Hydrangea Nikko Blue

The most beautiful and chic of all varieties of hydrangea are large-leaved species. Among them, a special place is occupied by the large-leaved variety of hydrangea Nikko Blue, which got its name due to the interesting blue-blue shade of flowers. In this article, take a closer look at this hydrangea variety, the features of its cultivation and care, as well as other nuances associated with the cultivation of this plant.

Hydrangea Nikko Blue: description

Hydrangea Nikko Blue: photo of the variety

Hydrangea Nikko Blue characterizes itself as a large-leaved species that has a very fast growth and rather dense foliage of a bright, rich color, as well as an amazing beautiful flowering. This plant can grow up to one and a half meters in height. The leaves of this hydrangea are quite large in size and have a rich green hue; along the edges of the leaves there are notches, due to which they have a special decorative quality. Hydrangea Nikko Blue has colored flowers in various shades of blue, this fact completely depends on the composition of the soil. For example, in a soil with weak acidity, the flowers acquire a light blue hue, and in the most acidic soil, the flowers become a bright blue hue. Initially, the flowers of this plant, when blooming, are endowed with a white color, but after a certain amount of time they acquire a blue tint. If the soil on your site has neutral acidity, then do not expect a blue tint in the flowers of this type, they will be pink.

The inflorescences of Nikko Blue's large-leaved hydrangea have rather high decorative features: they are large in size, rather fragrant and lush. Another distinctive feature of this hydrangea is a rather long flowering period, the first buds begin to bloom at the very beginning of summer, and the latter already at the very end of the summer period. But this variety does not apply to varieties with good frost resistance. That is why, in the coolest growing areas, it must be covered before the winter period. It is also worth noting that only the shoots of the current year bloom in this variety, while last year's ones are lignified. It is quite possible to cultivate this hydrangea both in open space and at home. For growing in regions with frosty and unfavorable climates, it will be better to use the method of growing at home, since it cannot withstand enough frosty weather even under ideal shelter.

Features of growing large-leaved hydrangea

Hydrangea Nikko Blue: photo of the variety

Nikko Blue's large-leaved hydrangea has some of its own characteristics and growing conditions. Consider them:

• Drop off site and lighting. The best place to plant this hydrangea is an area with fairly good lighting, but at the same time with a little partial shade. The best option would be to get sunlight on the plant in the morning and evening hours, but at noon direct sunlight on the flower is absolutely undesirable. Based on this, we can conclude that this variety requires lighting for about 6 hours a day, this is quite enough for good growth and development of hydrangea.
• Temperature conditions. This variety of hydrangea is a rather thermophilic plant, which is why it needs a rather high air temperature for the hydrangea to feel good.In cold weather, this plant will not grow, and without insulation good for the winter, the flower will die. Hydrangea should be planted from the southeast or southwest, but not from the north.
• Air humidity. For a bush of this variety, a high level of humidity will be preferable. Therefore, if the weather is very hot outside, then additional irrigation procedures need to be carried out so that the plant does not lose its decorative features.
• Drafts. The large-leaved hydrangea variety Nikko Blue is characterized by a rather delicate shrub and does not tolerate cold weather at all. So it must be protected from strong, through, gusty winds. Therefore, before planting, make sure that the growing area is sufficiently protected from drafts. You can plant it near residential buildings, fences, or other plants, thick and tall, which could protect the hydrangea from the winds.
• Soil composition. The soil for this type should be quite fertile and with a high humus content. The ideal soil acid reaction is low or low. Although this hydrangea variety can thrive and flower blue in high acidity soil, it will not develop long enough in such soil. The best acidity option is 5.3-5.5. With such a slightly low acidity, the petals of these flowers are painted in a rich and bright shade. But in alkaline soil, this plant will not be able to grow. Another important condition for the soil is its excellent permeability, as well as looseness and drainability. It is important to prevent moisture stagnation, as this can lead to decay of the plant root system.

