Content
Flowering shrubs create a unique atmosphere in a suburban area. The attention of many gardeners was attracted by the new product of 2018 - paniculata hydrangea Samara Lydia. The variety is valuable for its compactness and rich leaf color. The main advantage is the delicate inflorescences that change color.
The color of the inflorescences changes from white to pink
Description of hydrangea paniculata Samara Lydia
Like most types of hydrangea, Samara Lydia blooms for a long time - July, August and September. The bush is covered with a large number of compact (15 cm) conical inflorescences. In July they are white, and in August they rapidly change color to bright pink or red (depending on the region).
Samara Lydia hydrangea bushes are short - 1-1.3 m. They slowly increase in volume, so they are ideal for container growing. The width of the spreading crown is usually equal to the height of the bush. Dark green leaves highlight the delicate inflorescences.There is a pleasant, unobtrusive aroma in the air.
Hydrangea Samara Lydia in landscape design
The new hydrangea variety is universal in landscape design. It is used as a tapeworm in small gardens and planted on compact lawns. A lone bush looks good in a container. Due to its slow growth and small size, the crop is more often used in group plantings.
Basic compositions with hydrangea Samara Lydia:
- narrow flower beds;
- curbs;
- hedges.
Winter hardiness of the hydrangea variety Samara Lydia
Paniculata hydrangea belongs to the group of winter-hardy garden plants. Samara Lydia can withstand frosts down to -30 °C. But sudden changes in temperature, strong winds and lack of snow in winter make the crop less viable.
Experienced gardeners advise covering the root system of paniculate hydrangeas so that severe frost does not damage them through soggy bare soil. The above-ground part of young, immature plants is securely wrapped. Frostbitten branches can cause the spread of disease. A strong adult plant can successfully overwinter without shelter, but with good preliminary pruning. Flowers will appear on the shoots of the current season.
Inflorescences appear on the shoots of the current year
Planting and caring for hydrangea Samara Lydia
In order for the Samara Lydia hydrangea to become covered with dense foliage and an abundance of lush inflorescences, a number of conditions must be met. The main attention is paid to the following points:
- Preparing the site.
- Landing.
- Care during the growing season.
- Preparing for winter.
Selection and preparation of a landing site
Paniculate hydrangeas love well-lit areas. But to extend the flowering period and protect the leaves from burns, it is better to shade them for several hours in the middle of the day. This is done through careful planning of the landing site. Shade can be provided by neighboring bushes and trees, as well as buildings. It is important that the shadow is not too deep and long.
The ideal soil for Samara Lydia hydrangea has the following characteristics:
- Increased acidity.
- Fertility.
- Humidity.
- Breathability.
Problems with acidity, fertility and air permeability are solved simultaneously by adding organic fertilizers to the soil. High-moor peat, leaf compost, fresh manure and rotted pine needles are suitable. The looseness of the soil is further enhanced by adding sand. The selected site is prepared in advance, since organic matter is not immediately absorbed.
Landing rules
In the southern regions, Samara Lydia hydrangea is planted in early autumn. The plant manages to take root before the onset of frost and already next year pleases with lush flowering. The middle zone and northern regions are suitable for spring planting. The earth should warm up enough. Hydrangea seedlings with a closed root system can be planted in any warm month.
A low-growing bush with delicate inflorescences suitable for open ground and cultivation in containers
Stages of planting hydrangea Samara Lydia:
- Dig a hole 2 times the diameter of the root system.
- Lay a 10 cm drainage layer of gravel, crushed stone or broken brick.
- Cover with black soil with sand and acidic peat.
- Straighten the roots at the bottom of the hole.
- Fill with the remaining soil mixture and compact it.
- Mulch the tree trunk circle.
- Tie the bush to a support.
- Water with cold water.
- Cover with film or agrofibre.
Watering and fertilizing
For Samara Lydia hydrangea, maintaining soil moisture levels is important. To do this, watering is carried out frequently - once a week. One young plant uses 1 bucket of water, and an adult bush uses 2. It is necessary to water, being careful not to wet the leaves.
Experienced gardeners advise feeding according to the following scheme:
- Nitrogen fertilizers are applied every 2 weeks during spring and the first half of summer.
- Long-term mineral fertilizers are applied once in the spring.
- Fertilizer to improve flowering is introduced once in the spring.
- Feed with a weak solution of potassium permanganate once a month.
- Potassium fertilizers are introduced instead of nitrogen fertilizers during the budding period.
From the second half of August, fertilizing is not carried out. Organic fertilizers promote enhanced flowering of Samara Lydia hydrangea. However, their excessive use will lead to the inability of the branches to support huge inflorescences.
Trimming
For the winter, paniculate hydrangea bushes get rid of flowers. In early spring, radical pruning is carried out. Remove most of each shoot, leaving 2-3 buds. Over the course of the season, young branches with flower buds will develop from them. Until next spring they will become woody.
Sanitary pruning must be carried out every year. Remove damaged, twisted and shoots formed on old wood.Some branches are completely cut off; if necessary, the crown needs to be thinned.
Preparing for winter
Before winter, dried inflorescences are cut off from the shoots and the leaves are completely removed. This is necessary so that the accumulation of moisture does not lead to infection of the bush. It is not necessary to carry out autumn treatment of Samara Lydia hydrangea - the variety is well protected from diseases.
In case of a snowless, unstable winter, an air cushion is created on the tree trunk circle. To do this, use dry leaves, grass or moss. Covering the ground part is only necessary for a young bush. Frostbite on branches is not a problem for an adult plant, since they are removed during spring pruning.
Young hydrangea is securely covered for the winter
Reproduction
Varietal characteristics are not preserved when propagated by seeds. For Samara Lydia hydrangea, only cuttings and rooting are suitable. The second option is preferable if you need to get only a few seedlings.
Cuttings are cut during the period of bud swelling. Each of them must have 2 internodes. The upper cut is made straight, the lower cut at an angle of 45°. The soil for rooting consists of peat and sand. The sprout is deepened by 3-4 cm, watered and covered with film. For rooting you need a warm and bright place.
Reproduction by layering is the easiest way. The strongest shoot of the season is lowered to the ground and buried. For fastening, use a bracket, brick or stone. The rooting area is always kept moist. Next season, the resulting shoot can be planted.
Diseases and pests
The reasons for some changes in the appearance of the Samara Lydia hydrangea should be sought in inappropriate conditions.For example, black spots on leaves can appear from excess sunlight or hard water. Darkening and softening of leaves occurs due to excessive watering or temperature fluctuations.
A weakened plant is susceptible to chlorosis, downy mildew, gray rot, powdery mildew and ring spot. Sometimes the crop is attacked by nematodes, mites or aphids. Problems are easily solved using specialized tools.
Conclusion
Hydrangea paniculata Samara Lydia is an achievement in the selection of ornamental plants. The combination of compact size, delicate color-changing inflorescences and rich leaves make the plant desirable for every gardener.
Plant care is standard for paniculate hydrangeas. It is especially important to pay attention to the composition of the soil and regular watering. Proper application of fertilizing helps hydrangeas reach their potential. Annual pruning is necessary to maintain shape and abundant flowering.
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