Large-leaved hydrangea

Recently, hydrangea varieties are gaining more and more popularity among our gardeners and landscape designers. Varieties of hydrangea varieties such as paniculate and tree-like, with their voluminous and lush inflorescences, in recent years can be seen not only in private plots, but also in the courtyards of high-rise buildings. But flower growers cannot be stopped, they want to try everything new and exotic, so they decide to try their luck and grow such a type of hydrangea as large-leaved in the climatic conditions of the Moscow region. And this is completely understandable, because the beauty of this type of hydrangea fascinates and does not leave anyone indifferent. In their homeland, these ornamental shrubs can grow up to 4 meters in height, but in our climatic conditions this species can reach a maximum of two meters in height. The varieties of this variety have the main difference in the color range of their inflorescences, in comparison with the popular tree-like and paniculate varieties. Thanks to the works of breeders, there are now varieties of this hydrangea with an unusual blue, lilac, purple, wine-scarlet color. And for the sake of such an unusual, graceful and chic plant, flower growers agree to endure and fulfill all the whims of this shrub, for example, follow the irrigation procedures, maintain the necessary indicator of the level of soil acidity, engage in a rather complex and time-consuming pruning procedure, and also do high-quality plant insulation for the winter period ... The main disadvantage of large-leaved hydrangea is undoubtedly the low level of frost tolerance. But this is understandable, because a large number of varieties came to us from China and Japan, this explains their preference for moderate and rather mild weather. Before choosing a variety for growing in the Moscow region, you should know that the plant will grow in the fourth climatic zone. Here, in winter, the air temperature can drop to -35 degrees, and unforeseen thaws can occur, causing enormous damage to flowers, sometimes even more than frost could do.

Large-leaved hydrangea varieties blooming on last year's shoots

A large number of hydrangeas of this variety form inflorescences, or, to put it another way, on the apical and, quite rarely, lateral buds, formed last year. Therefore, the main condition for breeding such a shrub in your garden is its high-quality and reliable shelter for the winter. Below we will consider the varieties of this type of hydrangea, which can be grown in the region of the Moscow region, but only if all the rules and characteristics of care are observed.

— Aisha... This variety comes from Japan, and it was brought to Europe at the end of the 19th century. Quite small flowers of this variety outwardly resemble lilacs and have a delicate and delicate aroma. In the middle lane, they are often cultivated at home, and in the summer season they are taken out in containers to an open space. Although if you grow the plant in weather conditions where there will be no severe winter frosts, and plus prepare a wonderful and high-quality shelter for this shrub for the winter, then the plant may well grow in open areas. The plant of this variety is quite fond of moisture and is quite sensitive to the composition of the soil. This shrub will thrive in an area with light morning sunlight and midday shade. A shrub of this variety can grow up to one and a half meters in height.The flowering period lasts from mid-summer to October, right up to the frost. The inflorescences of the plant are hemispherical and reach a diameter of 25 centimeters. Flowers in inflorescences are small in size and slightly curled edges, outwardly resembling lilac flowers. At the beginning of the flowering period, they have a whitish-cream color, which gradually changes to light pink or sky blue, depending on the level of acidity of the soil. A bush of this variety can withstand cold temperatures up to -23 degrees, but all-early requires winter insulation.

— Bela. A rather rare variety in the gardens of the Moscow region. Growing this variety is considered a difficult task for growers. If you manage to fence this shrub from the cold of the winter period, then a sophisticated plant with blue inflorescences will appear in your garden. The brightness and saturation of this shade entirely depends on the acidity level of the soil, so it should be acidified regularly. The growth rate of this plant is very slow. Therefore, the bush is compact in size even without pruning. The shrub of this variety is excellently combined in a group planting with other representatives of this family, which have different colors and sizes. The plant has a height of two meters and a flowering period from mid-summer to September. The inflorescences of this variety are paniculate and rather large. Consist of flowers with four petals. When grown in soil with an acidity index of about 5, the inflorescences have a rich blue color, and a cream-colored core is also possible. The variety can withstand cold temperatures down to -23 degrees, but still requires shelter for the winter.

