Change the color of the hydrangea. What determines the color of hydrangea, blue and pink hydrangea

Blue tree hydrangeas, for example, you will not find. Varieties that lend themselves to "staining" in blue, blue, pink tones belong to large-leaved hydrangea.

Hydrangea blue "Mini Penny"

An excellent variety of large-leaved hydrangea with long term flowering. You can enjoy flowers on the shoots of the past and current year from the beginning of summer until the very frost. Hydrangea can bloom not only blue, but also pink. The bush has a fairly compact shape and can reach 80 cm in height. One of the main advantages of this variety is the good resistance of the plant to fungal diseases. If you plant 'Mini Penny' hydrangea in a semi-shady location, you will be surprised at the magnificence of the contrast of green foliage and lush blue inflorescences.

Hydrangea "Mini Penny"

Hydrangea blue "Freedom"

Lovers of plants that change their color should definitely pay attention to this variety of hydrangea. At the very beginning of the flowering period, the flowers have a pink tint, then the inflorescences begin to gradually turn blue.

• Hydrangea inflorescences of the "Freedom" variety reach a diameter of 15 cm.
• Hydrangea leaves have a dark green color with an emerald hue that creates effective contrast lush inflorescences. The leaves are large with a serrated edge.
• Hydrangea varieties "Freedom" prefers shady places for growth.
• With the onset winter period time the plant requires shelter.

Hydrangea blue "Ramars"

Another spectacular variety of large-leaved hydrangea. Inflorescences may acquire a blue or blue tint depending on the acidity of the soil. Also, the plant can have pink flowers. The variety is very moisture-loving, positively applies to spraying. The bush reaches its greatest showiness in a semi-shady place. Experienced gardeners warn against planting this variety of large-leaved hydrangea near the same moisture-loving plants that strongly absorb water.

Hydrangea blue "Hopcorn blue"

One of the "youngest" varieties, which has already managed to win the love of many fans of growing hydrangeas.

• The bush has a compact shape. It can reach 100 cm in height and width.
• Hydrangea of ​​this variety is known for flowers that have an external resemblance to popcorn. They are collected in lush inflorescences of intense blue and purple hues.
• When choosing a landing site for this variety of hydrangea, you should give preference to a well-lit place that is protected from the wind.
• The advantage of this variety is its high resistance to fungal diseases.
• The period of active flowering begins in mid-summer and lasts until September.

Hydrangea blue "Jomari"

If you are a lover of incredibly lush inflorescences, then the spectacular Jomari variety of large-leaved hydrangea will conquer you. Inflorescences have a blue or blue tint. The bush is able to reach 80 cm in height. Flowering will delight you for a long time - from early summer to late autumn. The inflorescences are hemispherical in shape and appear both on last year's shoots and on current year's shoots. The bush will need to be prepared for winter, to create a shelter for it.

Hydrangea blue "Compeito"

The hybrid variety "Compeito" has earned the love of many gardeners with its unusual appearance. The variety was born in 2007 in Japan. Its name means "hard caramel" in Japanese. bright colors". The flowers of this variety of hydrangea actually resemble miniature "caramels".

• The flowers of the hydrangea variety "Compeito" can be not only blue, but also pink.
• Flower petals have a smooth surface.
• On the shoots there are 5-6 inflorescences, reaching 5 cm in diameter.
• The leaves have a ribbed edge and an oval, elongated shape.
• This variety of hydrangea is very fond of moisture and abundant irrigation with water.

Hydrangea blue "Blueberry Cheesecake"

A variety with a very "delicious" name, very attractive for cultivation. Intensity of blue color inflorescences can be adjusted independently by making changes to the composition of the soil.

• Large-leaved hydrangea variety "Blueberry Cheesecake" grows in the form of a bush up to 100 cm in height and 120-130 cm in diameter.
• The flowers are quite flat shape, but the inflorescences look very magnificent and spectacular.
• Hydrangea inflorescences can reach a diameter of 20 cm.
• A hydrangea bush of this variety grows up to 100-120 cm.
• One of the main requirements of the plant in its cultivation is the restriction in sunlight during the day. The plant prefers to take rather short in duration " sunbathing". Choose a place for planting in partial shade, which will be illuminated in the morning and evening.
• The color of the inflorescences can have a different intensity depending on the composition of the soil.
• This variety of large-leaved hydrangea is also characterized by a change in the color of the leaves. By the end of the season, the leaves turn reddish.