Hydrangea Nikko Blue: landing

Hydrangea Nikko Blue: photo of the variety

The large-leaved hydrangea Nikko Blue also has a number of requirements for planting. Consider them:

• Training. This type of hydrangea should be planted in the spring, although it is possible to do this in the fall, but only until October. The hole is dug out in such a size that the root system of the plant can easily fit in it. But taking into account the fact that this species is growing rather quickly, then the hole should be made at least 50 by 50 centimeters, and the same depth. After that, the hole should be filled with such a composition: two parts of peat, two parts of loose garden soil, one part of humus, one part of rotted needles. With a fairly dense and clayey soil, drainage needs to be done, which is laid out on the bottom of the hole. Use small pebbles or expanded clay as drainage. Such actions will help protect the hydrangea root system from decay, and will also help prevent moisture stagnation. Before planting, the root system of the plant must be soaked in water for a while.
• Disembarkation process. Hydrangea Nikko Blue is placed vertically in the center of the prepared hole. The roots are covered with soil. The horse neck of the plant should be deepened, but not completely, quite a bit, there are buds on it that give shoots. The young plant is covered with soil and compacted. After the end of planting the seedling, it needs to be watered well, so that the plant passes the adaptation stage much faster and takes root well. On top of this, after the watering procedure, mulching should be done. Dry peat, needles or sawdust are used as mulch. Such a layer of organic matter will be an excellent option for additional nutrition and will perform protective functions against drying out of the soil.

Hydrangea Nikko Blue: variety care

Large-leaved hydrangea Nikko Blue: photo of the variety

The procedure for caring for this plant also has a number of certain conditions and requirements. Here they are:

• Watering. The large-leaved hydrangea Nikko Blue is considered a very demanding plant for moisture. That is why it needs constant and fairly abundant watering. It is no accident that the name "hydrangea" is translated from Greek as "a vessel for water."The watering procedure must be performed from the spring period until the end of autumn. And you need to know that autumn watering will be a good helper for the roots of the plant, so that they do not freeze in the winter season. In an open space, the soil under the hydrangea should always be slightly moist. But do not overdo it with watering, otherwise the hydrangea root system can calmly rot, since the roots of this plant are quite sensitive and tender, instantly and negatively reacting to an excess of moisture.
• Top dressing. Additional nutrition for this hydrangea variety is very necessary, as it helps the plant develop better, grow quickly and bloom luxuriantly. The first mandatory feeding is carried out in the spring, at a time when the foliage begins to bloom. At this time, a nitrogen-containing fertilizer is added to the soil, it will become a good helper in the formation of bright and dense foliage in the plant. The second time feeding is carried out before the flowering period, using a potassium-phosphorus mixture. This top dressing will serve as an excellent helper for a long and abundant hydrangea bloom. It is best to feed the plant with fertilizers specially formulated and intended for hydrangeas. Organic fertilizers such as diluted slurry or humus can also be used. But wood ash is not at all suitable as a top dressing, since it alkalizes the soil.
• Mulching and loosening. In order for the moisture to stay at the roots of the plant longer, immediately after the watering procedure, the trunk circle should be mulched. At the same time, it is worth to loosen the soil, so that it is the most permeable and lightweight. This will allow more air to flow to the roots.
• Pruning. The pruning procedure for absolutely all types of hydrangea is considered an important condition. With its help, a neat and rather compact crown of the plant is formed, and also helps the plant to have a sufficiently long and abundant flowering. This variety of hydrangea is distinguished by the fact that flowers can form only on annual shoots, which in turn makes it necessary to remove old branches. Although when performing such a procedure, be quite careful, since the flowers bloom at the very tips of the shoots and therefore the main thing is not to damage them. In the first year of plant life, in the spring, the shoots are reduced by 1-2 buds, while weak shoots are removed entirely, to the very base. If you suddenly find a young and healthy shoot, but that grows inside the plant, then it should also be completely removed to the very base. Since this fact can negatively affect the shape of the crown of the plant. In the second year of life, the pruning procedure is carried out after the moment of flowering. Quite grown branches are shortened, old and diseased ones, as well as protruding shoots are completely removed. In the third and subsequent years of plant life, pruning is carried out after the flowering period, removing absolutely all branches, down to the lowest growths. As mentioned above, last year's shoots cannot produce flowers. If the branch is rather weak, then it is also deleted entirely. If there are old branches and diseased ones on the bush, then they are removed to the very base.
• Transfer. The best time of the year for such a procedure is spring, before the sap flow begins. Although it is possible in the fall, but only after the flowering period. During the period of intense flowering, the transplantation procedure is prohibited, since this plant, due to such actions, can lose a significant part of its decorative qualities. Most often, experienced farmers are inclined in favor of an autumn transplant, since after it a much better result is obtained. The best time for this is the middle of September, when the flowering period has already come to an end, and until severe frosts are still long enough in time, the hydrangea will have time to take root and adapt.A very important fact is that the plant should be transplanted together with an earthen clod, and this must be done rather carefully so as not to damage the root system.
• Wintering. This variety of hydrangea is considered a rather delicate plant and it will definitely not be able to survive our frosts. Due to the fact that its frost resistance is at a rather low level, then they do not even try to grow it outdoors in the northern regions of our country, or they are planted in special containers, which are transferred to the premises for the winter period. In a not so cold and harsh climate, you can try to grow it in an open area, but with the obligatory condition of warming, maximum in the second half of October. They often cover the hydrangea with a greenhouse film that can protect the shoots not only from frost, but also from moisture. And in order to prevent the roots of the plant from freezing, the soil is hilled at the base of the hydrangea, after which the root circle is dug in with peat, a layer of about 30 centimeters. With long shoots from a plant, they are bent to the soil, fixed and insulated with needles or fallen leaves. In the spring, when the snow melts, such a shelter is removed so that excess moisture does not form under this shelter, which can negatively affect not only the roots of the plant, but also its shoots.

