2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Oak-leaved hydrangea (Latin Hydrangea quercifolia) - ornamental shrub; a representative of the genus Hortensia of the Hortensia family. North America is considered the homeland. An unstable, but very interesting look. Ideal for ornamental gardening, differ from other species with unusual leaves. Decorative even outside flowering. Suitable for growing in the southern regions of Russia, often freezes in the middle lane, needs shelter.
Characteristics of culture
Oak-leaved hydrangea is a flowering erect shrub up to 1.7 m high with a wide crown. The leaves are dark green, large, opposite, wrinkled, pubescent, pinnately-lobed, with irregularly toothed and rather coarse lobes, in outline they have an ovoid-rounded shape, up to 20 cm long, up to 18 cm wide. In autumn, the foliage turns purple-brown, red, wine red and orange red.
The flowers are white, later pinkish, collected in loose paniculate inflorescences up to 20 cm long. It blooms in July - August, in the middle lane, flowering is rarely observed, but this plant is no less decorative. In the first year, plants develop slowly, in the second year, growth increases. In appearance, the inflorescences of oak-leaved hydrangea resemble viburnum inflorescences. The flowers have a pleasant scent that attracts bees, bumblebees and even butterflies.
Growing conditions
Hydrangea oakleaf prefers light, loamy, slightly acidic soils. Planting on alkaline soils is possible, but with the condition of adding acidifying materials, for example, pine litter. In no case should you acidify the soil with lime, since most hydrangeas have a negative attitude towards the presence of lime in the soil. Failure to comply with this rule can lead to the loss of decorative shrubs, including chlorosis of the leaves. The optimal pH level is 4, 5-6, 5.
Oaky hydrangea is moisture-loving, it will not tolerate even short-term drying out of the soil. In the absence of rain for a long time, plants need abundant watering. To reduce moisture in the soil for a longer period and to get rid of the weeding procedure, mulching the foot will help. It is recommended to use organic material as mulch, such as pine needles, leaf humus, wood shavings and chips, as well as tree bark. These materials, in addition to performing the main task, will acidify the soil.
Landing subtleties
Planting seedlings of culture must be carried out in places protected from wind and direct sunlight. Semi-shaded areas with diffused light are great. This location will not affect the abundance of flowering in any way. Planting is preferable in early spring. It is recommended to purchase seedlings in specialized nurseries. A planting pit is dug with a depth of 65-70 cm and a diameter of 50 cm. A good drainage is organized at the bottom of the pit, then a low mound is formed from a soil mixture composed of the top layer of earth, humus, sand and peat, taken in a ratio of 2: 2: 1: 1.
Also, 30 g of potassium sulfate, 15-20 g of urea and 30 g of superphosphate should be added to the soil mixture. The mixture must be prepared at least a week before the intended planting, otherwise fresh fertilizers will burn the roots of the young plant, which is highly undesirable. Subsequent feeding is carried out no earlier than 2 years later. The distance between the bushes should be at least 1.5 m. It is not recommended to plant a crop near tall trees and shrubs, they will absorb a huge amount of moisture and nutrients, thereby impairing the growth of hydrangeas. This rule applies to all members of the genus, especially those with profuse flowering.
Care features
The main procedures for caring for oaky hydrangea are watering 2-3 times a month, fertilizing (in early spring and before flowering), pruning (in the spring before sap flow and in the fall before shelter, if necessary). Shelter for the winter is considered one of the most important procedures. Shrubs are bent to the soil surface, spud and covered with non-woven material or spruce branches. Plants with a height of more than 1 meter should not be bent to the ground, they can be tied to a support. This approach will help protect shrubs from thick snow cover, which, with its weight, can break most of the branches.
The culture is infrequently affected by pests and diseases. Common pests include aphids, weevils, spider mites and pointed noses. They begin to fight them immediately after detection; it is impossible to delay the treatment of hydrangeas with insecticides and herbal infusions. Among the diseases, downy mildew, which affects leaves and stems, is considered dangerous for the culture. As a result of untimely processing, oily yellowing spots appear on the leaves, which over time acquire a darker color and increase in size. To combat downy mildew, spraying with a copper-soap solution is effective.
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