Hydrangea "Blueberry Cheesecake"

Hydrangea blue "Spike"

The flowers of this variety of large-leaved hydrangea are collected in incredibly spectacular inflorescences, resembling huge balls in their shape. The bush is able to reach a height of 120 cm. The flowers combine blue and pink shades. A pleasant feature of this variety is that the inflorescences appear both on the old shoots of the bush and on the new ones that appeared this year. Thus, you can enjoy the flowering of the hydrangea "Spike" continuously.

Blue hydrangea. Landing

Step #1. We choose the time for planting blue hydrangea

When is the best time to plant blue hydrangea in your garden? Each gardener has his own preferences in this matter. Planting hydrangeas is practiced both in spring and autumn.

1. Planting in the spring. Hydrangeas are planted at a time when the snow has already melted, and the earth begins to gradually warm up.
2. Planting in autumn. The month of September is usually chosen for planting hydrangeas.

Step #2. Choosing a place to plant a blue hydrangea

When choosing a place to plant a blue hydrangea, you should pay attention to two main points:

• most varieties of blue hydrangeas prefer to grow in semi-shady places. Of course, much depends on the requirements of a particular variety. Some hydrangeas, for which they have chosen too shaded places, bloom late and rather poorly;
• proximity to other plants. Almost all varieties of blue hydrangea occupy a significant space. Do not plant this plant in close proximity to other ornamental shrubs, trees. Give the hydrangea at least 2 meters of free space around it, and it will thank you with lush inflorescences.

Step #3. We prepare the soil for planting blue hydrangea

If you want to grow a truly beautiful and lush hydrangea, then be sure to take into account its preferences for the quality of the soil. Experienced gardeners thoroughly know the nature of the soil on their site. But for beginners it is quite difficult to figure out what kind of soil is on the site. You can take a soil sample to a special laboratory, where experts will determine everything experimentally. important characteristics soil. Based on this knowledge, you will prepare the ground for planting a blue hydrangea.

• Almost all varieties of blue hydrangea prefer to grow in well-moistened and well-drained soils.
• The optimal composition of the soil will be as follows: humus, leafy soil, peat chips and river sand in the ratio 2:2:1:1.
• Hydrangea reacts negatively to soil with too much lime content.
• The optimum soil pH is 5.0.

If you did not take into account the preferences of the blue hydrangea to the composition of the soil, then you can then see the corresponding external signs on the plant, which will indicate an overabundance or lack of any element.

Step number 4. Planting a blue hydrangea in the ground

If you have decided on a place for planting a blue hydrangea, then you can start planting.

1. Dig a planting hole about 40 cm deep and about 60 cm wide. Dimensions are approximate. They depend on the size of the root system planting material. You can plant hydrangeas in a row. Then, instead of a landing hole, it is easier to dig a trench. Some gardeners plant hydrangeas deliberately closer together (60-70 cm) so that flowering is more lush.
2. The day before the proposed landing, the pit must be well moistened. About 3 buckets of water will come in handy. During the day, the moisture is well absorbed, and the pit will be ready for planting.
3. To fill the pit, you need to prepare a nutrient substrate with peat and humus. You can also add 50 gr. mineral fertilizer in each planting hole or any other hydrangea fertilizer.
4. A hole is made in the center of the pit, a hydrangea is placed there. Carefully fill the root system, compacting the soil with your hands. The root neck should be at the level of the soil surface. For the full growth and development of the plant, a maximum neck depth of 2 cm is allowed, but no more.
5. A young plant must be watered. There should be enough water so that it completely soaks the entire earthen lump in the pit.
6. Sprinkle the surface of the soil around the blue hydrangea with a small layer of mulch. So you keep moisture inside the soil for more long time. As mulch, you can use peat, tree bark.

Blue hydrangea. Care

Rules for watering blue hydrangea

Regular watering is very important for blue hydrangeas. With insufficient watering, the plant will instantly begin to fade. If you quickly water the hydrangea, it will immediately come to life. It is advisable to water the blue beauty 1 or 2 times a week. In dry weather, you can increase the frequency of watering. At least 2 buckets of water should go under one bush. If you carefully mulch the surface of the soil around the blue hydrangea, then the amount of watering will be reduced to about 1 time in 10 days. Mulch naturally retains valuable moisture for the plant.

Rules for feeding blue hydrangea

Garden blue hydrangea, like any other ornamental shrub, responds positively to regular top dressing. For 1 season, you can fertilize about 3 times under the bush.

