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Large-leaved hydrangea Aisha is one of the representatives of moisture-loving shrubs. It is distinguished by very beautiful flowering and decorative leaves. It is often grown not only in the garden, but also indoors. In any case, it remains attractive for a long time.
The beauty of blooming Aisha will not leave anyone indifferent
Description of hydrangea Aisha
This variety is an upright shrub with excellent external characteristics:
- The bush is short, in adulthood Aisha reaches 1.2 m, the crown width is up to 1.5 m in diameter. Annual growth up to 25 cm.
- The shoots of hydrangea Aisha are densely leafy. All branches of the current year are green. They become woody the next year, so woody ones are always from last year. This fact is the reason for the weak frost resistance of the Aisha hydrangea.
- The leaves are green, oval-shaped with jagged ends. The second option is wavy around the edges. Quite large in size.
- The flowers of the Aisha hydrangea are very decorative, formed on last year's shoots, unlike other types of hydrangeas. The shape of the flowers is spherical, the diameter of one reaches 3 cm. The color changes during the opening process. At first they have a creamy white tint, then turn pink or blue. The final color depends on the acidity of the soil. Some specimens are very similar in shape to lilac flower petals. The aroma is light and subtle, which is a distinctive feature of the Aisha variety. Typically, hydrangea flowers have no scent.
- Aisha's inflorescences are dome-shaped and large, ideal for cutting. The diameter of one is 20-25 cm.
- The seeds ripen in a box, the seed size is very small. One contains a large number of hydrangea seeds.
Amazing color changes can be seen by adjusting soil acidity
Hydrangea Aisha in landscape design
The shape and decorativeness of the variety allow the plant to be used as a tapeworm, and also for decorating group plantings. Aisha combines well with other types of hydrangeas, so groups can be formed from one type or from several. The originality of the composition is given in the form of container plants. Looks harmonious with trees and other shrubs. Among garden plants for hydrangea partnerships, Aisha prefers rhododendrons or holly. Designers recommend using ivy, periwinkle, hosta, fern or anemone. The hedge from Aisha looks great.
A border of hydrangeas will decorate any area
The plant lives up to 50 years, which also needs to be taken into account when placing it on the site.
Winter hardiness of hydrangea Aisha
Gardeners are well aware of the crop's demands on air temperature. This is due to:
- close location of roots to the soil surface;
- lignification of shoots only the next year;
- laying of flower buds in the first cycle of life.
In severe frosts, hydrangea easily freezes. The optimal temperature that the plant will tolerate without much damage is 18 °C. This mark is taken into account only if the bush is insulated, at least similarly to roses. If the hydrangea freezes slightly, it will not bloom the next year. It can please the gardener with lush foliage, nothing more. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare Aisha for winter in regions with a cool climate.
Hydrangea Aisha retains its magnificent decorative appearance only with appropriate shelter for the winter.
Planting and caring for hydrangea Aisha
Planting Aisha is an important stage in the life of a shrub. The further development of the plant depends on how competently it is carried out. The second period, no less responsible for the gardener, is care before the end of the growing season. To carry out these phases correctly, you need to familiarize yourself with the nuances and approach each event responsibly:
- choosing a place and preparing it for planting hydrangeas;
- carrying out all the nuances of the Aisha landing process;
- compliance with the requirements of agricultural technology for caring for shrubs.
Each has its own subtleties, knowledge of which is necessary.
Selection and preparation of a landing site
In order for hydrangea to develop well and bloom luxuriantly, you need to select an area with partial shade. It is best if the plant is well lit in the morning and then in “openwork shade”. Bright sun reduces the color saturation of flowers. Aisha should not be placed close to trees.Hydrangea absorbs a lot of moisture, and with such a neighborhood it will have to compete.
The soil for Aisha hydrangea must be fertile and well-drained. The presence of lime in it is unacceptable. Alkaline soil is not suitable for the crop. It is optimal to plant large-leaf hydrangea in soil with a slightly acidic or moderately acidic environment. Such acidity will be provided by a mixture of leaf soil, turf, peat and sand in equal proportions. It is imperative to prepare a drainage system for Aisha.
