Hydrangea paniculata Levana: planting and care, reproduction, reviews

Many beautiful varieties of hydrangeas are successfully grown in various regions of Our Country, despite harsh winters and dry summers. One of the brightest examples is Levan’s hydrangea. This is a very beautiful shrub with a lush, compact crown and large white flowers collected in numerous inflorescences. Successfully grown in fairly acidic, fertile soils. Responsive to regular watering and monthly fertilization.

Description of hydrangea Levan

Hydrangea Levana is a variety of paniculate hydrangeas, which is valued not only for its high decorativeness, 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.

Levan hydrangea flowers are clearly visible against the background of bright greenery

The peculiarity of the plant is 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 a support or garter. It is enough to carry out timely pruning, organize regular watering and top dressing.

Hydrangea Levan in landscape design

A large, spreading bush will be able to decorate any garden. Levan’s hydrangea is used both in single and in 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 not far from the paths. Here are some examples of the use of Levan hydrangea in landscape design:

1. Due to the high decorativeness, the bushes look good in single plantings against the background of the lawn.

   

2. Hydrangea Levan can be planted right in the center of the lawn – it can be a lonely standing bush or rows of plants.

   

3. This hydrangea goes well with other flowers. Since they are usually several times lower, it is worth placing them in the foreground.

   

4. Levan’s hydrangea planted along the fence looks good.

   

5. 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 Levan

A special advantage of Levana hydrangea is its high winter hardiness. Adult bushes tolerate even extreme frosts with temperatures of -30 degrees and even up to -35. Despite the fact that under such conditions, young shoots die, the bush itself is quickly restored. Therefore, it is possible to breed Levan hydrangea not only in the Middle lane, but also in the regions of the Urals, Siberia and the Far East.

In the Moscow region, in the south, in the regions of Central Our Country, the Levan hydrangea does not need additional shelter – it is enough just to mulch the roots for the winter. It is better to cover young shoots additionally, especially in regions with frosty winters.

Planting and caring for hydrangea Levan

The Levan variety can be cared for in much the same way as other hydrangea varieties. The main requirement is to ensure the correct landing site, regularly water, feed and trim the bush as necessary.

Selection and preparation of the landing site

Hydrangea Levana loves lighting, but at the same time tolerates places with a weak shadow. When choosing a place on the site, you can pay attention to the following recommendations:

1. 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.
2. 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 morning.
3. 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 shrubs.

Bushes love lit places, without strong shade throughout the day.

Rules of landing

The bush loves fairly fertile, light soil. The optimal soil composition for hydrangeas is as follows:

• leaf ground (2 parts);
• humus (2 parts);
• peat (1 part);
• sand (1 part).

The landing algorithm is as follows:

1. Dig a hole with the same diameter and depth of about 50 cm.
2. Water it with water: 2-3 liters.
3. Make up a mixture of soil of the described composition, fall asleep in a pit.
4. The seedling is placed in the center, covered with earth to the root collar.
5. Again abundantly watered with water (1 bucket).
6. Then the roots are mulched with natural material – needles, compost, peat. The layer is left for the whole summer.

Watering and top dressing

Hydrangea Levana, like other varieties, loves moisture very much. Therefore, compliance with the irrigation regime is mandatory. You can act like this:

1. If there is enough rainfall (moderate or heavy rains), you can additionally water the bush once a month.
2. If there is little rain, at least 1 time per week.
3. If there is a long drought – better 2 times a week.

In all cases, 1-15 liters of water is enough for 20 adult bush. Young seedlings can be given 5 liters.

Top dressing is applied every month:

1. First time at the beginning of the season (April) – nitrogen compounds (you can use inorganic or organic fertilizers).
2. The second, third time (June, July) – potash and phosphate fertilizers. The first time they are added at the stage of bud formation.
3. The fourth (last) time – the end of August. Potassium or phosphorus can also be added: then Levan’s hydrangea will continue to bloom in September.

After that, no top dressing is needed – the bush should prepare for the winter rest period.

To ensure the lush flowering of Levan’s hydrangea, fertilizers must be applied monthly, and on depleted soils even more often.

Pruning hydrangea Levan

Hydrangea pruning is required, as the shoots grow quickly, and as a result, the bush may lose its attractive shape. Haircut is carried out several times per season:

1. The main pruning in March, before the start of the movement of juices. Remove all damaged, ugly branches that clearly spoil the shape. Thin out the dense part of the crown – it is necessary to remove the shoots growing inward and to the sides (while leaving 2-3 buds).
2. At the stage of bud formation, it is desirable to remove weak branches with inflorescences. Then the rest of the shoots will give even more lush flowers.
3. In autumn, 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.

Preparation for winter

Special preparation for winter is not required, since the Levan hydrangea tolerates even extreme temperatures well. Therefore, in autumn 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 moisture loss, which eliminates the need for too frequent watering.

Reproduction of hydrangea Levan

You can breed this bush in any convenient way:

• seeds;
• layering;
• cuttings.

The easiest option is to get a new hydrangea using green cuttings. The instruction is simple:

1. In June or in the first half of July, apical cuttings are cut with 2 or 3 pairs of leaves.
2. The bottom pair is removed, the rest is cut in half.
3. The stalk is soaked in “Epin” for 1 hour (concentration 1 ml per 2 l).
4. Planted in wet sand at an angle of 45 degrees, watered and covered with a jar.
5. Watered regularly, at the end of summer they are transferred to containers with ordinary soil.

Further, the cuttings hibernate indoors, after which they can be transferred to open ground after the snow melts (March-April).

Diseases and pests

The Levan variety is affected by the same diseases and pests as other varieties of hydrangea. However, with proper care and prevention, the bush will certainly be saved from unpleasant symptoms.

The most commonly observed diseases are:

• chlorosis;
• gray rot;
• powdery mildew;
• leaf spot.

On the leaves of the bush you can often find various pests;

• aphid;
• spider mite;
• leaflet.

To prevent diseases, it is necessary to ensure regular watering, top dressing, as well as treatment with fungicides and insecticides according to the instructions. For prevention, you can also use folk remedies (solution of ash, 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 Our Country. This is a decorative, tall, attractive bush with large flowers of white shades. Subject to the regime of watering and fertilizing, both an experienced and a novice gardener will be able to cope with its cultivation.

Hydrangea reviews Levan