Content
- 1 Description of hydrangea Eternal Summer
- 2 Hydrangea Endless summer in landscape design
- 3 Winter hardiness of hydrangea Endless Summer
- 4 Planting and caring for Endless Summer hydrangea
- 5 Hydrangea propagation Endless Summer
- 6 Diseases and pests
- 7 Conclusion
- 8 Reviews of hydrangea Endless Summer
Hydrangea Endless Summer is one of the most interesting and original varieties of garden plants. These bushes first appeared in Europe at the beginning of the 14th century and initially grew only in the gardens of aristocrats in England and France. At that time, only 2 species were grown: with red and white flowers. Endless summer quickly gained popularity, and as a result of the work of breeders, more than 100 varieties of hydrangea appeared.
But later it turned out that there are about 52 species in the genus Hortensia. A real sensation was caused by the large-leaved specimen (Hydrangea macrophylla), which is capable of blooming twice a year: on the shoots of the previous and current years.
Description of hydrangea Eternal Summer
It is for its ability to bloom twice a year that large-leaved hydrangea received the name endless summer, translated into Russian as “endless summer.” This species is a shrub up to 1.5 m high. The leaves of “endless summer” are simple, bright green. The shape is ovoid. The flowers are collected in umbrella inflorescences with a diameter of 10-15 cm. In cultivated varieties, the size can be up to 20 cm. The flowers are large, up to 3 cm in diameter.
Endless Summer has another interesting feature: the same bush can produce blue or pink flowers. It changes color depending on the acidity of the soil:
- pH below 6.0 (acidic soil) – blue;
- pH above 6.0 – pink.
In the West, soil additives are already sold specifically: Color Me Pink with lime increases the pH level; Color Me Blue with sulfur stimulates the development of blue flowers. You should not add tincture of moldy bread or sour milk to the soil “for acidification.” It’s easier then to use a weak solution of vinegar. At least it is not a medium for the development of pathogenic microorganisms.
If there is no sulfur, aluminum can be added instead of sour milk. But it is important not to overdo it: excess aluminum will cause yellowing of the leaves.
Based on the original form of large-leaved hydrangea endless summer original, new varieties have already been bred, and breeders are not going to stop. Some of the Endless Summer varieties:
- Avantgarde: Eternal Summer variety, not very common in Russia.
A distinctive feature of this variety of Endless Summer is dense, large spherical inflorescences with a diameter of up to 30 cm
- Bloom Star: a variety with good winter hardiness and spherical inflorescences. The diameter of the “balls” is about 18 cm.The large-leaved hydrangea endless summer bloomstar is distinguished by the fact that it easily changes the color of its flowers depending on the acidity of the soil. In alkaline soil, the petals of the Eternal Summer hydrangea will be pink, as in the photo below.
This version of the Eternal Summer variety is often called Bloom star rose
In acidic soil the flowers will be blue-violet.
And sometimes there is an intermediate version of Eternal Summer
- Blushing Bride Endless Summer: The semi-double flowers of this variety are initially white.
Over time, this Everlasting Summer variety changes color to pale pink or light blue.
- Twist-and-Shout: a very original variety of Endless Summer with flowers of different sizes. Like other hydrangeas, the same bush can produce both blue and pink flowers. Some sources claim that a bush can be “multi-colored” at the same time. But nowhere do they explain how to achieve this. Most likely, there is a translation error from a foreign language.
The inflorescences are still present, but the flowers are small in the middle and large at the edges
Perhaps the blue flowers of Endless Summer hydrangea meant small buds, as in the photo below:This is a “pure” blue version, shaded by lighter large buds
Attention! The Everlasting Summer Twist-and-Shout hydrangea blooms from June through fall.
This variety of Endless Summer is given additional decorativeness by its shoots and leaves that turn red in autumn.
- Hovaria Hanabi Rose: The variety has large double flowers collected in inflorescences. The color of the petals is often light pink, but if desired and the soil is acidified, blue buds can be obtained.
