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Every gardener dreams of making his garden plot bright and unique. Hydrangea Pastel Green is a new word in landscape design. With proper care, you can get a plant that will delight you with bright and lush flowering throughout the summer.
Description of hydrangea variety Pastel Green
For the first time, a new species of plant was presented at an international exhibition in 2016 by breeder J. Reno. A distinctive feature of the shrub is its incredibly lush flowering. According to the description and photo of Pastel Green hydrangea, its petals can change colors over time. Initially they are white in color, but over time they turn into cream, pink, wine and pistachio.
A special feature of the Hydrangea paniculata variety Pastel Green is its extended flowering time. With proper farming and warm weather, the shrub blooms throughout the summer. The first buds appear in the second decade of June.Abundant flowering lasts until early September.
The color of hydrangea buds can vary from white to wine.
The size of the Pastel Green bush is miniature compared to its relatives. An adult plant rarely grows more than 1.5 m. The leaves are bright green, turning yellow by autumn. The inflorescences are spherical in shape and up to 20 cm long. Each flower consists of 4 petals.
Hydrangea Pastel Green in landscape design
Despite the fact that the variety appeared on the market quite recently, it is quite actively used by modern designers. Pastelgreen hydrangea combines best with other species, forming lush flower beds with buds of different shades. If you want to emphasize the sophistication of the plant, you can supplement it with different types of cereals - feather grass, miscanthus or millet.
In addition to large flower beds, you can use hydrangea as single plants. With proper shaping pruning you can get a magnificent spherical shrub. It will ideally highlight the place chosen for it on the site, attracting the eye with its colorful buds.
Winter hardiness of hydrangea Pastel Green
Like most artificially bred varieties, the shrub is well adapted to low temperatures during the cold period. Small hydrangea bushes can survive snowy winters with temperature changes down to -30 degrees. If there is little snow, experienced gardeners recommend covering ornamental shrubs.
Such winter hardiness indicators make Pastel Green a desirable guest throughout almost the entire territory of Russia and neighboring countries. The bush takes root well in the central and northern European parts of the country. It is able to withstand even the continental climate of the Urals and Central Siberia.
Planting and caring for hydrangea Pastel Green
A distinctive feature of this variety is its unpretentiousness to growing conditions. Almost any soil is suitable for Pastel Green; like all ornamental plants, it prefers humus-rich substrates. The more fertile the soil, the less fertilizer and complementary feeding will need to be applied in the future.
In order for the hydrangea to be healthy and bloom magnificently, you need to follow a few simple rules:
- regular watering;
- timely introduction of complementary foods;
- periodic pruning of bushes;
- correct planting in open ground;
- protection from diseases and pests.
Regular care of Pastel Green is a guarantee of lush flowering of the plant
To protect an adult plant from weeds and retain moisture in the soil, experienced gardeners recommend periodically mulching Pastel Green tree trunk circles. Moss, sawdust or crushed bark of deciduous trees are best suited for these purposes.
Selection and preparation of a landing site
A correctly chosen planting site is the key to a beautiful and healthy plant. Places completely protected from the sun should be avoided. Experts do not recommend planting Pastel Green in areas shaded by outbuildings and fences.
In order for the shrub to delight with abundant flowering, it is necessary to choose the ideal balance of sun. Despite the fact that hydrangea is not too demanding, it is best to plant it in open areas. Prolonged exposure to sunlight does not spoil the color of the leaves and, with proper watering, does not in any way affect the development of buds.
Since the shrub has a crown that is not very developed compared to other plants, it must be protected from the wind. It is best to combine planting hydrangeas with small trees or shrubs. If the area is exposed to too much wind, additional protective screens can be installed.
Landing rules
The best time to plant Pastel Green is early spring. It must be done after all the snow has melted and before the first buds swell. To do this, dig small planting holes 40x40x40 cm. It is best to prepare them in advance in the fall.