Diseases and pests

A big disadvantage, in addition to poor resistance to frost, this plant has a low level of immunity to various diseases and harmful insects. In addition to this, there is the likelihood of unpleasant symptoms from improper care. Most often, Nikko Blue's large-leaved hydrangea is damaged when grown in rather cool climates. Let's consider the most common troubles that can arise when growing this plant.

•  Yellowing of the leaves. In most cases, this is due to excess moisture. Although this honeycomb prefers good humidity, the main thing here is not to overdo it. Also, the reason may be in the wrong place of growth, for example, drafts and gusty winds.
•  Gray rot. The causative agent of the disease is a fungus. The most common disease in these plants. Quite a dangerous disease that can lead to the death of hydrangeas. The disease makes itself felt by the formation of spots on the lower part of the stem, then spreading throughout the entire stem and foliage. And over time, holes form in place of these spots, naturally spoiling the appearance of the plant. It is useless to fight this disease. You just need to completely destroy the entire plant. This will help avoid infecting other bushes. After removing the plant from the ground, it must be treated with special disinfectants, since the fungus of this disease is transmitted just through the soil.
•  Powdery mildew. A fungal disease that quite often affects hydrangeas. It looks like the presence of a light bloom on the leaves of the plant, followed by yellowing of the foliage and its wilting. Fight this disease by treating the bush with fungicides.
•  Pests. The most frequently attacking pests include: grape snail, spider mite, scale insect, slugs, aphids, leafworm. It is worth fighting such harmful and dangerous insects by spraying the bush with insecticides. And it is even better to carry out preventive measures in advance so that such a nuisance does not arise.

Hydrangea Nikko Blue: reviews

On the Internet, you can find a huge number of reviews about Nikko Blue's large-leaved hydrangea. A noticeable majority of these are positive. All this is due to its decorative features that fascinate and catch the eye of anyone. Almost all positive reviews note the length of the flowering period, as well as its splendor and beauty.From negative reviews, there is a low level of resistance to frost and cold, poor immunity to diseases and pests, as well as some moodiness in care. But if you manage to cope with all these factors, then this hydrangea variety will delight you with its appearance and aroma for a long number of years.

The large-leaved hydrangea Nikko Blue is rightfully considered an excellent option for decorating and decorating a personal plot, as well as living quarters. And, although the course for this shrub requires certain costs, but this does not stop a large number of gardeners, since its chic appearance is able to fall in love with many.