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Flowering shrubs create a unique atmosphere in the suburban area. The attention of many gardeners was attracted by the novelty of 2018 – panicled hydrangea Samara Lydia. The variety is valuable for its compactness and rich color of the leaves. The main advantage is delicate inflorescences that change color.
Flower color changes from white to pink
Description of hydrangea paniculata Samara Lydia
Like most types of hydrangeas, Samara Lydia blooms for a long time – July, August and September. The bush is covered with a large number of compact (15 cm) conical inflorescences. In July, they are white, and in August they rapidly change color to hot pink or red (depending on the region).
Hydrangea bushes Samara Lydia are undersized – 1-1,3 m. They slowly increase in volume, therefore they are ideal for container growing. The width of the spreading crown is usually equal to the height of the bush. Dark green leaves favorably set off delicate inflorescences. There is a pleasant unobtrusive aroma in the air.
Hydrangea Samara Lydia in landscape design
A new variety of hydrangea is universal in landscape design. As a tapeworm, it is used in small gardens, planted on compact lawns. A lone bush looks good in a container. Due to the slow growth and small size, the culture is more often used in group plantations.
The main compositions with hydrangea Samara Lydia:
- narrow flower beds;
- borders;
- hedges.
Winter hardiness of the hydrangea variety Samarskaya Lydia
Panicled hydrangea belongs to the group of winter-hardy garden plants. Samara Lydia withstands frosts down to -30 °C. But sudden changes in temperature, strong winds and lack of snow in winter make the culture less viable.
Experienced gardeners advise covering the root system of paniculate hydrangeas so that severe frost does not damage them through wet, bare soil. The aerial part of young immature plants is securely wrapped. Frostbite branches can cause the spread of disease. A strong adult plant can successfully overwinter without shelter, but with a good preliminary pruning. Flowers will appear on the shoots of the current season.
Inflorescences appear on the shoots of the current year
Planting and caring for hydrangea Samara Lydia
In order for the hydrangea Samara Lydia to become covered with dense foliage and an abundance of lush inflorescences, a number of conditions must be met. The focus is on the following points:
- Preparation places.
- Landing.
- Care during the growing season.
- Preparation for winter.
Selection and preparation of the landing site
Paniculata hydrangeas love well-lit areas. But to extend the flowering period and protect the leaves from burns, it is better to shade them for several hours in the middle of the day. This is done through careful planning of the landing site. Shade can be provided by neighboring shrubs and trees, as well as buildings. It is important that the shadow is not too deep and long.
Ideal soil for hydrangea Samara Lydia has the following characteristics:
- Increased acidity.
- Fertility.
- Humidity.
- Breathability.
Problems with acidity, fertility and breathability are solved at the same time by introducing organic fertilizers into the soil. High-moor peat, leaf compost, fresh manure and rotted needles are suitable. The friability of the soil is further enhanced by the introduction of sand. The preparation of the selected place is carried out in advance, since organic matter is not absorbed immediately.
Rules of landing
In the southern regions, the hydrangea Samara Lydia is planted in early autumn. The plant has time to take root before the onset of frost and the next year pleases with lush flowering. The middle lane and northern regions are suitable for spring planting. The earth should warm up enough. Hydrangea seedlings with a closed root system can be planted in any warm month.
A low growing shrub with delicate buds suitable for open ground and container cultivation
Stages of planting hydrangea Samara Lydia:
- Dig a hole 2 times the diameter of the root system.
- Lay 10 cm of a drainage layer of gravel, crushed stone or broken brick.
- Chernozem is covered with sand and sour peat.
- Straighten the roots at the bottom of the pit.
- Fall asleep with the remaining soil mixture, tamp.
- Mulch the trunk circle.
- Tie a bush to a support.
- Watered with cold water.
- Cover with foil or agrofiber.
Watering and top dressing
For hydrangea Samara Lydia, it is important to maintain the level of soil moisture. To do this, watering is carried out often – once a week. 1 bucket of water is spent on one young plant, 2 on an adult bush. It is necessary to water, trying not to wet the leaves.
Experienced gardeners advise fertilizing according to the following scheme:
- Nitrogen fertilizers are applied every 2 weeks during spring and the first half of summer.
- Long-acting mineral fertilizers are applied 1 time in the spring.
- Top dressing to improve flowering is administered once in the spring.
- A weak solution of potassium permanganate is fed once a month.
- Potash fertilizers are introduced instead of nitrogen fertilizers during the budding period.
Since the second half of August, fertilizing is not carried out. Organic fertilizers contribute to the enhanced flowering of hydrangea Samara Lydia. However, their excessive use will result in the inability of the branches to support huge inflorescences.
Trimming
For the winter, paniculate hydrangea bushes get rid of flowers. In early spring, cardinal pruning is carried out. Most of each shoot is removed, leaving 2-3 buds. Of these, young branches with flower buds will develop during the season. By next spring they will become woody.
Sanitary pruning is mandatory every year. Remove damaged, twisted and formed shoots on old wood. Some branches are completely cut off, if necessary, you need to thin out the crown.
Preparation for winter
Before winter, dried inflorescences are cut from the shoots and the leaves are completely removed. This is necessary so that the accumulation of moisture does not lead to infection of the bush. Autumn processing of hydrangea Samara Lydia is optional – the variety is well protected from diseases.
In case of a snowless unstable winter, an air cushion is created on the trunk circle. To do this, use dry foliage, grass or moss. Shelter of the ground part is mandatory only for a young bush. Frostbite of branches is not terrible for an adult plant, since they are removed during spring pruning.
Young hydrangeas are securely covered for the winter
Reproduction
Varietal characteristics when propagated by seeds are not preserved. For hydrangea Samara Lydia, only cuttings and rooting are suitable. The second option is preferable if you need to get only a few seedlings.
The cuttings are cut during the swelling of the kidneys. Each of them should have 2 internodes. The upper cut is made straight, the lower cut at an angle of 45 °. The soil for rooting consists of peat and sand. The sprout is deepened by 3-4 cm, watered and covered with a film. Rooting requires a warm and bright place.
Propagation by layering is the easiest way. The strongest shoot of the season is lowered to the ground and dug in. For fixing use a bracket, brick or stone. The rooting area is always kept moist. In the next season, the resulting shoot can be transplanted.
Diseases and pests
The reasons for some changes in the appearance of hydrangea Samara Lydia should be sought in inappropriate conditions. For example, black spots on the leaves may appear from excess sunlight or hard water. Darkening and softening of the leaves occurs due to excessive watering or temperature fluctuations.
A weakened plant is prone to chlorosis, downy mildew, gray mold, powdery mildew and ring spot. Sometimes the culture is attacked by nematodes, mites or aphids. Problems are easily solved with the help of specialized tools.
Conclusion
Hydrangea paniculata Samara Lydia is an achievement in the selection of ornamental plants. The combination of compact size, delicate color-changing flowers and rich leaves make this plant a must for every gardener.
Plant care is standard for paniculate hydrangeas. It is especially important to pay attention to the composition of the soil and regular watering. Proper fertilization helps hydrangeas to reach their potential. Annual pruning is necessary to maintain shape and bloom profusely.
Hydrangea Reviews Samara Lydia
