Hydrangea: Species, Varieties, Photo

Amazing hydrangea, the species of which are quite numerous, is a shrub or a small tree, which are covered with inflorescences, consisting of two kinds of flowers. The first is large specimens that have four sepals. They are completely sterile. The second variant of flowers is rather small, but its representatives perform reproductive functions. In this article, we will consider the types of hydrangeas from the photo of their representatives. After all, each of them deserves not only an illustration, but also a separate description.

General information

Hortensia is a kind of flowers that includes about eighty species. The greatest variety of these plants can be found in Japan, China, and also in America. Several variants grow in the Far East. Of course, types of hydrangeas garden are not so diverse, but still there is something to choose from. The family to which the plant belongs is called Kamnelomkovye. This indicates that this flower is strong enough and enduring. But he, despite all his strength, has an amazing appearance. You can see this by studying the types of hydrangeas presented in the article with photos that show the whole charm of this plant.

Features of flowering

Flowering occurs from spring to autumn. Inflorescences of this plant are located at the ends of its stems and have the shape of a ball. They are called a scutellum or a panicle. Some species have reproductive and non-reproductive flowers. They differ in that they have different sizes. Smaller (reproductive) are located in the center, and larger (sterile) along the edge. But the inflorescence can consist only of fertile (fruiting) flowers. Then they will all have the same size. More often the hydrangea, whose species are so numerous, has a white color. But there may be other shades. You can find plants of red, blue, pink, and purple flowers. Such colors, as a rule, depend on the hydrogen index of the soil. In the acidic soil, the specimens grow, the petals of which turn blue, and in the alkaline soil - plants with pink or purple flowers. Any kind of hydrangeas, garden or wild-growing, have the same fruit. Usually it is represented by a box divided into compartments. Their number can vary from two to five.

Historical moments

For the first time the acquaintance of Europeans with hydrangeas took place at the end of the eighteenth century. It was then that the first French expedition around the world took place. Its participants brought a hydrangea large-leaved, which was discovered by them on the island of Mauritius, located in the Indian Ocean. Its name, according to one version, was given in honor of the Princess Hortense, which was the sister of Prince Nassau-Siegen. On another, more romantic assumption, the flower was named by the French physician, Commerson, devoting it to his beloved, who bore the name Hortense.

In 1739, this plant was studied by botanist Jan Frederick Gronovius, who named him "hydrangea". It was he who combined in the name of this flower two Latin words. One of them means water, and the other is a jug. These associations were provoked not only by the form of seed containers, but also by the moisture-loving nature of this flower. Ever since, the flower of hydrangea has become more and more famous, the varieties and species of which are conquering people everywhere. Before reaching Europe, this plant conquered all of Asia. And this is not surprising. Hortensia has a number of positive characteristics. She feels wonderful not only at home, but also in the garden. The most famous and popular is the garden or large leaf. But what else is a hydrangea (species)? Sorts, photos of which can be found in this article, can be grown in our climatic conditions. And they are not afraid of the weather whims of the Russian climate.

Recommendations for choosing a landing site

The nature of our land is not too spoiled by bushes that can blossom beautifully. This gap allows you to fill the borrowed in other areas and resistant to winter plants. An example of such a shrub can serve as a lilac. She became so fond of and took root that is considered "native".

But many of these plants have not received proper attention, which is completely in vain. This is exactly what hydrangeas, species and varieties of which are, although very beautiful, but not widely distributed. Although some of them perfectly tolerate a temperate climate and are unpretentious in their care.

Unfortunately, we can not grow any hydrangeas. Types and varieties for Russian gardens in the middle zone are somewhat limited. This, of course, is due to the climatic conditions of our area. But for all of them there are general recommendations. Whatever hydrangeas (species), planting and care of the plant, produced in the garden, require some preparation. All representatives of this wonderful flower like to have a lot of light. They feel the best in the open areas, although the sun is too bright to welcome. Therefore, not bad grow and develop also a little shaded places. Important features in choosing a place for planting are its protection from wind and constant soil moisture. And also acidic or weakly acidic soil.

Hydrangea: Types and Care

The soil in which you are going to grow your flowers must be fertile. It should not become alkaline. Since alkaline soils lead to the development of chlorosis. The leaves of hydrangeas begin to turn yellow and lose their attractiveness. To prevent this, once in ten days watering with a saline solution is carried out, which must necessarily contain iron.

