Content
Tree hydrangea Pink Pinkushen is a shrub. Attractive appearance and frost resistance make it popular in landscape design. It is important to plant the shrub correctly and organize proper care, including protection from diseases and pests.
Characteristics of hydrangea Pink Pinkushen
In Latin, this variety of tree hydrangea is called Hydrangea arborescens Pink Pincushion. It grows in the form of a lush, spreading bush of a hemispherical shape. Main characteristics of tree hydrangea:
- average height 1-1.2 m;
- the width is similar to the height, but may exceed it (usually up to 1.5 m);
- many shoots that are slightly pubescent;
- formation of inflorescences only on this year’s shoots;
- inflorescences are flat, dome-shaped, diameter 10 cm (can reach 15 cm), length 30-35 cm;
- flowering occurs in June-August, begins in the year of planting, often lasts throughout September;
- the color of the petals changes - at the beginning of flowering it is pink, at the end it is white and lilac-pink;
- The leaves are elliptical or ovoid in shape, 8-15 cm in diameter, the edges are jagged, there is a heart-shaped notch at the base, and in autumn the color changes from green to yellow-green.
The dome-shaped shape of the inflorescences distinguishes Pink Pinkushen from the paniculate varieties of this species
Hydrangea tree Pink Pincushion in landscape design
This plant is used for single and group plantings. It can be found in summer cottages, gardens, and public parks.
By planting several tree-like hydrangeas together, the beauty of their inflorescences is better revealed. A single plant looks good surrounded by spirea, clipped boxwood or conifers.
Pink Pinkushen can become the basis of a mixborder - a flower garden of perennial plants
This variety is suitable for creating hedges and edging paths.
Winter hardiness of tree hydrangea Pink Pinkushen
Breeders worked hard on the frost resistance of Pink Pinkushen, since the first varieties of the plant did not have this quality. This tree-like hydrangea can survive frosts down to - 25-29 °C.
If the winter is harsh, then Pink Pinkushen may freeze. The advantage of this variety is that it grows back quickly in the future.
Planting and caring for hydrangea
It is important to choose the right place for the plant and properly organize comprehensive care.The development and health of tree hydrangea, its lifespan, and attractiveness depend on this.
Selection and preparation of a landing site
When choosing a site for planting Pink Pinkushen, it is important to meet the following conditions:
- acidic soil, optimal acidity level – pH 5;
- Tree hydrangea does not like calcareous and sandy soils;
- the soil should be moist and fertile;
- There should be no trees nearby that absorb a lot of moisture.
- when planting in the southern region, it is better to choose partial shade, and in the north or in the middle zone - a well-lit or slightly shaded place;
- The best option is when the sun's rays hit Pink Pinkushen in the morning and evening, and during the day the plant is in the shade.
For tree hydrangea, it is important to prepare the right soil. The best option is to take 2 parts of leaf soil and humus, 1 part of peat and sand.
You need to plant Pink Pinkushen as follows:
- Prepare the planting hole. This is done a few days before planting. It is optimal to make the width, length and depth 30 cm each.
- Add humus and peat to the planting hole - 1/3 of a bucket per bush.
- Before planting, loosen the soil.
- Place the hydrangea strictly vertically, sprinkle with soil. The root collar should not be buried, but may be at ground level.
- Water the bush with soft water.
- Gently loosen the soil.
Instead of hay, you can use agrofibre; if there is a lot of snow in the region, then constructing a metal frame over the crown will help protect the branches
Landing rules
When planning to plant Pink Pinkushen, you need to remember the following rules:
- Planting should be done in spring. In autumn it is allowed only in the southern regions.
- When planting, it is important to try to preserve the earthen ball.
- Leave a distance of at least 1 m between plants.
Watering and fertilizing
Pink Pinkushen cannot stand drought. Tree hydrangeas need to be watered regularly. During summer drought, watering should be increased more frequently, every 3-4 days. For adult plants, you need 15-20 liters of water per bush. During the rainy season, moisturizing is required once a month.
After watering, the soil should be loosened. This is important for soil aeration, the roots will receive enough important oxygen.
It is necessary to get rid of faded inflorescences. This measure stimulates the formation of new buds, serves as a prevention of certain diseases, and provides an aesthetic appearance.
