary aesthetics during the growth, development and flowering of paniculate hydrangea. This procedure is necessary for the formation, rejuvenation of the bush, is mandatory in preparation for winter. In order for the plant to feel good after pruning, it is necessary to properly remove old shoots.
    If preparations are made for winter, then stumps 5-6 cm long should remain above the ground. Even in severe frosts, a properly covered plant will not suffer.
    During spring pruning, it is necessary to determine which 5-10 shoots of the bush are the strongest, cut them to 3-5 buds. This procedure helps to strengthen them and form the correct beautiful crown.
  5. Preparing for winter. Regardless of whether the hydrangea paniculata bush is winter-hardy, gardeners recommend covering the plant for the winter. Young seedlings are especially in need of this. If it is necessary to prepare a still fragile plant for winter, covering material is used for the entire bush. To ensure the frost resistance of young shoots, a frame structure is also installed, which protects from wind, ice, retains snow and performs the function of a greenhouse.
    Rooted hydrangea does not need special care and shelter. Only the root system of an adult plant should be prepared for winter and protected from frost. Well-rotted manure works well for this. It must be distributed around the bush in a thin layer. You can also scatter peat or fallen leaves at the roots, while the thickness of the shelter should not be thinner than 15 cm.

Paniculata hydrangea transplant

Experts recommend changing the place of growth of paniculate hydrangea every 5 years. In practice, the plant does not require frequent transplants. A bush can feel great for several decades without changing its place. However, the need for a transplant may arise in case of changes in the concept of the site, inactive flowering and growth of the bush. In order for the plant to take root in a new place and adapt well to new conditions, a number of rules must be observed.

  1. Light penumbra. The landing site should not be too sunny, with light partial shade. Ideally, in the afternoon, the seedling should be protected from direct sunlight.
  2. Draft protection. When choosing a new place for planting / transplanting a plant, preference should be given to areas protected from wind and drafts.
  3. The soil. To maintain the health and decorativeness of the bush, the quality of the soil is of great importance. The main requirement is well-drained, slightly acidic soil. The earth under the bush should be loose, well fertilized. Only under these conditions will water not stagnate at the roots, and the plant will adapt well and respond with abundant flowering.
  4. The most optimal transfer time. It is best to choose either the beginning of spring or the end of autumn for transplanting a plant.
  5. Transplant preparation. Before transplanting, the bush must be treated as follows: remove existing dry branches, cut off young strong shoots. Then you need to carefully dig out the hydrangea. After that, it is advisable to leave the bush in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for a day. The next day, the bush can be planted in the place allotted for it, not forgetting the obligatory care – fertilizing, regular watering.
  6. Spring planting. The hole for a seedling of paniculate hydrangea should be quite wide. Its depth is at least 40 cm, width is about a meter. If it is necessary to transplant a plant with a non-standard wide root system, the dimensions should be almost doubled.

About 30 liters of water should be poured into the prepared hole on the first day. Planting a bush should be done only the next day. It is important that the roots of the plant are well straightened. Nothing should interfere with them. It is necessary to ensure that when falling asleep with fertile slightly acidic soil, the root collar is at the level of the soil. Then the plant must be watered abundantly. You should wait until it is absorbed, then sprinkle the root neck with coniferous sawdust, needles, crushed bark or peat.

  • Autumn transplant. Before replanting a shrub in the fall, a pre-prepared hole must be carefully fertilized with a suitable composition. For backfilling in a pit, you need to mix peat and fertile soil, sand and rotted manure in equal proportions. Sand-organic mixture should be ½ of the volume of peat-earth. The plant will also respond well to the introduction of urea, superphosphate or potassium sulfate. After preparing the hole, a seedling with carefully straightened roots must be covered with the resulting composition, tamped, watered well. After the measures taken, it must be covered for the winter.

Important! For the correct transplantation of paniculate hydrangea, all of the above steps must be followed.

Reproduction of paniculate hydrangea

There are several ways to propagate panicled hydrangeas:

Cuttings. Cuttings are considered the best, but a rather time-consuming way of propagating beautiful ornamental bushes.

Cuttings propagation of hydrangea paniculata
cuttings

To do this, when pruning, you should choose young strong branches, put them in a container with water for 3 days in a dark room. Then cuttings are formed from them. It is imperative that at least 3 internodes remain on each workpiece. To accelerate the growth of the root system during reproduction, it is necessary to apply a stimulant to the lower sections of the cuttings. After processing, each workpiece is planted in a pot with prepared soil mixture, while only 1/3 of it should be above the surface. Cuttings should be grown in conditions that are comfortable for seedlings, observing the optimal temperature regime and soil moisture up to
3-4 years. In the spring, cuttings with a well-developed root system can be transplanted to a permanent place.

Branch withdrawal. One of the easiest ways to propagate paniculate hydrangea is considered to be a branch of a bush.

Withdrawal of a bush of hydrangea paniculata
Branch withdrawal

To get a new seedling, in late spring or summer, you just need to bend down the bottom shoot and dig it in. In late autumn, it is covered, prepared for the cold. The overwintered branch in the spring can be cut off and planted separately.

Root division. In early spring, with this type of reproduction, you should carefully dig out the bush, carefully clean it from adhering soil and carefully examine the root system.

Dividing the root of hydrangea paniculata
Root division

On it you can see the kidneys, which indicates the possibility of reproduction. Depending on their number, the root is cut into pieces. To disinfect the place of the cut, it is necessary to treat it with a solution of potassium permanganate or brilliant green.

Diseases, pests and their control

Hydrangea is a plant that is resistant to most diseases and pests, therefore it has been growing for several decades without causing unnecessary trouble to the owners. However, possible diseases and pests should be recognized in time. This is necessary to prevent their reproduction, successful treatment and control.