Shrub hydrangea, species and photos of which are presented in this article, prefers the following variant of soil mixture for growth. This combination in equal proportions of peat, sand, as well as sheet and turf soil. It is best to plant hydrangeas in early spring. Planning a landing, for fifteen-twenty days before it dig a hole. The width and depth should be about half a meter. The pit must contain a fertile soil, and the neck of the root should be located at the soil level. After planting, the hydrangea is well watered and covers the ground near the trunk with peat.

As for fertilizers, then it is better to use potassium permanganate in solution or slurry. At the beginning of summer and throughout the spring, hydrangeas should be bettered with acidic nutrients, and in July, August and in the autumn - phosphoric-potassium.

Every year the plant requires spring pruning. If it is not produced, the bushes are stretched out until they simply break off under the influence of their own weight. Reproduction of hydrangeas is produced by cuttings. They are cut off when they are already flexible, but not yet stiffened. Form the bushes begin at least at the age of three.

Hydrangea: species, varieties, photos of representatives

Some of the existing species and varieties of hydrangeas in nature are able to grow and even please with their flowering in the gardens of temperate climate. Best fit tree and paniculate. The hydrangea of Bretschneider and the petiolate grow somewhat worse. Therefore, they need special care.

But the numerous types of hydrangea large-leaf almost do not take root. We can please ourselves with only some of its varieties for all their diversity. The greatest number of species of this wonderful flower is found in the nature of East Asia. So, let's see what kind of hydrangeas are in our gardens.

Hortensia tree is most often represented by the following species. The variety "Annabel" has the appearance of a shrub whose height does not exceed one and a half meters. The diameter of its crown can be up to three meters. The leaves are large, juicy green. They do not change their color even in the autumn period. Flowering begins in June and lasts until the end of September. The inflorescence is white.

The next grade is Grandiflora. This sprawling view of the bush is densely covered with cream flowers. This beauty lasts from June to September.

And one more, not less beautiful, variety "Sterilis". It is characterized by a longer flowering period. The whitish-green inflorescences, under the weight of which the branches bend, cover the bush until the end of October.

Very beautiful and varieties of paniculate hydrangeas. This is a real garden decoration. This species also has a variety called "Grandiflora". Its inflorescences have the shape of a pyramid and in length reach thirty centimeters. Flowers change their color. At first they have a cream tint. In the active phase of flowering - white. Over time, the inflorescence turns pink, and by the autumn time becomes greenish-red. The high shrub of the variety "Kiushu" has a very unusual shape of the crown - in the form of a fan. Its inflorescences are white and fragrant. A distinctive feature is the resistance to frost. The flowering period continues from the middle of July and captures half of October.

Another sort of "Symphony of Color" blooms from the beginning of July until the end of September. For the winter requires shelter. Over the entire period of flowering, its color varies from pale cream to wine-red.

The plant in our area rarely exceeds a meter in height. Types of hydrangea garden, with photos of which can be found in this section, are very beautiful and change color depending on the acidity level of the soil in which they grow. The variety "Early Blue" has very strong stems and does not need a garter. During flowering, it can dissolve about six inflorescences at once. Their color is bright blue. Has a powerful root system, thanks to which it is quite comfortable to feel in the tub. The flowering period begins in July and lasts until the end of September. In the climatic conditions of our area, wintering is possible only under the condition of shelter or in the winter garden.

The curly hydrangea is a shrub in the form of a creeper. It has suckers and aerial roots. Thanks to these adaptations, this species is able to conquer heights of up to twenty-five meters. The flowers are white and pink and collected in large loose inflorescences. This hydrangea is able to develop well and grow in shaded conditions. Although it blooms better in open areas. Requires protection from wind. This view is perfectly suited for decorating arbors or decorating walls.

One of the most enduring species is the hydrangea of Bretschneider. She courageously endures not only the winter, but also a prolonged drought. Its inflorescences are milky in color. In the beginning they are greenish, and in the end they become purple. Flowering occurs every year and continues throughout the summer, beginning in June.

Large-leaf hydrangea: special care

The native land of this plant is Japan. It is there that this kind of hydrangeas is able to reach a height of four meters. Unfortunately, large-leaf hydrangea is not too resistant to colds and can hibernate only in the state of shelter. Previously, this species was grown only as a domestic pot plant, but later the more resistant to frost varieties were removed, which allowed this plant to move from the window sill to the garden.

The soil must have an acidic environment and consist in equal parts from peat, humus, sand, sheet and turf. This hydrangea is very sensitive to the appearance of lime in the soil. Plant it should not be under the trees, because it will be deprived in this case, and moisture, and nutrition. The place of growth should be slightly shaded.