— Voodoo... This undersized shrub came out a small amount of time ago, but has already managed to fall in love all over the world. The main feature of the hydrangea of ​​this variety is an unusual, especially for this variety, a delicate lime tint, which manifests itself on the inflorescences of a snow-white color. The plant grows well on acidic and slightly acidic soils, but always well moistened and drained. Quite good for sunlight, although it can be grown in shady areas. A shrub of this variety can grow up to 120 centimeters in height. the flowering period begins in early summer and lasts until September. The inflorescences are endowed with a ball shape and have a diameter of about 25 centimeters. The inflorescences also have a creamy or snow-white color with a slight lime tint. The shrub can withstand frosts down to -20 degrees well, although it needs insulation for the winter.

- Ladies from Holland. The main difference between this variety is its beautiful semi-double and double inflorescences. The petals of a white, pink or cream shade have a bright edging, and also a colored core. During the blooming period of the flower, the color seems to move to the center, while being distributed over the entire surface of the petals. An important addition to the decorativeness of the shrub is the foliage of the plant, which turns purple in autumn. The shrub of this variety is considered to be undersized, growing only up to one meter. The flowering period begins in mid-summer and lasts until October. The inflorescences are in the shape of a ball, which grows to a diameter of 15 centimeters. Outwardly, the flowers of this subspecies are similar to begonia. The inflorescences are whitish-pink in color with bright pink edging. In the presence of a high level of acidity of the soil, the color of the inflorescences acquires a much rich and dark shade. The plant is able to withstand cold temperatures up to -15 degrees, but nevertheless, this variety is transferred to a cool room for the winter period.

It should be noted that if you are going to grow varieties of this type of hydrangea in the Moscow region, then absolutely all of them require shelter for the winter period, although some of them are characterized by the presence of good frost resistance.In addition, you need to know that some of them can survive the winter only in indoor conditions.

Repaired varieties

The difference between this type of hydrangea is that they can bloom on last year's stems, and also form new buds, giving shoots along with inflorescences in the season of their formation. This helps to get a stable and regular flowering, even if the bush got a little freezing in winter. Although almost all varieties of this hydrangea begin to bloom later than other varieties, their frost resistance is higher. But despite their stability, these bushes should be insulated for the winter period.

— Endless summer... It is the most common variety in the Moscow Region gardens, because it is endowed with a fairly high level of frost resistance. The plant is distinguished by its ability to form buds more than once per season, as well as quite abundant, lush and long flowering, hence the name for this variety. It is also worth noting that this subspecies on one bush can have inflorescences of several colors. The shrub of this variety grows to a height of one and a half meters and has a flowering time from early summer to September. The inflorescences have the shape of a ball, up to 15 centimeters in diameter, and also, depending on the level of acidity of the soil, from pink to blue. In winter, the variety is able to withstand frosts down to -31 degrees, and it can do without additional insulation for the winter.

- The magical four seasons... The main distinguishing feature of this variety is the unusual stripes or spots on its petals. In addition to this, during the entire flowering period, the shade of these flowers changes, maybe even a rather rare and interesting color. Due to this feature, these plants are very often called chameleons. The shrub itself can grow up to 120 centimeters in height. The flowering period begins in the middle of the summer season and ends in October. The inflorescences are endowed with the shape of a ball, which reaches up to 30 centimeters in diameter, and the petals have a wrinkled texture. As mentioned earlier, during flowering several times this hydrangea will change its color color: starting from lime to blue with a coral tint and a little bluish, and then to snow-white with a green tint. All varieties have a variable palette of shades, it only necessarily contains a greenish-green tint at one of the stages of the flowering period. The plant tolerates frosts well in winter, can withstand up to -23 degrees, but still requires additional insulation for the winter.

