Hydrangea paniculata Pink Diamond: description and photo, reviews

One of the most attractive flower shrubs is the Pink Diamond Hydrangea. It produces large inflorescences with very beautiful flowers of white, light pink and deep pink shades. At the same time, Pink Diamond does not belong to particularly demanding crops. Due to its high winter hardiness, it can be bred in almost any region of Our Country. Among the main care requirements are regular feeding, watering and a sufficient level of lighting.

Description of hydrangea Pink Diamond

Hydrangea paniculata Pink Diamond (literally “pink diamond”) is a rather large, sprawling shrub that grows up to 1,5-2 m in height. This is one of the most decorative varieties of hydrangea, blooming throughout the summer, from July to the end of September. Flowers are collected in very large panicle inflorescences (length up to 35 cm).

At first, the petals are painted in white and cream tones, and towards the end of summer they become bright pink. The decorative value of hydrangea is associated not only with lush inflorescences, but also with a rather dense crown. On its saturated green background, light petals contrast well, thanks to which the tree acquires a very attractive appearance.

Pinky Diamond hydrangea flowers are especially beautiful in August and September.

Hydrangea Pink Diamond in landscape design

A distinctive feature of the Pink Diamond variety is lush panicles with numerous bright pink flowers. The decorative value of the bush is also associated with its beautiful, large leaves with a matte green surface. Thanks to this combination, this tree can be used to decorate the garden in a variety of ways:

1. Single landings.

   

2. Landings near the house, along fences and other buildings.

   

3. Several hydrangea bushes also look beautiful, planted in a certain order – for example, in a triangle.

   

4. A lush, tall Pink Diamond hydrangea bush can be planted along the path – then it will always be a pleasure to walk along it.

   

5. Pink Diamond harmonizes well with other plants, hedges.

   

Winter hardiness of hydrangea Pink Diamond

This is one of the most winter-hardy varieties of hydrangeas, which are successfully grown not only in the Middle lane, but also in other regions of Our Country:

• North and Northwest;
• The Urals;
• Siberia;
• Far East.

There is evidence that Pink Diamond hydrangea can withstand even extreme frosts down to -35 degrees. Therefore, adult bushes can not be covered – just mulch the roots with needles, sawdust and other natural materials.

Planting and caring for panicle hydrangea Pink Diamond

For planting in open ground, seedlings at least 3 years old are used. The optimal planting time is spring (April, after the snow melts). At the same time, planting panicled hydrangea Pink Diamond is also allowed in the fall, but only in the southern regions (Stavropol, Kuban, North Caucasus).

Selection and preparation of the landing site

When choosing a landing site, you should pay attention to several practical recommendations:

1. Hydrangea Pink Diamond, like representatives of other varieties, is very fond of lit places, but too much light will also be harmful. Therefore, it is better to choose a place with a small shadow from buildings, trees or shrubs.
2. In the south, the shade may be somewhat stronger – for example, you can simply plant a hydrangea next to a high fence or house. In the north, you can choose an open or slightly shaded place.
3. At the same time, Pink Diamond does not like strong winds, so it needs a natural barrier in the form of shrubs or buildings.
4. Any varieties of hydrangeas, including Pink Diamond, prefer fertile, moderately acidic soil. At the same time, they do not grow well in neutral soil and do not tolerate earth with an alkaline reaction at all.

The garden plot does not require special preparation – it is enough to clean, dig up the ground and form a small planting hole

Rules of landing

Hydrangea Pink Diamond grows well on black soil and light loam. But even if the soil is not too fertile, it will be possible to breed this plant subject to the timely application of fertilizers. Before planting, it is necessary to prepare a mixture of soil. It is believed that the following composition is optimal for hydrangeas:

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

Another option:

• leaf ground (4 parts);
• sod land (2 parts);
• sand (1 part).

Landing is carried out according to the standard method:

1. Dig a small hole with the same diameter and depth (30 cm).
2. Watered with 2-3 buckets of water.
3. Fall asleep with soil.
4. Set the seedling in the center so that the root neck remains on the surface of the earth.
5. Water again.
6. Mulch with needles, sawdust foliage (layer 6-7 cm).

