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Hydrangea Mega Pearl is a fast-growing shrub that is often used in landscape design. With proper planting and care, the crop grows on the site for about 50 years.
Description of hydrangea Mega Pearl
Hydrangea paniculata Mega Pearl (hydrangea paniculata mega pearl) is a profusely flowering shrub. In nature, hydrangea is found on the southern coast of Sakhalin, on the islands of Japan and in China. Its height reaches 10 m. When grown in the temperate climate of Russia, the branches of the bush stretch up to 2-2.3 m in length.
The Mega Pearl variety is adapted to heat and frost, therefore it is actively used in landscape design throughout Russia.
Hydrangea inflorescences are long panicles (up to 30 cm) with a creamy or greenish-white color.
Fully opened flowers become pinkish, and closer to flowering - reddish
The flowering period is long, lasting from June to the end of September, and in warm regions - until mid-October.After planting, the bush blooms no earlier than 4 years later.
The bark of an adult shrub is brownish-gray, with peeling. In young specimens it is pubescent, brownish-green.
The leaves are dense, jagged along the edges. Their shape is elliptical, oblong, length - from 7 to 10 cm. The upper part of the leaf blade is dark green, and the bottom is slightly lighter, there is pubescence.
Hydrangea Mega Pearl in landscape design
Hydrangea Mega Pearl is often used to create a hedge. Its height (about 2.5 m) and tough shoots make it possible to build a natural barrier in the garden.
A spreading bush can be used as a tapeworm, which will decorate a flower bed.
Hydrangea is often used as a hedge, made from single-colored or multi-colored varieties
Saplings can be placed along the wall of the building
A landscape hedge of hydrangea looks incredibly beautiful against the backdrop of large trees.
Mega Pearl hydrangea seedlings are purchased by city landscaping organizations, since this crop is often used for lining park areas.
Winter hardiness of Hydrangea paniculata Mega Pearl
Hydrangea paniculata Mego Pearl is a deciduous shrub characterized by high winter hardiness. The variety has been tested throughout the European part of Russia, as well as in the Far East and Western Siberia. USDA frost hardiness zone 4, i.e. the bush can withstand frosts down to – 30 °C. Young seedlings are less winter-hardy and therefore need shelter.
Planting and caring for Mega Pearl hydrangea
In order for the plant to grow strong, spreading and blooming, it needs proper care. The planting location is no less important, because each crop has its own requirements for the composition of the soil, its acidity, as well as illumination and watering.
Selection and preparation of a landing site
The Mega Pearl variety takes root well in abundantly moist, well-drained soils. Stagnation of moisture is unacceptable, therefore, when planting, a drainage layer is provided.
Soil with a slightly acidic or acidic reaction is preferable. If the indicator is alkaline, then the soil can be acidified by adding humus, manure, and pine litter. Clay soil must be mixed with sand, peat, and soil from a coniferous forest.
It is better to plant Mega Pearl in a lighted area, which is in partial shade at noon
Too hot daytime rays can cause foliage to burn, which will affect the period and quality of flowering.
Landing rules
To properly plant a crop, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
- The size of the hole depends on the root system of the seedling. Approximate dimensions of the planting hole: 35-50 cm – depth, 40-50 cm – diameter;
- A nutritious soil mixture is required for planting. You can prepare it yourself. To do this, mix the turf layer of earth with sand, peat, and organic fertilizers;
- when planting several seedlings, leave a distance of at least 1 m between them. The hedge can be planted in one or two lines. If a dense fence is needed, holes are dug in a checkerboard pattern;
- The root system of the seedling is inspected for rotten and damaged areas. If identified, they are removed, roots that are too long are shortened;
- When purchasing seedlings with an open root system, before planting they are soaked in water with the addition of a growth stimulant.Seedlings in transport pots are planted using the transshipment method, without preliminary soaking;
- The prepared soil mixture is poured into the hole. The hydrangea is placed on it, carefully straightening the roots. Then they are covered with the remaining soil, slightly compacting each layer;
- the root collar of the Mega Pearl hydrangea is not buried, leaving it flush with the surface;
- The seedlings are watered, and the tree trunk circle is covered with mulching materials. This can be peat, humus, wood chips, sawdust.
Watering and fertilizing
Mega Pearl is a moisture-loving hydrangea that is watered at least twice a week. Each hole will require about 20 liters of water. The procedure is carried out during dry periods. If it rains, the watering rate is reduced. Mulch helps retain moisture and reduce the amount of watering.