The variety is winter hardy
Hydrangea Endless summer in landscape design
The very decent height of the large-leaved hydrangea bush allows it to be used as a decorative background for lower plants. The dense, dark green foliage of Endless Summer sets off the white and light flowers growing in the foreground. You should not plant large-leaved hydrangea along paths unless the goal is to create a green corridor.
Other types of hydrangeas can be cut at the root in winter and flowers can be produced on new shoots in the summer. Endless Summer" requires a different approach; it is unsuitable as a green border.
The Endless Summer bush will look good on the top of a decorative hill surrounded by shorter plants.
Endless Summer grows well in containers. This allows plants to be used to decorate porches and courtyards.
Winter hardiness of hydrangea Endless Summer
Eternal summer is considered cold-resistant. Foreign sources claim that Endless Summer can withstand frosts down to -30 °C. At the same time, according to English-language websites, large-leaved hydrangea survives frosts the better, the more water it received during the last watering in the fall.
Russian gardeners have a different opinion. They believe that Endless Summer must be covered for the winter so that the flower buds do not freeze. And also that it does not tolerate frost well precisely because of excess moisture in the plant tissues.
Such discrepancies are possible due to differences in climatic conditions. The Everlasting Summer hydrangea's hardiness zones are listed as 9-4. That is, it can withstand cold from - 1.1 °C to - 34.4 °C. But the table of zones was compiled in the United States, where very severe cold usually does not occur.It’s one thing when it’s 30°C for one night, but it’s quite another thing when such frost lasts for several weeks. For guidance, you can familiarize yourself with this table of zones:
The table is only a reference material, the data from it can be taken into account, but it is necessary to take into account specific natural conditions
Planting and caring for Endless Summer hydrangea
The Endless Summer hydrangea has 2 undeniable advantages over other species of this genus:
- cold resistance;
- flowering during the spring and summer months.
This is 2.5-3 months longer than other hydrangeas. Due to the characteristics of the growing season, Endless Summer varieties require special treatment.
Selection and preparation of a landing site
When determining a planting site, you need to inspect your site and conduct an audit of already planted plants. For the Eternal Summer hydrangea, the location is chosen taking into account the climate zone: in the north the bush requires more sun, and in the south it will have to be protected from too much light. The basic rule: even in the northern regions at midday (for 2-3 hours) flowers should be in partial shade.
If you plan to plant several Eternal Summer bushes in one area, the seedlings are placed taking into account the size of the adult plant. To ensure proper ventilation of the garden plot, grown hydrangeas should barely touch each other.
You can even make a hedge from hydrangeas of the Endless Summer variety, the main thing is not to overdo it with planting density
Preparing the soil on the site
Endless summer “loves” moist soil, but has a negative attitude towards “swamp”, and also changes color depending on the acidity of the soil. Before planting hydrangeas, it is necessary to determine the type and composition of the soil in the planned location.In Europe you can buy a special soil testing kit, but there is an easier method available at home.
How to determine soil composition
To begin with, dig a hole 10 cm deep in the selected area and collect a quarter cup of soil from the bottom of the hole. The sample is poured into a clean jar or plastic bottle, 2 glasses of water and a couple of drops of detergent are added. Shake the container thoroughly for 1 minute and leave to settle for a day.
You should get 3 layers: sand, organic matter, clay. The sand settles first and will be at the very bottom of the jar. Then organic matter and clay on top, it may not even be in sediment, but in the form of water, colored red, brown or yellow-brown.
After 24 hours they look at what happened and “read” the composition:
- sandy soil: the sediment contains more than half sand and much less organic matter and clay;
- enriched with humus: the sediment contains more than half organic residues and very little clay;
- clayey with humus: the sediment contains ¼ clay and a lot of organic residues;
- loam: sand and organic matter equally in 2 parts plus 1 part clay.
The ideal soil for Eternal Summer hydrangea is loam.
Another way to determine soil type without preliminary preparation
In Russia, the variety of soils is greater, and their type is usually determined “by eye.” The only obligatory condition: the soil in the hole must be moist. A large percentage of clay, sand or organic debris may be identified.
Soil characteristics:
- Sandy: It is impossible to form a ball or sausage from wet soil. They fall apart.