1. At the end of May, summer residents fertilize blue hydrangea with superphosphate, urea and potassium sulfide in proportions of 2: 1.5: 2.
2. The second top dressing falls on the time of active budding. You can make superphosphate and potassium sulfide (2:1).
3. The third top dressing of blue hydrangea is advised to be carried out at the end of summer. At this time, the period of active flowering is still ongoing. The plant will respond positively to the application of any organic fertilizer (manure).

Timely and correctly entered organic fertilizers great effect on the beauty of inflorescences. But keep in mind, if you go too far with this type of top dressing, then the shoots may not withstand such massive flowers and break off.

How to prune blue hydrangea

All varieties of large-leaved hydrangea, including varieties with blue inflorescences, require pruning. If you neglect this stage of care, then instead of compact and beautiful bush get incomprehensible thickets. Hydrangea pruning is advised to be carried out in several stages:

• in the middle of spring cut off a small part of the old shoots. Using a sharp pruner, cut off about a quarter of the shoot;
• also shorten in the spring and annual shoots leaving at least 5 buds;
• in autumn, it is advised to cut off all inflorescences.

Of course, when pruning, you need to remove damaged branches. Large-leaved blue hydrangea will gratefully respond to your efforts. This flowering bush can live in the garden for more than 50 years. Each correctly carried out pruning will make the hydrangea only more beautiful next season. If a 5-year-old bush has several dozen inflorescences, then a 10-year-old bush already has several hundred!

Difficulties in growing blue hydrangea

What pests can affect blue hydrangea

The beautiful blue hydrangea can be attacked by some insects. If you do not start to deal with malicious pests in time, then you can easily lose the bush. If your hydrangeas grow in close proximity, then be prepared to fight insects on all bushes. Among the most destructive pests for hydrangeas are:

• spider mite. You will immediately notice the consequences of the activity of this microscopic spider on the plant. Symptoms: yellowing of the leaves, the appearance of an unusual pattern on the leaves, marbled color, wilting of the leaves, the appearance of cobwebs on the underside of the leaf;

• gall nematode. This microscopic worm infects the roots of young hydrangeas. Symptoms: the formation of "blisters" on the roots of the plant, rotting of the roots, withering of the entire plant;
• leaf aphid. One more dangerous pest, which can lead to the complete death of the blue hydrangea. Aphids can also spread some viral diseases. Symptoms: damage to the lower part of the leaf, yellowing and falling of the leaves;

• snails. Hydrangea is an incredibly tasty "dessert" for grape or amber snails. They can eat young shoots, buds, buds. Symptoms: the presence of clutches of snails around the plant. Snails especially like to "attack" hydrangeas under winter shelter.

Symptoms of various blue hydrangea diseases

• White rot of blue hydrangeas - fungal disease. Symptoms: shoots turn brown, new shoots also grow dark, and eventually become covered with a white coating, on which you can later see small blotches of black. Treatment: use of fungicides.
• Gray rot of blue hydrangeas is a fungal disease. Symptoms: friability and softness above-ground parts plants, the appearance of "holes" on the leaves, the deterioration of the plant when high humidity, appearance gray plaque. Treatment: "Chistotsvet", "Fundazol". It is necessary to remove the affected parts of the plant in a timely manner;

• Peronosporosis of blue hydrangeas is a fungal disease. Symptoms: spots dark color on leaves and shoots, the number of which increases with high humidity. Treatment: treatment of the plant with a solution blue vitriol with soapy water, various fungicides. It is necessary to remove the affected parts of the plant in a timely manner.
• Powdery mildew of blue hydrangeas is real - a fungal disease. Symptoms: the appearance of spots on the leaves. The spots are first greenish-yellow, and then dark brown. Plaque presence gray color on the leaves. Treatment: treatment of all parts of the plant with fungicides, removal of affected leaves.

• Ring spot of blue hydrangeas - dangerous viral disease. Symptoms: the appearance of dark "rings" on the leaves, drying out and changing the shape of the leaves. Treatment: Unfortunately, the plant must be removed.

• Blue hydrangea septoria is a fungal disease. Symptoms: the appearance of spots on the leaves with a light middle and dark edging. Unlike the real powdery mildew, spots have irregular shape and can merge with the development of the disease. Treatment: treatment of parts of the plant with preparations that contain copper.

Reproduction of blue hydrangea

Method number 1. Reproduction of blue hydrangea cuttings

• When breeding hydrangea blue green cuttings It is very important to choose the right stalk for cutting. Young hydrangea bushes are best suited. It is advised to cut the cuttings from the side parts of the bush, because. they root better.
• The green cutting is a leafy stem with 2-3 buds. You need to harvest cuttings in the early morning, when the bush is filled with moisture.
• After cutting, the green shoot must be placed in the water in a shaded place. In order to prepare the shoot for planting, you need to cut off its apical part and shorten the leaves by a third.
• Harvested cuttings must be placed in a solution of any root-stimulating drug.