For hydrangeas, use water without chlorine; you can collect rainwater or settle tap water
Water for irrigation should be at room temperature. Moisturizing Mega Pearl hydrangea is carried out carefully, pouring the liquid strictly under the root. In order not to harm the decorative appearance of the crop, it is necessary to avoid contact with drops of liquid on the foliage and flowers.
The plant is fed 2 years after planting. Nutrients are applied three times per season:
- mineral compositions are necessary during the appearance of the first shoots;
- during the formation of buds, they are fed with potassium sulfide and superphosphate, which are taken in a ratio of 3:1. For 10 liters of water you will need 100 g of dry mixture;
- in the last ten days of August, paniculata hydrangea is fed with mullein infusion. To do this, manure is diluted in water in a ratio of 1:3 and left for at least 7 days.Before watering, the resulting concentrate must be diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10.
Pruning hydrangea Mega Pearl
Mega Pearl is an ornamental hydrangea that requires pruning of its branches. The procedure allows you to:
- achieve lush flowering;
- create an attractive shape;
- rejuvenate the culture by extending its lifespan.
Spring pruning is carried out before the buds open.
Trim thickening, inward-looking shoots damaged by frost or wind
The rejuvenation procedure is carried out in different ways:
- on bushes older than 5-6 years, no more than 10 skeletal shoots are left, the rest are cut off;
Rejuvenation is carried out over several years
- all shoots are cut to the stump, i.e. the crop can be rejuvenated in 1 year.
Faded flowers must be cut off for the winter.
Preparing for winter
Young seedlings of Mega Pearl hydrangea must be covered for the winter. Adult specimens that have overwintered in a shelter bloom earlier and much more luxuriantly than bushes that are not insulated in the fall.
Hydrangea roots are covered with a thick layer of mulch. Peat, sawdust and other natural materials are used. The layer must be at least 30 cm.
To insulate the shoots, stakes are driven around the bush, onto which spruce branches are attached.
The structure is tightened with spunbond.
Reproduction
Most often, Mega Pearl hydrangea is bred using cuttings or layering.The seed method is time-consuming and ineffective, therefore it is not suitable for home propagation.
Cuttings are cut in spring. Each one must have at least two buds. Cut shoots are placed in peat at an angle of 60°. The lower bud should be under the ground. The seedlings are watered, covered with film and kept in greenhouse conditions until rooting. Transplantation into the ground is carried out next spring.
Cuttings of Mega Pearl hydrangea can also be carried out in the summer. To do this, cut the shoots, remove the lower leaves from them and shorten the upper ones. Place in a solution that stimulates root formation. Then they are planted in a container with peat or nutrient soil mixture. Cover with a jar. Water periodically, preventing the soil from drying out. In about a month, the cuttings will take root. From this point on, the jar is periodically removed so that the seedling gets used to the environment. Planted in the ground for the next season.
The layering method is as follows:
- In the spring, the lower branch of the hydrangea is bent and dug into the ground;
The shoot is secured with a wooden or metal bracket
- periodically water and loosen;
- when new shoots appear, they are spudded every 7 days;
- separated from the mother bush after a year.
Diseases and pests
Diseases of Mega Pearl hydrangea can be associated with metabolic disorders, as well as with viral and fungal infections.
Chlorosis causes yellowing of foliage and deformation of buds. The cause of the pathology is a lack of nutrients (iron). To eliminate the disease, use Ferovit, Antichlorosis or a self-prepared solution. To do this you will need the following components:
- iron sulfate – 1 g;
- citric acid – 2 g;
- water – 0.5 l.
Fungal and viral diseases of Mega Pearl hydrangea: downy mildew, powdery mildew, septoria, viral ring spot. To combat these pathologies, Skor, Topaz, Fitosporin, Fundazol, and copper sulfate solution are used.
Insects on Mega Pearl hydrangeas are parasitized by root-knot nematodes, aphids and spider mites. To combat them, Commander, Akarin and other insecticides are used.
Conclusion
Hydrangea Mega Pearl is a beautiful flowering shrub used in ornamental gardening. With proper care it is virtually hassle-free. Easy to propagate at home. The culture is characterized by high winter hardiness, so it only needs shelter when grown in the northern regions.