Consider the most common diseases and methods of dealing with them.

Chlorosis

You can recognize this disease by yellowing leaves with remaining green veins on them.

Hydrangea chlorosis
Hydrangea chlorosis

Hydrangea chlorosis
Hydrangea chlorosis

It manifests itself due to iron deficiency, a possible excess of lime in the soil. To cure the plant, you need to add 50 g of ammonium sulfate under the root, create a slightly acidic environment with the help of needles, acidic peat. It is also recommended to spray with iron chelate every other day until a positive result is obtained.

Ожоги гортензии

burns

If paniculata hydrangea grows in an open area and is exposed to direct sunlight, characteristic spots appear on the leaves of the plant. Over time, they disappear, but the appearance of the bush deteriorates significantly. To eliminate burns, there is only one solution – a transplant in partial shade

Белая гниль гортензии

white rot

Leaf lesions in the form of white spots may be a sign of a fungal infectious disease prone to rapid reproduction. It is important to identify it in time, to exclude the growth of the focus. You can fight white rot at the initial stage with
fungicide aid

Серая гниль на гортензии

gray rot

Plants located in dark, densely planted areas with excessive soil moisture suffer from this disease. To cure them, it is necessary to remove and dispose of all damaged leaves, treat the bush with a solution of potassium permanganate.

Ложная мучнистая роса

downy mildew

The appearance of oily spots, gradually acquiring a gray color, signals a terrible disease for hydrangea. To prevent its development and cure the plant, all affected leaves must be destroyed. After the bush must be treated with a Bordeaux mixture.

Настоящая мучнистая роса

powdery mildew

It is very easy to recognize her. Yellow-green spots appear on the leaves, on the reverse side there is a plaque that looks like dust. Affected leaves are also subject to destruction, the cleaned bush is treated with fungicides.

Септориоз

Septoria

Leaves and stems with small rounded brown spots along the edges indicate septoria. You can treat the bush after removing the affected tissues along with healthy areas with copper-based products.

Pests are rare on hydrangeas, but their appearance and untimely provision of the necessary assistance to the plant can lead to the death of the bush.

Листовая тля

leaf aphid

The insect is dangerous because it sucks cell sap from tissues and multiplies very quickly. The areas affected by leaf aphids are covered with sugary secretions and become sticky. The appearance of a pest often leads to the creation of a favorable environment for the development of a soot fungus that is unpleasant for hydrangeas. If you do not pay attention to this problem in time, significant damage will be caused to untreated bushes. The plant will lag behind in development, the leaves will deform and turn yellow, the appearance of the inflorescences will suffer. The natural enemy of aphids is the ladybug, but this insect is not able to control the rate of reproduction and the population of the pest. To get rid of the pest with a small lesion, it is necessary to repeatedly treat the bushes with soapy water. In advanced cases, insecticides should be used.

Галловая нематода

gall nematode

Paniculata hydrangea in a site with high soil moisture is often subject to various diseases and pest attacks. One of these enemies of the plant is the gall nematode. Despite the microscopic size, it can lead to the death of the bush. You can learn about a pest attack by galls (growths), which multiply at a high rate on stems and leaves. In most cases, the hydrangea dies, but before immediately digging it up and burning it, you can try spraying it with a Karbofos solution. In order to prevent it, it is recommended to treat the shrub in early spring, before the appearance of bees.

Паутинный клещ

Spider mite

If small yellow spots appear on the foliage, which subsequently form a kind of marble pattern, this is a sign of a spider mite. A microscopic insect during hot, dry weather in a matter of days can cause irreparable damage to the paniculate hydrangea. The leaves will dry up and fall off, and the inflorescences will wither. That is why it is so important to exterminate pests in time. Helps in the fight against it with an ordinary soap solution. If the problem is more widespread, it is advisable to use specialized insecticides.

Листоед

leaf beetle

You can recognize its “work” by the holes in the leaves. Insect larvae are so voracious that they even gnaw through the stems. Prone to rapid reproduction. Pest control consists in manual assembly of larvae and adults, pruning of affected leaves and shoots, and burning them. To get rid of possible larvae in the soil, during frosts, it is necessary to carefully dig the ground around the bushes.

Слизень

Slug

When slugs are found on a plant, gardeners recommend using drugs to kill pests. You need to process the area near the bush, under it.

Snail

In the fight against voracious parasites, you can use all the same drugs as for slugs. However, the preliminary collection of pests and destruction with subsequent processing of the plant and territory will be more effective.

Properties of paniculate hydrangea

Paniculata hydrangea is a beautiful unusual shrub that is valued not only as a decoration of a garden, suburban area, and recreation areas.

Useful properties of panicled hydrangea

The plant has pronounced medicinal properties. Decoctions from its leaves and stems are actively used in folk and official medicine to improve the functioning of the urinary system. Hydrangea paniculata is used to normalize the functioning of the kidneys, with diseases of the genitourinary sphere of women and men, degenerative diseases of the joints, osteochondrosis, and salt diathesis. Hydrangea paniculata is also included in effective medicines for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, some forms of diabetes and arthritis.

It is also believed that the plant has a mild sedative effect, helps to restore the necessary mental balance. Judging by the flower horoscope, it is most suitable for such a zodiac sign as Libra.

Negative properties of panicled hydrangea

Paniculata hydrangea is a moderately toxic plant. Poisonous substances are concentrated in its inflorescences, however, a health hazard arises only when they are directly eaten. Therefore, if children can be unattended on the site, it is best to fence the bush, limit access to it. Animals usually feel which plants can harm their health, so they do not eat flowers. If the pet accidentally ate them or became lethargic, it should be taken to the veterinarian.

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