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Hydrangea Red Baron is a lush perennial shrub with bright inflorescences. This variety belongs to the large-leaved species, which is hypoallergenic because it is odorless and is not particularly picky in care. Thanks to these features, Red Baron has become popular among gardeners.
Description of Red Baron hydrangea
Hydrangea Red Baron reaches a height of 1-1.5 m. The flowering period of Baron is July-August. At this time, the dense spherical crown is strewn with large, lush, spherical inflorescences, reaching 20-25 cm in diameter. The color of the four flower petals varies from bright red to rich crimson, depending on the acidity level of the soil. The core is pale green. Even in dormant times, Red Baron looks spectacular with its large, bright green, ovate foliage.
The color of Red Baron depends on the acidity of the soil
Hydrangea Red Baron in landscape design
Designers love to use hydrangeas in their arrangements because of their vibrant appearance, long-lasting blooms, and flexibility in being shaped into a variety of shapes by pruning. The plant can become a single or group decoration, as well as complement a landscape piece. In addition, young bushes need frequent replanting, which is why hydrangea decorates different areas of the garden. Looks great in park areas, garden or personal plots, city squares.
Red Baron is suitable for:
- hedges;
- monochrome flower garden;
- flower beds with planting in the central part;
- marking the entrance to the garden with planting in pots;
- park alleys;
- decoration of the relaxation area in the garden.
Another advantage of hydrangea is its excellent combination with other plants:
- coniferous;
- boxwood;
- barberry;
- incense;
- juniper.
Winter hardiness of Red Baron hydrangea
The minimum temperature that Red Baron can withstand is -15°C. However, even if the winter does not promise to be harsh, it is necessary to cover the hydrangea. Any varieties whose lower limit does not reach -18°C require insulation.
Planting and caring for Red Baron hydrangea
Choosing the right place for planting, suitable soil, compliance with sowing standards and further care are extremely important for the healthy growth and flowering of Red Baron hydrangea. In addition, proper care will help the shrub survive the winter and protect it from diseases and pests.
Selection and preparation of a landing site
The choice of location depends on the preferences of the plant:
- Lighting. Hydrangea is light-loving, but constant exposure to the sun will lead to drying out.Regular shade will affect the size of the flowers, reducing them noticeably, and delaying the onset of flowering. Therefore, the ideal solution would be an area illuminated by the sun no more than 7 hours a day, and covered with partial shade at noon.Important! You should not plant hydrangea near trees, as their roots take away the moisture the flower needs.
- Wind resistance. Red Baron loves well-ventilated places, but drafts must be avoided, and young bushes should be protected from strong winds for the first couple of months after planting. The best place is along a fence or house, which will protect from excessive wind.
- The soil. The soil for Red Baron should be fertile, well ventilated and without stagnant moisture, with an acidity level of 5.2-6.2. Humus areas are most suitable. Sandy soils and red soil will not allow the plant to develop.
It should be remembered that the brightness of the inflorescences directly depends on the acidity of the soil, but do not make it too acidic. Some gardeners advise adding alkali to the soil to develop a redder tint, but you should be careful with this - an overdose can lead to the development of chlorosis.
Hydrangea must be hidden from drafts and strong winds
The preparation of the selected site begins with the soil. If the site does not have soil suitable for growing Red Baron hydrangeas, prepare the soil yourself. To do this, mix:
- 1 part peat and sand;
- 2 parts garden soil and humus;
- 25 g of urea and potassium sulfate;
- 65 g superphosphate.
Loose soil from a pine forest is also suitable.
How to prepare the seats:
- The volume of planting holes depends on the hydrangea roots, which develop horizontally.The width of one hole is 55-65 cm, the depth is 40-45 cm. The distance is 1-1.5 m. If planted closer, Red Baron hydrangeas will bloom earlier, but with age they will have to be replanted;
- drainage in the form of crushed stone, broken brick or gravel must be laid at the bottom of clay soils;
- Prepared soil is added to the hole, mixed with a special composition for hydrangeas with an acidity of 6.0-6.2 to maintain the red color.
Landing rules
Red Baron is planted from late April to mid-May, or early October. When sowing in spring, make sure the soil is warm. It is best to choose a cloudy, cool day before rain.
Steps for planting Red Baron hydrangeas:
- Carefully remove the seedling from the pot along with the earthen lump.
- Carefully clean the roots from the soil with your hands without damaging them.
- Place the Red Baron bush in the hole, carefully distributing the rhizomes over the ground, making sure that the root collar does not go deeper than 2-3 cm from the surface.
- Fill with the remaining soil mixture, compacting gently.
- Water thoroughly, at the rate of 10-15 liters per bush.
- Mulch the soil with peat, sawdust and bark to a height of 7-10 cm.
Watering and fertilizing
Timely irrigation and fertilization is another key on the way to a luxurious flowering shrub.
