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The rapid development of modern breeding is the source of a huge number of new species of ornamental plants. Hydrangea paniculata Skyfall was first presented at the international exhibition in 2018. The beauty and splendor of her inflorescences guaranteed her attention from both landscape designers and ordinary gardeners.
Description of hydrangea paniculata Skyfall
A feature of the new species is the rather rapid appearance of flowers. Compared to other representatives of paniculate hydrangeas, Skyfall Frenne flowers begin to form as early as the third year of life. A five-year-old seedling reaches a height of 1,2 m with a crown diameter of about 70 cm.
A feature of Skyfall hydrangea are huge white inflorescences.
The most important argument in favor of purchasing Skyfall is its unique flowering. Inflorescences in an adult plant reach up to 30 cm in length with a diameter of up to 20 cm. The first buds appear in mid-July. At this time, the tops of the shoots form large lush panicles.
The buds are white. Sometimes it is replaced by a slightly greenish or pink tint. A feature of this variety of Skyfall hydrangeas are large flower petals. The size of the inflorescences makes the hydrangea similar to brighter ornamental plants – lilacs or hyacinths.
Hydrangea paniculata Skyfall in landscape design
Every gardener dreams of a beautifully decorated crown of their flowering plants. There are 2 approaches to shaping Skyfall – in the form of a small tree or a lush shrub. In the first case, the largest central shoot is left with her, completely removing the rest.
When forming a lush bush, gardeners often face a significant problem. Skyfall’s inflorescences are so large that under their weight the side shoots bend down to the ground. To eliminate such a defect, it is necessary to build supports and tie branches to them.
When planting Skyfall in a row, it is necessary to make indents from 70 cm between seedlings
Hydrangea can be planted as a stand-alone shrub or in small groups, forming massive flower beds. However, it is best to combine its plantings with cereal ornamental plants – emperor, fescue and pogonaterum.
Winter hardiness of hydrangea Skyfall
Most artificially bred varieties are specifically created for growing in more severe conditions. In addition to external beauty and a longer flowering period, breeders are trying to improve winter hardiness parameters. Thanks to this approach, Skyfall successfully takes root both in the conditions of the sharply continental climate of the Ural and Siberian regions, and in the northwestern regions of Central Our Country.
A properly planted plant can easily survive temperatures as low as -30 degrees in winter. Since such a temperature is extremely rare in the central regions of the country, you don’t have to worry about the safety of the bush. If the winter is not snowy and harsh, then experienced gardeners recommend covering hydrangea bushes with spruce branches or roofing material.
Planting and caring for panicle hydrangea Skyfall
In order for the shrub to please with abundant flowering and a healthy crown, it needs constant care. Like most artificially bred varieties, hydrangea is less demanding on small shortcomings in agricultural technology. Among the most important points in caring for her are:
- periodic watering;
- fertilizing;
- shrub pruning;
- preparation for winter;
- correct fit.
It is very important to choose a quality seedling. It should have a developed root system and pronounced shoots. The best time for planting is early spring, when the seedlings have not yet budded. You can also plant in the fall – immediately after leaf fall.
Selection and preparation of the landing site
For any plant, it is important to choose the right place. Skyfall prefers fertile soils. Chernozem or podzolic soils are best for growing. The soil must have good drainage so that the accumulated water does not spoil the roots of the shrub.
It is very important that the site chosen for planting is not too open. Constant exposure to direct sunlight can be detrimental to the health of the hydrangea and become one of the reasons for its wilting. It is best to plant it between large trees or on the western side of the site.
To shelter Skyfall from the sun and strong winds, it is planted near the walls of the house.
Hydrangea does not like strong winds. The best place for planting it will be a flower bed adjacent to the wall of the house or located next to the fence. So that young seedlings do not break under a strong wind, immediately after planting next to the bushes, it is recommended to set up supports and tie shoots to them.
Rules of landing
A week before planting seedlings in open ground, it is necessary to prepare planting pits. The optimal dimensions of the recess are 50x50x50 cm. 2 buckets of water are poured into each of the pits. A day later, the bottom is covered with a layer of drainage.
As a basis for it, you can use:
- large pebbles;
- broken brick;
- charcoal;
- expanded clay
Sheet soil is mixed with sand in a ratio of 2:1. 50 g of superphosphate is also added to the resulting soil for faster rooting of the seedling. A supporting support is installed in the center of the pit.
The Skyfall roots are straightened, after which the seedling is lowered into the planting hole. It is sprinkled with prepared soil so that the root neck is at ground level. Immediately after planting, the seedling is plentifully watered and mulched with sawdust.
Watering and top dressing
Hydrangea paniculata hydrangea paniculata skyfall is a moisture-loving plant. For healthy development, it is recommended to water it every 3-4 days. 2-3 buckets are poured under the bush. It is best to use soft water, settled in a barrel for several days.
In addition to abundant watering, each flowering shrub needs periodic fertilization. Superphosphate is best suited for the proper functioning of Skyfall hydrangea. It is applied in the spring before the appearance of the first buds. In summer, Skyfall is fertilized with urea. In the autumn, cow dung is introduced into the soil around the plantings of ornamental shrubs.
Pruning hydrangea paniculate variety Skyfall
Every shrub needs periodic pruning. Neglect of such a procedure can cause a lack of nutrition for all shoots. There are 3 types of pruning required – sanitary, shaping and rejuvenating.
Timely pruning is the key to the lush flowering of hydrangeas
In the first case, this refers to the removal of dead shoots after the winter period. Dried branches are completely cut off with a pruner. Formative pruning is needed to create a beautiful crown. Rejuvenation is necessary to remove the oldest shoots.
Preparation for winter
The artificially bred Skyfall variety easily endures winters in central Our Country. In a more severe climate, hydrangea must be prepared for difficult conditions. Subject to a set of measures, the shrub can easily cope with temperatures up to -30 degrees.
The first step is to increase the layer of mulch. It allows you to keep warm in the area of the root system. If weather forecasters promise a winter with little snow, the mulch layer must be increased to 10-15 cm.
Reproduction
From one Skyfall hydrangea bush, you can get a large amount of planting material. Like most ornamental plants, it is propagated in two ways – cuttings and taps.
To obtain cuttings of Skyfall hydrangea, apical shoots with 2-3 buds are cut in summer. They are dipped in clean water for 3-4 weeks. During this time, the primary root system is formed. After that, the cuttings are transplanted into pots and grown at home for a year before planting in open ground.
Seedlings are rooted in the ground upon reaching one or two years.
For propagation by branches, lateral shoots are bent close to the ground in early spring. They are fixed with hairpins, after which they are covered with earth by 2-3 cm. At the end of August, the rooted plant is transplanted to a new place.
Diseases and pests
Despite the fact that modern breeding tries to minimize plant damage by other organisms, hydrangea remains susceptible to various diseases. Diseases and pests can affect not only the leaves and shoots of Skyfall, but also its root system.
Most often, hydrangea is affected by:
- ring spot;
- rust;
- chlorosis;
- fungal diseases.
Among the pests, leaf aphids, spider mites and garden slugs are distinguished. It is important to remember that as soon as the Skyfall hydrangea has shown signs of disease, it is necessary to apply special preparations or insecticides as soon as possible. A neglected disease can completely destroy the plant.
Conclusion
Hydrangea paniculata Skyfall is becoming more and more popular in home gardens. Huge blooming buds brighten the landscape with bright white blooms. With the right agricultural technology, you can get a magnificent plant that pleases with its appearance for a long time.
Hydrangea Skyfall Reviews