An important point in caring for the tree hydrangea Pink Pinkushen is feeding. They are carried out according to the following scheme:
- At the beginning of spring, the bush grows, so nitrogen fertilizer with potassium and phosphorus is required; such additives should be insignificant. To quickly absorb the elements, you can use liquid fertilizer.
- When forming buds, they resort to complex mineral fertilizers. Nitrogen is not needed, but potassium and phosphorus are important. You can add 70 g of superphosphates and 45 g of potassium sulfate.
- When the buds wither, potassium is needed. This feeding improves immunity and helps during wintering.
Pruning hydrangea arborescens Pink Pinkushen
The plant needs sanitary pruning. During it, they get rid of weak, broken, diseased shoots. It is better to carry out sanitary treatment in the fall.
In the third year of life of tree hydrangea, formative pruning is introduced. Branches that are too long are shortened to 3-4 buds. This treatment increases the density of the bush and stimulates flowering.
Preparing for winter
Pink Pinkushen is not afraid of frosts, but they are still stressful for tree hydrangea. It needs to be properly prepared for winter:
- Remove dried branches and leaves.
- Mulch the bush using sawdust and dry leaves. Pour them into the base of the tree-like hydrangea, without saving material.
- Press flexible shoots to the ground and secure. It is convenient to use hairpins for this.
- Hay is good for shelter. The layer should be thick.
In mild climates, winterization is not necessary.
Instead of hay, you can use agrofibre; if there is a lot of snow in the region, then constructing a metal frame over the crown will help protect the branches
Reproduction
Tree hydrangea can be propagated in different ways, but vegetative methods are used to preserve the varietal qualities of the species.
At the beginning of autumn or at the end of spring, cuttings are used:
- Select shoots without flowers. Cut cuttings no more than 15 cm long, so that each has 2 pairs of buds.
- Each cutting should be buried in a shaded area, having previously been treated with a growth stimulator.
- Cover each cutting with a plastic bottle, cutting off the bottom. Open the lids periodically for ventilation.
- Make a shelter for the first winter. You can use special material or spruce branches.
Cuttings can be planted in indoor pots by placing them in the basement and periodically moistening the soil. Rooted sprouts are planted outside in late spring.
Another way to propagate tree hydrangea is by dividing the bush. Algorithm:
- Dig up the selected specimen.
- Divide the base of the bush into 2-3 parts with a shovel. Each should have several shoots and a healthy root system.
- Treat cuts and damage with charcoal.
- Plant the resulting bushes in areas prepared in advance.
Tree hydrangea Pink Pinkushen can be propagated by arched shoots; this should be done in early autumn according to the following algorithm:
- Cut annual shoots, bend them into an arc, and secure with wire.
- Mulch the cuttings. Mulch should be nutritious.
- Next year, provide the planting material with a shady area and regularly moisten the soil.
- By autumn, the cuttings will have their own roots and full-fledged seedlings will form. They need to be transferred to the ground in the spring according to the standard algorithm.
Diseases and pests
Tree hydrangea Pink Pinkushen can be affected by fungus. The damaged parts darken and brown spots appear. The plant gradually begins to dry out and die. Fundazol, Vitaros, Skor and Horus will help you defeat the disease.
These drugs can also be used for prevention.
Bordeaux mixture will help to avoid fungus; the plant should be sprayed in early spring and during preparation for wintering
One of the enemies of the Pink Pinkushen tree hydrangea is the leaf aphid. This is a small pest, its average size is 5 mm. The insect eats the underside of leaves, the tops of young shoots, and buds. Insecticides are needed to combat it.
The color of the aphid corresponds to the plant on which it parasitizes
Another enemy of the plant is the spider mite. Even an adult pest is very small - its size is only 1 mm. The first sign of its appearance is a cobweb on the bottom of the leaves.It is very thin, almost transparent. White dots appear on the leaves and they dry out.
Acaricides and insectoacaricides help against spider mites. Prevention includes regular weeding and fertilizing with potassium and phosphorus.
A good prevention of spider mites is an infusion of garlic for spraying.
Conclusion
Tree hydrangea Pink Pinkushen is a beautiful and lush shrub that can be effectively used in landscape design. The plant is quite unpretentious and easy to grow. Care must be comprehensive; the appearance and health of the plantings depend on it.