Landing rules
Large-leaved hydrangea hydrangea macrophylla ayesha tolerates planting well. The best time is the end of spring, when the threat of frost has passed. The whole process takes a little time for an experienced gardener. Beginners will first have to familiarize themselves with the sequence of actions:
- Dig a hole of equal depth and width. The parameters vary from 30 cm to 70 cm, they depend on the size of the root system or coma. The distance between pits must be at least 2 m.
The pit must be of sufficient size and must have a drainage layer
- Lay drainage.
- Fill in some of the prepared soil mixture.
- Install the Aisha seedling and cover the roots with the remaining soil mixture.Important! Do not bury the root collar, leave it at ground level.
- Lightly compact the soil and water the Aisha hydrangea seedling.
- Be sure to mulch the area around the trunk. Place a layer of mulch of at least 10-12 cm.
Good material for mulch is pine needles or sawdust.
Watering and fertilizing
The growth and decorativeness of Hydrangea Aisha directly depend on the watering schedule. If the shrub is watered untimely or insufficiently, then the hydrangea will immediately react by losing its attractiveness and will cease to delight with lush flowering. The inflorescences will become faded and drooping.Large-leaf hydrangeas need to be watered with settled, warm water. Experienced gardeners advise having a water container on the site so that it heats up naturally. However, you need to make sure that there is no overheating. Periodically (once a month), you can water the hydrangea with a solution of citric acid, having previously measured the acidity level.
Feeding the bush is applied throughout the growing season at intervals of 14 days. It is imperative to alternate mineral complexes with organic matter. It is important to remember that hydrangea cannot be fed with ash, manure or humus. The plant does not like these substances. If signs of chlorosis appear, it is necessary to feed the Aisha hydrangea with a solution of iron salts at least 3 times every 7 days. The main feedings are considered to be spring in the budding phase and autumn in preparation for winter.
Pruning large-leaved hydrangea Aisha
There is no need to prune the bush. All you need is sanitary cutting of dry and broken branches. The second option is to give the crown of the Aisha hydrangea the desired geometric shape. For the first 2 years, the plant should not be touched so that the hydrangea can grow the required volume of branches. You can trim the shoots in spring or autumn. When the active growing season begins, it is not recommended to touch Aisha.
Preparing for winter
In order for hydrangea to survive the winter, you need to take measures to insulate the bush. Firstly, good hydration is necessary. Secondly, spraying the branches with Bordeaux mixture to prevent diaper rash. As soon as the time for night frosts comes, you need to do the following:
- Hill up the bush with a layer of 20-30 cm.
- Cover the top with two layers of agrospan or similar material.
- Bend the branches to the ground, cover with dry leaves or spruce branches.
- Cover the bush with a box or crate.
It is necessary to remove the shelter in the spring only after warm weather has established itself and the threat of frost has passed.
Proper shelter will help preserve the flowering of the bush next year
Reproduction
According to the recommendations of gardeners, the best way to propagate large-leaved hydrangea is cuttings. If the event is held in the summer, then with green shoots. Lignified ones take cuttings in winter. Parts of the shoots take root quite actively. After planting with proper care, Aisha blooms the next year. Less popular methods are propagation by layering and seeds. It will be easier to divide the bush when replanting. This way you can also get full-fledged plants that will bloom in the spring.
Diseases and pests
The shrub can be affected by fungal infections. If oily yellow spots appear on the leaves, you need to treat the plant with a fungicide. This is a symptom of downy mildew, which spreads very quickly. If you do not take protective measures, the plant will die.
The second type of disease, which occurs quite often, is chlorosis. The reason is feeding the bush with humus or alkalizing the soil. It is necessary to increase the acidity and revise the feeding schedule.
When there is a lack of moisture, spider mites settle on hydrangeas. The pest must be controlled by spraying with an insecticide, for example, Actellik. Repeat the treatment after 5 days until the tick is destroyed.
Conclusion
Large leaf hydrangea Aisha is a real decoration of the garden plot. By following agrotechnical recommendations, even a novice gardener can grow an ornamental shrub on his own.