Plant hydrangea in the garden in the spring, as soon as the threat of frost passes. If there are several shrubs, then a distance of at least one meter should be observed between them. Water hydrangeas followed by soft water. Ideal for rain. After watering the soil should be mulched, using for that peat or needles. The soil is fertilized, as a rule, at the beginning of growth, during the laying of buds and during the flowering period. As soon as the first frosts appear, the bushes should be bent to a height of about thirty centimeters, and cover the top with two layers of film with holes. In November, the branches of the plant should be well bent to the ground and carefully covered with dry foliage. After that, cover the hydrangea with a box. Pruning plants produce in spring and autumn. You can propagate by cuttings or layers.

Flattened hydrangea: cultivation and care

This kind of hydrangea is able to carry even wetlands. Abundant blossoming of a bush is possible in case the ground under it remains wet. All types of hydrangea paniculate well grow on acidic clay soils. It is better to arrange the plant near a hedge or near any building. This will protect the hydrangea from the wind. But at the same time the plot should be well illuminated. This species is quite comfortable feeling in the conditions of gassed air. This makes it possible to plant bushes along the road. If your region is characterized by the severity of the climate, then try to provide the plant for the winter with at least a small shelter.

In general, panicle hydrangea refers to frost-resistant plants. At the very beginning of spring, and preferably at the end of winter, it is necessary to prun the plant. It is important not to miss one moment. During the trimming, the rest period should continue. If it is already completed, then the crop is capable of getting sick. If you want to achieve a large number of flowers, last year's shoots should be cut very shortly. But a gentle pruning will help to increase the growth of stems. Every two weeks, hydrangeas should be fed with liquid mineral fertilizers. A week after the feeding, add organic fertilizer. They make such a charge once a month. Reproduction of this species is produced by cuttings or layers. The first three years the young plant should be well covered in winter.

Hydrangea

All types of hydrangea tree like a moist fertile soil, which has a weak acidity. Although some of the lime, this species is quite capable of surviving. Blooming is abundant. Occurs usually from the beginning of June to the end of September. But flowers bloom only on young shoots. Last year's branches are not involved in the process. The inflorescences of this species keep their shape well even in the cut state, therefore they often become part of the compositions of dried flowers. In areas closer to the north, plant this plant best in the spring, and in the southern terrain, it can also be produced in the fall. If several specimens grow in your garden, they should be at least one meter apart. The root system of a tree hydrangea, although not deep, but wide enough. Therefore, the pit prepared for planting must have the shape of a cube, each facet of which is at least thirty centimeters. Pour about a third of the bucket of humus into the pits and then land. After the planting, the plant is watered with soft water, and the soil around the trunk is covered with peat.

This hydrangea requires abundant watering, as well as regular podpittki with the help of mineral and organic fertilizers. In autumn the bushes should be about thirty centimeters from the ground. But the most important thing in the care of this plant is pruning. As soon as the growth buds begin to swell early in the spring, the hydrangea should be cut off. In the bush should be left from six to twelve last year's growth. This kind of hydrangeas is easy to multiply. This can be done not only with the help of layers and cuttings, but also with root offsprings or bush fission.

Pests and diseases

Hortensia, like many other plants, is susceptible to various diseases, as well as pest attacks. This can lead to an incorrect temperature regime, violation of the requirements for irrigation, untimely fertilization of plants and even a dense planting of bushes.

Very often hydrangea diseases are provoked by high humidity. Under such conditions, powdery mealy mildew develops rapidly. This is evidenced by the spots appearing on the leaves. First they have a yellow color, and then darken. On the reverse side of the sheet can be found plaque. If symptoms are detected, the fungicide should be treated immediately.

In summer, shoots of hydrangeas can be attacked by gray rot. They appear brown spots. All affected areas in this case must be removed and destroyed, and the remaining treated with fungicide. Hortensia refers to those plant species that are often affected by viral infections. Of pests, most often these bushes are visited by a spider mites, as well as aphids.

Hortensia, the types of which have been considered in this article, is a real decoration of any garden. It is not always whimsical in care, and many of its varieties are resistant to frost so that we can afford to grow them.

If you strictly adhere to all the rules for caring for this plant, the reward will be an abundantly flowering bush, pleasing not only the large inflorescences, but also their ability to change color throughout the flowering period. Hortensia will provide beauty and unusualness to your garden.