Water the moisture-loving Red Baron regularly once every 7 days in a ratio of 2 buckets of water per bush. If it rains constantly, then watering is reduced to 2 times a month. Lack of fluid is indicated by drooping leaves, limp stems and cracked soil.
To water hydrangeas, it is better to use non-cold rainwater or tap water that has been left standing for at least a day. Once every two weeks, Red Baron can be given an acidic mixture - citric acid diluted in water at the rate of 4 g per 10 liters.
The main thing in watering is not to overdo it, otherwise the hydrangea will get sick.
Feeding with nutrients is no less important than watering:
- in spring: The first time fertilizer is applied immediately after planting or after 14 days to form foliage. During this period, potassium and urea are needed. Ready-made mixtures are suitable, for example, “ECOstyle” or “Kemira”, mixtures for rhododendron plants, or natural herbal and manure decoctions. The second feeding is during bud formation, for abundant flowering, when the bush requires potassium and phosphorus. To strengthen the trunk, it is recommended to spray three times with potassium permanganate;
- in summer: During flowering, Red Baron is watered with nettle infusion, potassium and urea are added. In August, complex mixtures are not required; manure or droppings are suitable instead;
- autumn: Before wintering Red Baron hydrangea, it is recommended to give a mixture of superphosphate and potassium sulfate at the rate of 1 tbsp per 10 liters of water. 5-7 liters are poured under one bush.
Pruning Hydrangea largeleaf Red Baron
New buds in hydrangeas form on last year's shoots, so pruning them will not allow the bush to bloom again. It is allowed to trim only the faded inflorescences of Red Baron for sanitary purposes and the lower leaves to prepare for winter.
In the spring, after the leaves bloom, damaged, old and stunted shoots are removed to allow new ones to sprout.
Preparing for winter
Red Baron hydrangea should be prepared for winter from September. To do this, reduce the number of waterings so that the greenery begins to fall off. It is recommended to remove the foliage from the lower and middle parts, leaving the upper part to protect the buds.
Having prepared the plant, move on to the shelter:
- hydrangea is wrapped in two layers of lutrasil or burlap;
- when frosts become regular, spruce branches are placed under the Red Baron, after which the bush is tied and bent onto the litter;
- pine needles or dry leaves are laid on top and covered with spruce branches.
Reproduction
Red Baron is propagated by:
- seeds;
- cuttings;
- layering;
- offspring.
Dividing seeds does not require preliminary preparation. They are laid out on the surface of moist soil, sprinkled with settled water at room temperature, and then covered with polyethylene or glass. After 20 days the grains germinate.
Seed propagation is not the best way to divide Red Baron
Dividing by cuttings is the most preferred method. It is carried out in July, when the buds appear. To do this, you will need a leafy shoot with one or more embryos, cut from the bottom of the lateral branches. The cutting should be cut early in the morning, when it is filled with moisture.
The future plant is immediately placed in a shady place in water, after which the top with the bud is removed. Then the cuttings are divided into several parts with 2-3 leaves and the petioles are dipped into a growth stimulator without wetting the greens.After 2 hours, the branches are planted in a damp peat-sand mixture (2:1), and covered with jars, watering 2-3 times every 7 days. At high temperatures, watering is carried out daily. After about a month, the hydrangea takes root.
Reproduction by cuttings is carried out before buds open, in early spring. In the soil dug up around Red Baron, 2 cm grooves are made, where the lower branches of the hydrangea are placed, which are pinned with special clamps. Before the first, more developed bud, the branch is wrapped with soft wire, which presses the bark into the ground as the plant grows, causing new roots to appear.
By the end of September, shoots appear, which should be earthed up when their growth reaches 15 cm. In October, when the height is 0.5 m, the shoots are dug up and separated.
Dividing by suckers should be done very carefully so as not to damage the plant. To do this, in the fall the top layer of soil is removed and the shoots are separated, being careful not to disturb the roots. After this, the shoots are planted for growing.
Diseases and pests
Among the diseases and parasites that attack Red Baron hydrangea, the most common are:
- chlorosis - occurs due to lack of iron. It is indicated by yellowed leaves and twisted buds. In treatment, iron-containing drugs are used, for example, Antichlorosis;
- yellow spots - the appearance of which means a fungal disease - powdery mildew. Fungicides and copper-containing substances are used against it;
- fungus - gray rot covers the stem and leaves with watery ulcers. Treat with Fundazol;
- spider mite - it is indicated by fallen leaves with cobwebs on the inside. Actellik is suitable for treatment.
Conclusion
Hydrangea Red Baron, like other varieties of large-leaved hydrangea, requires proper care for healthy growth and lush flowering. Therefore, in order for the plant to become the main pride of any garden, gardeners must comply with all conditions for growing shrubs.