- Sandy loam: the ball holds its shape, the sausage cannot be bent into a ring. She breaks down.
- Loamy: the ball holds its shape, the sausage can be rolled into a ring, but there will be cracks.
- Clayey: the ball does not want to crumble even when dropped from a height of 1 m. When rolled into a ring, the sausage holds its shape and does not crack.
- Limestone: light brown color with a lot of stones. Heats up quickly and dries out. Belongs to the category of poor soils. To grow Endless Summer hydrangea, you need to apply organic fertilizers. Since this soil is alkaline, the flowers will be pink.
Calcareous soil looks like a loose substance
- Peat: It is distinguished by its light brown color and a large amount of plant fibers. There are few nutrients. It requires a lot of effort and various elements: from clay to lime. Organic fertilizers are also needed. The environment is acidic. Endless Summer hydrangea flowers will be blue.
Moderately decomposed peat sod-podzolic soil
- Chernozem: dark earth rich in organic matter. When you squeeze a wet lump in your fist, a dark, greasy mark remains on your palm. Sometimes it requires adding sand. The acid-base environment can be anything. Looks like peat. You can tell the difference if you place a wet lump in the sun: the peat will dry out immediately, and the black soil retains moisture for a long time.
Determination of soil acidity
You can indirectly determine soil pH by looking at plants that prefer a particular environment. But there is a more modern and accurate way: using litmus paper. In gardening stores you can immediately buy a roll of this paper.
For analysis, first prepare a soil suspension:
- the sample is poured with distilled water and stirred until the soil turns into a liquid porridge;
- leave for 15 minutes;
- mix again;
- wait another 5 minutes;
- apply litmus paper to the liquid appearing on the surface.
All you have to do is look at the color of the paper:
- red – high acidity, pH level 5.0 and below;
- orange – medium acidity, pH level 5.1-5.5;
- yellow – slightly acidic, pH 5.6-6.0;
- greenish – neutral soil;
- bright green – the earth is alkaline, pH 7.1-8.5.
Taking this data into account, it is possible to qualitatively prepare the soil at the site of planting hydrangeas of the Endless Summer group. But with clay soil, you will have to experiment to find out how much additional elements need to be added to the pits.
Quite a lot of organic matter needs to be added to clay soil, as it not only provides nutrients for the hydrangea. Organic matter creates air pockets that allow excess water to drain away. The same organic fertilizers and clay will have to be added to sandy soil.
Landing rules
After determining the places for planting, preparing the soil and adding all the necessary ingredients, they begin to plant the Endless Summer seedlings. Store-bought hydrangea is carefully removed from the pot. If the roots are heavily compressed, they are straightened out so that the root system begins to actively develop. The planting hole should be slightly larger than the volume of the pot.
Hydrangea Endless Summer is placed in a hole so that the root collar is at ground level. If you bury it, the plant will rot. If left exposed to air above the soil level, the hydrangea will dry out.
The soil around the seedling is compacted, creating a natural depression. After compaction, the soil is filled with water. After moisture is absorbed, the procedure is repeated.
Proper planting of hydrangea Endless summer: the gardener takes into account the size of an adult bush
Watering and fertilizing
Endless Summer hydrangeas prefer moist, but not waterlogged soil. Excessive watering leads to a decrease in flower ovaries on the bushes.The amount of water and frequency of irrigation are adjusted depending on the type of soil.
Clay soil does not allow moisture to pass through well, and most of the liquid will drain to the side. The sandy one allows water to pass through so well that it will all go into the depths. There will be almost nothing left for Hydrangea. Loamy soil absorbs and retains moisture well.
For optimal water supply to hydrangeas from the group of Endless Summer varieties, use:
- drip irrigation;
- a hose with special holes for water, in case of a large number of bushes.
You can also water the old fashioned way, that is, by hand as the soil dries.
In hot regions, hydrangea leaves may droop during the day, but by evening they regain their elasticity. On hot days, it is better to water the bushes in the morning or evening, when the sun is not hot and the wind subsides.
Using mulch is another great way to conserve water and keep the soil moist and cool.
