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Hydrangea Masya is an ornamental perennial shrub with numerous and massive inflorescences that cover the entire plant in summer. Creates a beautiful composition with a wonderful aroma in any front garden, looks great in flowerpots and flowerpots. There are many different varieties of hydrangea, but Masya is especially beautiful.
A flowering plant can decorate a terrace, balcony and flower beds
Description of hydrangea Masya
This remontant variety has long earned popularity in European countries, but the plant became widespread in Russia only a few years ago. Its lush crown begins to bloom with large, bright flowers in early July and delights gardeners with its beauty until the end of September. The bush has large leaves of bright green color, erect shoots, which sometimes need garter. The flowers are collected in spherical inflorescences up to 30 cm in diameter. The color of the buds is purple or dark pink, but the shade may vary depending on the acidity of the soil.“Masya” grows quickly, has a compact shape and does not grow higher than 120 cm. This type of hydrangea is demanding on moisture and soil composition, heat-loving, and needs shelter before winter. Frost resistance of the Masya variety is up to -18 °WITH.
Hydrangea large-leaved Masya in landscape design
Thanks to its large leaves and lush inflorescences, the hydrangea bush looks attractive both when planted alone and in combination with other plants in the center of the lawn. They look spectacular with boxwood, blue spruce and juniper. Emphasizes the advantages of a composition of shrubs with delicate, small foliage and small flowers. In group planting, ferns, hostas, ornamental grasses, geraniums, spirea and other beautiful flowering shrubs will be excellent neighbors for hydrangeas. You can organize planting in pots, boxes, flowerpots, or plant a bush on a balcony or veranda. A flowerbed with the Masya variety is appropriate for a garden in French, English and country style. Flowering shrubs serve as a magnificent decoration for hedges, decorate gazebos and terraces, and serve as zoning.
"Masya" goes well with almost all plants in the garden
Winter hardiness of hydrangea Masya
Hydrangea “Masya” is on the list of frost-resistant varieties of shrubs, which is why it is loved by domestic gardeners. But despite the fact that it can withstand temperature drops to -15-18 °C, leaving the bush without shelter is not recommended.
In the conditions of central Russia, hydrangea “Masya” begins to be prepared for winter from the beginning of autumn.And before the onset of frost, the branches are bent to the ground, covered with leaves, hidden under covering material or buried like roses. But even if all the preparation rules are followed, there is a possibility that the plant will freeze and will not please you with flowers next year.
Planting and caring for hydrangea Masya
The place for planting the Masya hydrangea bush should be chosen very carefully. The flowering and decorativeness of the plant will depend on it. The variety is very fastidious and requires careful and attentive care, regular watering and fertilizing with nutritious fertilizers. It is very important to conscientiously prepare the Masya hydrangea for winter and to prune it correctly.
Selection and preparation of a landing site
“Masya” feels best on fertile, drained, loamy, loose soil, in a well-lit place. This plant is sun-loving and tolerates partial shade. Only the planted bush must be protected from bright sunlight. It is better to choose a site without drafts - near a fence or buildings. The composition of the soil can be either alkaline or acidic, but in no case calcareous. Ideally the pH should be between 5.5 and 6.
Landing rules
Hydrangea "Masya" takes root best when planted in spring, when the threat of frost has passed. Although the plant loves a lot of light, it is not advisable to choose a site in direct sun for it. Also, do not deepen the seedlings too much; 2 cm will be enough. But it is necessary to mulch the soil. Pine needles or sawdust are good for this.
Planting hydrangeas is carried out in 5 stages:
- Before planting the plant, you need to dig a hole 50x50x50 cm.
- Pour mulch and peat mixture onto its bottom.
- Place the bush, carefully straightening the roots.
- Cover it with soil and compact it.
- Water generously.
After planting, subsequent care consists of regularly moistening, loosening and fertilizing the soil.
The optimal time for planting hydrangea is considered to be late spring - early summer.
Watering and fertilizing
Since “Masya” loves moisture and is very picky about watering, each of its bushes should receive at least 2 buckets of water per week. It is advisable to water the plant with the addition of alum 2-3 times a month.
Fertilizing should be carried out at least 4 times:
- In May - to activate the growth of hydrangea.
- At the beginning of July - for tying new buds.
- In August - to extend the flowering period.
- In September - in order to restore strength.
During the first feeding, it is advisable to apply 30 g of sulfuric potassium and superphosphate, 20 g of urea (per sq. m.) to each bush. When budding begins, it is better to fertilize the Masya hydrangea with potassium sulfate (40 g) and superphosphate (70 g). By the end of flowering, the plant needs to be fed with rotted manure (15 kg per bush) or compost.
Among organic materials, “Masya” accepts mullein solution well.
For a rich hydrangea color, you need to monitor the pH balance of the soil.
Pruning hydrangea Masya
“Masya” is a variety that needs to form bushes every year. Many gardeners prefer to carry out this procedure in the spring, usually in May. Correct pruning consists of shortening the shoots by 3-5 buds, leaving up to a dozen of the strongest ones. Complete pruning of the bush will result in a lack of flowering, since the hydrangea forms buds on the shoots of last season.To stimulate their reappearance, it is necessary to regularly break off dry, broken and dead inflorescences. Leaves remaining after winter also need to be removed.
Preparing for winter
Hydrangea “Masya” is not a completely frost-resistant variety; it must be covered for the winter. They begin to prepare bushes for cold weather in September. First, they stop watering, then remove the lower leaves, giving the shoots the opportunity to become lignified. In the second half of October, all hydrangea foliage is removed, leaving only those that protect the buds. Then they carefully tilt the branches to the surface of the ground, lay them on a previously laid spruce tree, press them with a brick and cover them. Straw is well suited to protect the shoots of the plant; peat, leaves or pine bark are often used to cover the roots.
It is easier and more reliable to cover the “Masya” hydrangea for the winter with special material
Reproduction
Hydrangea variety "Masya" propagates in several ways:
- by dividing good bushes;
- herbaceous cuttings;
- horizontal bends.
In the first case, it is advisable to carry out the operation in the spring, then a positive result is guaranteed almost 100%. To do this, the bush is dug up, inspected, the roots are cut, the sections are sprinkled with charcoal or treated with brilliant green. Then the “divisions” are planted in pre-prepared holes.
When propagating by cuttings, dig up the rooted part of a non-flowering shoot, transplant it into a pot, shorten the leaves and cover with a plastic bag. The plant is planted in a permanent place no earlier than after 3 weeks.
Layers can be obtained by bending a branch towards the ground and covering it with a layer of moist soil.When the shoot takes root, it can be replanted.
When purchasing a Masya hydrangea seedling, you need to pay attention to the condition of the plant and give preference to a bush in a container or pot.
Diseases and pests
Even with careful care for the health of hydrangea, it can be susceptible to various diseases and affected by insects. The main ailments of the Masya variety include:
- white rot;
- fusarium;
- septoria;
- powdery mildew;
- ring spot.
The most common pests that attack hydrangea are:
- leaf aphids;
- spider mite;
- nematode;
- slugs
To make the plant more resistant to pests and diseases, it is advisable to water it several times a season with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. And in preparation for winter, treat the bushes with Bordeaux mixture.
The right place for planting, light soil with an acidic environment, sufficient watering and timely fertilizing guarantee the health of hydrangeas.
Conclusion
Hydrangea Masya, despite its tropical origin, can grow in temperate and continental climates. The main thing is to properly care for it, water it on time and feed it properly. If you follow all the recommendations, the plant will thank the gardener with stunningly beautiful and abundant flowering for a long time.
