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Many beautiful varieties of hydrangeas are successfully grown in various regions of Russia, despite harsh winters and dry summers. One of the striking examples is Levana hydrangea. This is a very beautiful bush with a lush, compact crown and large white flowers, collected in numerous inflorescences. They are successfully grown in fairly acidic, fertile soils. Responsive to regular watering and monthly fertilization.
Description of Levana hydrangea
Hydrangea Levana is a variety of paniculate hydrangeas, which is valued not only for its high decorative value, but also for its pleasant aroma, reminiscent of the smell of honey. Under favorable conditions, the bush reaches a height of 2.5-3 m. Hydrangea forms a very dense, compact crown with abundant white and milky-cream inflorescences.
Levana hydrangea flowers are clearly visible against the background of bright greenery
The peculiarity of the plant is its large flowers, which reach a diameter of 5-6 cm, which is 2 times higher than that of many other varieties (for example, Pinky Winky).Despite its large size, the bush does not fall apart even from strong winds. It does not require support or garter. It is enough to carry out timely pruning, organize regular watering and fertilizing.
Hydrangea Levana in landscape design
A large, spreading bush can decorate any garden. Hydrangea Levana is used in both single and group plantings. It looks beautiful both in the center of the garden and along its edges. Often the plant is placed along the house, right next to the entrance or near the paths. Here are some examples of the use of Levana hydrangea in landscape design:
- Due to their high decorative value, the bushes look good in single plantings against the backdrop of a lawn.
- Hydrangea Levana can be planted right in the center of the lawn - it can be a lonely bush or rows of plants.
- This hydrangea goes well with other flowers. Since they are usually several times lower, it is worth placing them in the background.
- Hydrangea Levana looks good planted along the fence.
- Such a lush bush should be planted somewhere in a special place in the garden, for example, next to a bench.
Winter hardiness of hydrangea Levana
A special advantage of Levana hydrangea is its high winter hardiness. Adult bushes can even tolerate extreme frosts with temperatures of -30 degrees and even down to -35. Despite the fact that in such conditions young shoots die, the bush itself quickly recovers. Therefore, Levan hydrangea can be grown not only in the Middle Zone, but also in the regions of the Urals, Siberia and the Far East.
In the Moscow region, in the south, and in the regions of Central Russia, Levana hydrangea does not need additional shelter - it is enough to just mulch the roots for the winter.It is better to cover young shoots additionally, especially in regions with frosty winters.
Planting and caring for Levana hydrangea
The Levana variety can be cared for in much the same way as other varieties of hydrangea. The main requirement is to ensure the correct planting site, regularly water, feed and trim the bush as necessary.
Selection and preparation of a landing site
Hydrangea Levana loves light, but at the same time it also tolerates places with weak shadow. When choosing a location on the site, you can pay attention to the following recommendations:
- The abundance of sunlight has a bad effect on the plant, so it is better to plant it in the shade of trees, shrubs or buildings.
- It is better to choose a place from the southern or southeastern part of the house or other buildings, so that the presence of shadow is compensated by constant light in the first half of the day.
- The bush does not like constant winds and drafts. Therefore, it is advisable to choose a protected place in the garden - along the fence, next to the house or large trees, a strip of bushes.
The bushes love lighted places, without strong shade all day long.
Landing rules
The bush loves fairly fertile, light soil. The optimal composition of soil for hydrangea is:
- leaf soil (2 parts);
- humus (2 parts);
- peat (1 part);
- sand (1 part).
The landing algorithm is as follows:
- Dig a hole with the same diameter and depth of about 50 cm.
- Water it with water: 2-3 liters.
- Make up a mixture of soil of the described composition and pour it into the hole.
- The seedling is placed in the center and covered with soil up to the root collar.
- Again, water generously (1 bucket).
- Then the roots are mulched with natural material - pine needles, compost, peat. The layer is left for the whole summer.
Watering and fertilizing
Hydrangea Levana, like other varieties, loves moisture very much. Therefore, compliance with the watering regime is mandatory. You can do this:
- If there is enough precipitation (moderate or heavy rains), you can additionally water the bush once a month.
- If there is little rain, at least once a week.
- If there is a long drought, it is better to do it 2 times a week.
In all cases, 15-20 liters of water is enough for 1 adult bush. Young seedlings can be given 5 liters.
Feeding is applied every month:
- The first time at the beginning of the season (April) - nitrogen compounds (inorganic or organic fertilizers can be used).
- Second, third time (June, July) - potash and phosphorus fertilizers. The first time they are added is at the stage of bud formation.
- The fourth (last) time is the end of August. You can also add potassium or phosphorus: then Levana hydrangea will continue to bloom in September.
After this, no fertilizing is necessary - the bush should prepare for the winter dormancy period.
To ensure lush flowering of Levana hydrangea, fertilizers must be applied monthly, and even more often on depleted soils.
Pruning Levana hydrangea
Pruning hydrangeas is necessary because the shoots grow quickly, and as a result the bush may lose its attractive shape.Haircuts are carried out several times per season:
- The main pruning is in March, before the sap begins to flow. Remove all damaged, unsightly branches that clearly spoil the shape. Thin out the dense part of the crown - it is necessary to remove shoots growing inward and to the sides (while leaving 2-3 buds).
- At the stage of bud formation, it is advisable to remove weak branches with inflorescences. Then the remaining shoots will produce even more lush flowers.
- In the fall, you can again remove all unnecessary branches so that the crown remains orderly and beautiful.
Thanks to timely pruning, the bush will always look attractive
Preparing for winter
Special preparation for winter is not required, since Levana hydrangea tolerates even extreme temperatures. Therefore, in the fall it is enough to carry out only mulching, spreading a layer of peat or sawdust 6-7 cm high. It is recommended to maintain the same layer throughout the summer. It protects the soil from rapid loss of moisture, which eliminates the need for too frequent watering.
Propagation of Levana hydrangea
You can propagate this bush in any convenient way:
- seeds;
- layering;
- cuttings.
The easiest option is to get a new hydrangea using green cuttings. The instructions are simple:
- In June or in the first half of July, apical cuttings with 2 or 3 pairs of leaves are cut.
- The bottom pair is removed, the rest are cut in half.
- Soak the cuttings in Epin for 1 hour (concentration 1 ml per 2 l).
- Planted in wet sand at an angle of 45 degrees, watered with water and covered with a jar.
- Water regularly and at the end of summer transfer to containers with regular soil.
Next, the cuttings overwinter indoors, after which they can be transferred to open ground after the snow melts (March-April).
Diseases and pests
The Levana variety is affected by the same diseases and pests as other varieties of hydrangea. However, with proper care and prevention, the bush can certainly be saved from unpleasant symptoms.
The most commonly observed diseases are:
- chlorosis;
- gray rot;
- powdery mildew;
- leaf spotting.
Various pests can often be found on the leaves of the bush;
- aphid;
- spider mite;
- leaf roller.
To prevent diseases, it is necessary to provide regular watering, fertilizing, as well as treatment with fungicides and insecticides according to the instructions. For prevention, you can also use folk remedies (ash solution, soda and other methods).
Gardeners should periodically inspect the bush for fungal infections and pests.
Conclusion
Hydrangea Levana is one of the varieties that is well suited for almost any region of Russia. This is a decorative, tall, attractive bush with large white flowers. If you follow the watering and fertilizing regime, both an experienced and a novice gardener can cope with its cultivation.