Bush Pink Diamond grows quite widely, so when planting several hydrangeas, an interval of at least 1 m must be observed

Watering and top dressing

Any varieties of hydrangeas, including Pink Diamond, love abundant (but at the same time moderate) watering. Therefore, it is necessary to observe a certain regimen:

1. If precipitation is plentiful, you do not need to water the plant – you can pour 1-2 buckets only once a month, as needed.
2. If there is little rain, it is necessary to water weekly with 2-3 buckets so that the soil remains slightly moist all day.
3. In case of drought, watering is increased up to 2 times a week. But as soon as it rains, it must be stopped – excess moisture harms hydrangeas.

Also, this variety is quite demanding on top dressing, which is applied several times per season (about 1 time per month) according to the following scheme:

1. In the spring, nitrogen fertilizers are applied – it can be saltpeter or organic top dressing (infusion of mullein or bird droppings).
2. In the summer 2-3 times (monthly) potash and phosphorus fertilizers are added. They begin to make from the stage of budding.
3. At the end of August, fertilizing should be stopped so that the bush can calmly prepare for winter.

Hydrangea pruning Pink Diamond

Pruning Pink Diamond, like most other varieties, is mandatory. Thanks to this, the crown retains an attractive appearance. In addition, the removal of old branches contributes to more lush flowering, since the bulk of the nutrients go to young, healthy branches.

The bush is trimmed regularly. The main pruning is spring (it is carried out in March, even before the start of sap flow). With the help of secateurs or garden shears, remove:

• dead, old shoots;
• damaged branches;
• branches strongly protruding beyond the crown.

It is also worth periodically thinning the crown, cutting off all branches growing inward, and not on the sides. Pruning of young shoots is carried out so that as a result 2-3 buds remain. You can repeat the haircut in the fall, shortly before the onset of the first frost.

Preparation for winter

Since the Pink Diamond hydrangea is a winter-hardy variety, it does not need special shelter for the winter. However, it is better to spud young seedlings with earth, as well as mulch the roots. To do this, create a layer of needles, sawdust, fallen leaves to a height of not more than 6-7 cm. In the future, this procedure is optional

However, mulching is best done at the beginning of each season. This is especially important in dry regions, as a layer of mulch prevents the soil from drying out quickly.

Reproduction of hydrangea Pink Diamond

Hydrangea is bred in different ways:

• cuttings;
• layering;
• seeds.

The easiest way is to receive layering. The algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. In the middle of spring, the lower shoot is fixed on slightly loosened soil and sprinkled so that only the top remains on the surface.
2. Water regularly, making sure that the green part grows quickly.
3. In September, the roots of the layering are already fully formed – it can be separated from the mother bush.
4. Then the layers are seated separately and prepared for wintering (mulching, shelter).
5. The following spring, they must be planted in permanent places.

Propagation of hydrangeas by cuttings is also quite simple – green cuttings are obtained from apical shoots in early summer. First, they are rooted in the sand, and after 2-3 months they are transplanted into containers with ordinary fertile soil. The cuttings hibernate indoors, and in the spring they are transferred to open ground.

To obtain a hydrangea cutting, it is enough to cut off the apical shoot with 2-3 pairs of leaves: the lower pair is removed, and the rest are cut in half

Diseases and pests

In general, the Pink Diamond variety is resistant to adverse climatic conditions and diseases. But from time to time it can be affected by various pathologies:

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

In the case of fungal diseases, it is necessary to treat with fungicides. If diseases are associated with improper care (yellowing of leaves due to chlorosis), nitrogen fertilizers must be applied. A solution of citric acid (5 g) and ferrous sulfate (3 g) per 1 liter of water is suitable.

Hydrangea chlorosis can be associated with both insufficient feeding and the spread of infection.

Pink Diamond, like other varieties of hydrangeas, is susceptible to insect pests, for example: aphids, spider mites, leafworms. In the fight against them, insecticides and folk remedies are used (mustard infusion, decoction of marigold flowers, a solution of soda, laundry soap, and others).

Conclusion

Hydrangea Pink Diamond will be a godsend for any garden. This is a full-fledged flower shrub that looks beautiful even on its own. It is easy to care for, although it requires some attention. Experience shows that hydrangea can be grown even in regions with frosty winters. Moreover, a novice amateur gardener will be able to cope with this task.

Hydrangea reviews Pink Diamond