Seedlings must have developed branches and a deep root system
Before planting, it is necessary to inspect the root system of the hydrangea. Damaged areas are removed with pruning shears. After this, the seedlings are placed in holes and dug in with a layer of earth mixed with peat and ash in a ratio of 3:3:1. Each seedling is additionally treated with a growth stimulator for faster rooting.
Watering and fertilizing
Hydrangea Pastel Green does not require much water. It is enough to water the bush once a week. In case of excessively dry weather, this operation can be performed once every 3-4 days. On average, 5-7 liters of water are poured under each bush. Watering is carried out directly on the tree trunk circles.
Pastel Green can easily withstand short-term droughts of up to 1-2 weeks. At the same time, she has a very negative attitude towards excess moisture. If the drainage layer is insufficient, accumulated water can cause rotting of the entire root system.
Hydrangea health can be maintained by periodic fertilization. It is best to do this either before or after flowering. At the end of September, mineral fertilizers based on potassium and phosphorus are applied to each bush. After the snow melts, each hydrangea is fed with 20 liters of water mixed with 40 g of urea.
Pruning hydrangea Pastel Green
Most flowering shrubs require periodic crown thinning. This ensures the correct development of shoots and also helps to form lush branches. The very first pruning of the year is sanitary. As soon as the snow has completely melted, it is necessary to inspect the hydrangea for frozen shoots and dead branches. They are completely removed to healthy wood.
The next type of pruning is formative. It is aimed at obtaining a lush crown. The procedure is carried out on young plants, leaving only strong, even branches. Once Pastel Green has finally formed, you can periodically perform anti-aging pruning - adult branches are removed by 3-4 buds annually.
Preparing for winter
Artificially bred Pastel Green survives the winter well in the conditions of central Russia. But to prevent sudden temperature fluctuations from damaging the roots or branches of the plant, it must be prepared for the onset of cold weather. The first step is to dig up the tree trunk circles and increase the mulch layer used.
If the winter is expected to have little snow and cold, it is recommended to additionally insulate the hydrangea bushes. They are wrapped in spunbond or roofing felt and tied with twine or thick clothesline.This will provide additional protection from wind and freezing of branches.
Propagation of hydrangea Pastel Green
Every novice gardener can purchase seedlings of any variety in the store. However, with enough experience, you can breed Pastel Green yourself. Like other types of hydrangea, it propagates in traditional ways:
- Cuttings. The most common method among most gardeners. As soon as the first buds appear on the bush, a long branch is cut off from the hydrangea. The top is removed and then divided into equal cuttings with 2-3 rows of leaves each. The lower shoots are removed, after which the future plant is placed in a special solution for root growth. As soon as the root system becomes sufficiently developed, the hydrangea is transplanted into prepared soil.
- Seeds. The collected seeds are placed in humus-rich soil and watered abundantly. The container with soil is covered with glass or plastic film. The first shoots appear after 2-3 weeks. After this, the seedlings are grown in greenhouse conditions for 1-2 years before transplanting into open ground.
Hydrangea seeds are collected in the fall from faded inflorescences.
Sprouted cuttings and young seedlings must become stronger and develop a root system before transplanting. In order for the future Pastel Green to take root better, it is recommended to keep it in outdoor greenhouses in the summer and only move it indoors for the winter. As soon as the bush reaches a height of 30-40 cm, it can be rooted in your garden.
Diseases and pests
If proper agricultural practices are followed, the plant will delight the gardener with lush flowers. Despite constant care, sometimes hydrangea can be affected by various diseases.Although selection has significantly improved Pastel Green's immunity, she is susceptible to the following ailments:
- viral diseases — ring spot and hydrangea cancer;
- fungal diseases - powdery mildew, septoria, white and gray rot.
In addition to traditional diseases, hydrangea bushes can be affected by various pests. The most common uninvited guests are spider mites, leaf aphids, root-knot nematodes and garden slugs. To get rid of insects, specialized insecticides are used at the first sign of their detection.
Conclusion
Hydrangea Pastel Green will turn any site into a real work of landscape design. Bright multi-colored buds will create a unique palette of colors. With proper care and cultivation, the shrub will delight you with abundant flowering throughout the summer.