• Hydrangea cuttings should be planted in a nutritious earthen mixture, covered with jars. Watering should be carried out directly on the banks.
• If after 1 month new leaves appear, then the cuttings have taken root and the banks can be removed.

Method number 2. Reproduction of blue hydrangea by dividing the bush

Blue hydrangea is propagated by dividing the bush when they want to transplant the plant to a new place of growth.

1. Before digging a bush, it must be watered well.
2. Dig up the bush very carefully, without damaging the root system.
3. With water, lightly clean the roots from the ground to facilitate the process of dividing the bush.
4. Divide the bush into as many parts as its size allows.
5. Each of the parts is planted in the ground.

Method number 3. Reproduction of blue hydrangea by layering

Reproduction by layering is a fairly popular method and simple.

1. In the spring, radial depressions are made around the bush. Their depth should be about 2 cm.
2. Hydrangea side shoots are placed in each of these recesses and fixed with homemade staples, slingshots, etc.
3. By the end summer season from above each of these layers, new shoots should appear. In October, the layers are dug up and new hydrangea shoots are separated. Before winter, they are simply dug into the ground, and already next spring planted in the garden for growing. Plant young hydrangeas obtained in this way of reproduction on permanent place growth will be possible in 1 year.

Method number 4. Reproduction of naked hydrangea by seeds

The seed method of propagation of hydrangeas is not common. This is because it is impossible to breed in this way. hybrid varieties, which are the majority. If you decide to propagate natural hydrangea in this way, then be patient. After all, you will have to grow "seedlings" at home for about 2 years. Only after this period will the seedlings become of a size that will allow them to be planted in open ground.

• There is no need to somehow prepare hydrangea seeds for planting.
• Seeds are laid out on the surface of nutrient soil, slightly pressing. The container with seeds is covered with glass or film. Of course, the soil must be moist.
• Watch your crops. Be sure to ventilate them, periodically remove the resulting condensate, and do not allow the earth to dry out.

• The first shoots appear on average after 3 weeks. It will be necessary to care for and grow young hydrangeas for 2 years. By the end of this period, they should reach a height of 30-40 cm.

Method number 5. Propagation of blue hydrangea offspring

Hydrangea, like many ornamental shrubs, forms young shoots around itself. Gardeners advise to remove a little in the fall upper layer soil and carefully separate a few offspring. Try not to touch the main bush. These young shoots are first grown in the garden, and after they are strengthened, they are planted in a permanent place of growth.

How to water a hydrangea so that it turns blue

So, how to make a blue hydrangea? Or how to make a hydrangea blue and white? It turns out that some varieties of large-leaved hydrangeas change the color of the inflorescences depending on the composition of the soil. If we somehow influence this composition, we can change the color of the hydrangea. Hydrangea turns blue and purple shades if the soil is acidic enough. It may also be that the soil in your area is already acidic, and you do not have to do anything to “color” the hydrangea blue. Consider the most popular methods for giving a spectacular blue color hydrangeas:

• even before planting hydrangeas, the soil can be acidified with sulfur or peat;
• in order to maintain the desired acidity of the soil, you need to regularly water the hydrangea with a solution of aluminum sulfate (15 g per 1 liter). Just consider one important point: you can not water the plant with such a solution on dry soil;
• you can mulch the hydrangea with natural substances that will maintain a high acidity of the soil. For this purpose, needles, a solution of orange peels, lemons, drunk coffee, peat are suitable;
• you can buy special fertilizers for blue hydrangeas in the store that increase the acidity of the soil;

• some gardeners bury iron objects, aluminum cans in the soil near the hydrangea.

Keep in mind that prolonged acidification of the soil is not very favorable for the further use of this piece of land. It will be impossible to grow edible crops in this place later. Experienced gardeners advise growing blue hydrangeas in containers that will make it easier to regulate the acidity of the soil. In such cases, you can fill containers with ready-made acidic soil to conifers and rhododendrons.

Blue hydrangea. A photo

Blue hydrangea flowers simply look extraordinary even in photographs. You can see for yourself how successfully these shrubs can transform appearance any area.

Now you know not only how to change the color of the hydrangea to blue, but also how to maintain the splendor of the inflorescences and the healthy appearance of the bush for many years.