The most convenient time for feeding perennial hydrangeas Eternal Summer with fertilizers is spring or early summer. The flower needs a large amount of phosphorus, which stimulates its activity. It is optimal to use granular fertilizers with a slow release of phosphorus, then an overdose of the element will not occur.
Fertilizer is applied following the instructions on the package. The “more is better” option is not suitable, since in this case the hydrangea can “throw all its energy” into growing large green foliage and slow down flowering.
Don't overdo it with fertilizing
Pruning hydrangea Endless Summer
Endless summer is not considered a plant species that requires particularly careful care. But if pruned incorrectly, it may stop blooming.Due to the fact that flower buds are also formed on last year’s shoots, any summer, winter and autumn pruning is contraindicated for the Eternal Summer hydrangea. It is at this time that she lays buds for the next year.
It is generally not recommended to prune during endless summer, so as not to lose flowers. Only bush-forming and sanitary pruning is possible. In this case, they usually begin to remove bushes older than 3 years in order to remove dried parts and rejuvenate the hydrangea.
For the perennial hydrangea Endless Summer, only corrective pruning can be done.
Winter shelter for hydrangeas Eternal Summer
Although Endless Summer is positioned as a very frost-resistant plant, in Russian conditions protection will not hurt it.
The following is used as covering material:
- dry leaves;
- hay;
- straw;
- chopped tree bark.
Hills at least 35 cm high are placed around the bushes. If there are branches left on top, they can be covered with burlap and polyethylene. But even if the upper parts freeze in winter, the hydrangea will grow flower stalks from the remaining intact buds.
Buds on last year's stems will ensure the spring flowering of Endless Summer, and the inflorescences formed on new shoots will begin to bloom after 6 weeks and continue flowering until autumn.
Everlasting Summer hydrangeas also grow well in containers. If the bushes are planted in portable containers, they are placed in a cool basement or garage for the winter. Then they cover it in the same way as street ones.
There are also differences: flowers in containers do not need as much mulch. But they will need water in small quantities, since they will not receive moisture from snow and rain.
A sufficient amount of insulating material will protect the flower buds of Eternal Summer from freezing
Hydrangea propagation Endless Summer
Reproduction in hydrangea Endless summer is “traditional” for perennial shrubs:
- rhizome division;
- layering;
- cuttings.
Division is carried out in the spring. The old Eternal Summer bush is dug up and the root is divided into several parts. It is necessary to ensure that there are kidneys on each piece. The division site is disinfected with ash or a strong solution of potassium permanganate.
Reproduction of Eternal Summer by layering also begins in the spring. Selected shoots are bent to the ground, secured with staples and dug in. At the point of attachment there should be buds, one of which will give roots, and the second a young shoot. Rooting takes several months, and the young plant is planted in a permanent place only next spring.
Cuttings are the least productive way to propagate Eternal Summer flowers. Selected stems are cut into cuttings and placed in moist soil in a greenhouse. Until the cutting takes root, it is necessary to maintain soil moisture. After about a month, roots appear and the plant can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Diseases and pests
Endless summer is not protected from the main garden pest - spider mites. Hot, dry days are the ideal time for arthropod attacks.If a spider mite has infested a bush, you should not try to remove it using folk remedies. Practice has shown that they do not help. Endless summer is not a productive plant, so it can be safely sprayed with a potent acaricide.
To prevent infection of the Eternal Summer hydrangea, you should try to spray it in the morning and evening.
Also, Endless Summer hydrangeas are sensitive to water quality. It is recommended to water them with rain or settled water. It is also worth checking the acidity of the water. Watering Eternal Summer with an alkaline liquid can lead to the development of chlorosis.
The third misfortune that awaits the large-leaved hydrangea Eternal summer is downy mildew. Copper sulfate preparations are used to combat it.
Conclusion
Hydrangea Endless Summer is a real garden decoration that can be used in landscape design or decorate the porch of a house with flowering bushes. The relative unpretentiousness of hydrangea allows even novice gardeners to grow it. And experienced ones can experiment with changing the color of Eternal Summer flowers.