- Doppio Bianco... Holland is considered the birthplace of this hydrangea variety. A distinctive feature is the many terry inflorescences and the unpretentiousness of this culture. Also, the difference may be that the inflorescences of this subspecies, in comparison with other varieties of this hydrangea, bloom earlier than others in time, and in general the flowering period is quite long, from late May-early June to late October. Externally, the flower of this hydrangea can be compared to a miniature bridal bouquet. The bush has a fairly compact size: up to one and a half meters wide and only up to one meter high. The central part of the inflorescence consists of very small double flowers, and the outer circle of this inflorescence consists of double and largest flowers. The flowers have a snow-white color, which in the autumn period changes to reddish with green spots. The shrub can withstand temperatures up to -23 degrees in winter, but it is still required for insulation.

— Forever and ever... The main difference hydrangeas of this variety - these are inflorescences with a two-color color. They are purple, pink, or blue in color, but always with a rather wide border.This subspecies of hydrangea can be grown in pots due to its compact size, only 90 centimeters in height maximum. The growth of this shrub is rather low. Most often, this bush can be found in the form of a houseplant. The flowering period of this plant lasts from June to October. The inflorescences are in the shape of a ball with a diameter of 25 centimeters, and, depending on varietal characteristics, snow-white, green-raspberry, white-pink, red-pink color, but with the obligatory presence of a border strip. A fairly frost-resistant variety, it can survive frosts down to -29 degrees, and it does not need additional mandatory shelter.

- Renata Steiniger. Quite a popular variety among large-leaved blue hydrangeas. Although it is worth noting that to obtain the desired rich blue color, regular feeding is required, which this subspecies so needs. It often happens that inflorescences of various shades have opened on one bush. It is very much appreciated by gardeners for its ability to give out peduncles in the year of planting it, as well as for its rather good level of endurance, it can withstand frosts down to -23 degrees, although it still needs additional shelter. The shrub itself can reach a height of one and a half meters, and its flowering period lasts from June and ends in October. The inflorescences are endowed with a hemispherical shape and have a diameter of 35 centimeters, and the flowers of the inflorescence are distinguished by the fact that they are double. The color of the inflorescences changes during the opening of the bud from snow-white to forget-me-not. When grown on alkaline soil, it has a pink tint of inflorescences, and on acidic soils it acquires shades of purple.

- Snowball. The appearance of this variety fully justifies its name. It is impossible not to look at the shrub of this variety, because a rather dense bush has compact dimensions (up to one and a half meters high) and large (25 centimeters in diameter) inflorescence-head in the shape of a ball, a snow-white shade, which at the end of the flowering of the plant turns into a greenish tint. The main decorative appearance is given by large flowers with a diameter of 8.5 centimeters, which have petals with denticles. The flowering period of this plant begins in the middle of the summer season and ends in September. The shrub is required in shelter for the winter, although it is characterized by its hardiness up to -25 degrees.

- You and me. It differs mainly in its beautiful and delicate double flowers in the form of stars. The shape of the petals is different, depending on the varietal characteristics, from slightly twisted and pointed top to rounded. Hydrangea of ​​this type is characterized by quite good endurance and unpretentiousness, it is able to give color in the year of planting and delight everyone with its gorgeous appearance. The bush grows up to one and a half meters in height and has a flowering period from early summer to October. The inflorescences have a diameter of about 35 centimeters, at the beginning of their flowering period their color is white-cream, which then changes, depending on the composition of the growing soil. Being on an alkaline soil it acquires a pink color, and on an acidic soil it has a blue color of flowers. In the winter season, it can withstand frosts down to -23 degrees, but it still needs insulation.

- Blueberry cheesecake. A shrub of this variety has rather branched shoots and a width greater than height. The foliage of the plant has a dark green color, which changes to red in autumn, due to which the decorativeness of this hydrangea increases over time. The shrub can grow up to 120 centimeters high. The flowering period lasts from July to October. Inflorescences are semi-double, with double flowers with serrated or wavy edges.The shade of the inflorescences depends on the soil, for example, if the shrub grows in alkaline soil, then the color will be red-pink, and on acidic soils it acquires a violet-blue tint. Moreover, the core of the inflorescences is yellow. In winter, the shrub can withstand frosts at -23 degrees, but requires shelter for wintering.

- Earley blue... The shrub of this variety has quite powerful and strong roots. And thanks to this fact, this subspecies is grown both in open space and in tubs. For good growth, it requires sufficiently illuminated growing areas, abundant and regular watering, fertile lands with a high level of acidity. And in order to give a lush and abundant flowering, it is necessary to make additional fertilizing. The shrub reaches heights of about 120 centimeters. The flowering period begins at the beginning of the summer season and lasts until September. Inflorescences are in the form of a ball with a diameter of up to 30 centimeters. The color of the inflorescences predominates in a blue tint, but when watered with aluminum alum, it acquires a bright blue color, and with a soil acidity level of 4 it changes to a pink tint. The plant requires additional shelter for wintering, although it is characterized by hardiness up to -23 degrees in winter.

It is worth noting the fact that often, after rather frosty and difficult winters, hydrangea may not appear repaired, that is, the shrub does not form inflorescences in the expected period of time.

Growing features

For the cultivation of this type of shrub in the Moscow region, some important conditions and requirements should be taken into account. Such as:

- Resistant to frost. If you all decided to purchase this type of hydrangea for growing in your garden in the Moscow region, then your choice should be made in favor of those varieties that differ in their frost resistance by no more than 10 degrees from the lowest temperature of the winter period of this region ... This means that if in winter in your area the temperature regime of -30 degrees prevails, then varieties that are characterized by resistance to cold in the region of -20 degrees are suitable for cultivation. And the difference in these temperatures can be easily corrected in the form of a high-quality shelter.

- The soil. This type of hydrangea prefers to be found in fertile soil, which has a slightly acidic reaction. And he absolutely does not like this shrub to grow in sand and clay soil, this can simply destroy it. You can prepare excellent and suitable soil with your own hands, for this, garden soil (2 parts) and compost (also two parts) are mixed, or leaf humus, as well as sand and peat in one part.

- Place of disembarkation. In the middle zone of our country, this plant feels equally bad under the sun and in a shaded place. These shrubs are accustomed to high humidity and therefore rather poorly tolerate the midday sun's rays, and being located in the shade, they will not be able to produce abundant lush flowering. Therefore, it would be better to look for an option where the sun will fall on the hydrangea for the most part in the morning and evening, and in the afternoon there will be a slight partial shade.

- Trimming procedure. The largest number of varieties of this type of hydrangea has color on the shoots of the last season, and also on the shoots that emerged from new buds on the stems of last year. The shoot that is closer to the top of the stem is most likely to have color. Therefore, remember this fact during the pruning procedure.

- Preparation for the winter period. The biggest challenge is to keep the entire stems of the bush, from the very base to the top.

If you have already had several attempts to grow this type of hydrangea in your area, which ended in failure, then do not worry too much. It is worth trying to plant this shrub in a container in which there will be a special soil mixture.And with the arrival of frost millet, dig up the whole shrub and take it until spring to a cool place, clearing it of foliage in advance. For the wintering to be successful, you need to keep the temperature in the region of 0-5 degrees. Alternatively, you can grow that potted plant. Indeed, thanks to such an unusual look - a shrub in a pot, you can transform your balcony, terrace, veranda.

Conclusion

Of course, varieties of hydrangea grown in the Moscow region will not look so much in reality as in the photo in the nursery. She may not have such a lush, voluminous color, as described in the characteristics, due to growing in such an unusual climate for her. But your efforts will also not go unnoticed, and with due diligence and care, it will delight and delight with its appearance not only you, but also people passing by.