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Hydrangea Masya is an ornamental perennial shrub with numerous and massive inflorescences that cover the entire plant in summer. Creates a beautiful composition with a wonderful aroma in any front garden, looks great in flowerpots and planters. There are a huge variety of different varieties of hydrangea, but Masya is especially beautiful.
A flowering plant can decorate a terrace, balcony and flower beds
Description of hydrangea Masya
This remontant variety has long earned popularity in European countries, but the plant became widespread in Our Country only a few years ago. Its lush crown begins to bloom with large bright flowers in early July and delights gardeners with its beauty until the end of September. The bush has large bright green leaves, erect shoots that sometimes need a garter. The flowers are collected in spherical inflorescences up to 30 cm in diameter. The color of the buds is purple or dark pink, but the shade may vary depending on the acidity of the soil. “Masya” grows quickly, has a compact shape and does not exceed 120 cm. This type of hydrangea is demanding on moisture and soil composition, heat-loving, needs shelter before winter. Frost resistance of the variety “Masya” up to -18 °C.
Hydrangea large-leaved Masya in landscape design
The hydrangea bush, thanks to its large leaves and lush inflorescences, looks attractive both in a single planting and in combination with other plants in the center of the lawn. Look spectacular with boxwood, blue spruce and juniper. Emphasizes the merits of the composition of shrubs with delicate, small foliage and small flowers. In a group planting, ferns, hostas, ornamental grasses, geraniums, spirea and other beautifully flowering shrubs will become excellent neighbors of hydrangeas. You can organize planting in pots, boxes, flowerpots, plant a bush on a balcony or veranda. A flower bed with the variety “Masya” is appropriate for a garden in French, English and rustic style. Flowering shrubs serve as a magnificent decoration of hedges, decorate gazebos and terraces, perform the function of zoning.
“Masya” goes well with almost all plants in the garden
Winter hardiness of hydrangea Masya
Hydrangea “Masya” is on the list of frost-resistant varieties of shrubs, for which it fell in love with domestic gardeners. But despite the fact that it is able to withstand temperatures down to -15-18 °C, leaving the bush without shelter is not recommended.
In the conditions of central Our Country, the Masya hydrangea begins to be prepared for winter from the beginning of autumn. And before the onset of frost, the branches are bent to the ground, covered with foliage, hidden under covering material or added dropwise like roses. But even if all the preparation rules are followed, there is a possibility that the plant will freeze and will not please with flowers next year.
Planting and caring for hydrangea Masya
The place for planting the Masya hydrangea bush should be chosen very carefully. It is from him that the flowering and decorativeness of the plant will depend. The variety is very fastidious, requires careful and attentive care, regular watering and fertilizing with nutritious fertilizers. It is very important to conscientiously prepare the hydrangea “Masya” for the winter and properly prune.
Selection and preparation of the landing site
Masya feels best on fertile, drained, loamy, loose soil, in a well-lit place. This plant is sun-loving, tolerates partial shade. Only the planted bush must be protected from bright sunlight. It is better to choose a site without drafts – near a fence or buildings. The composition of the soil can be both alkaline and acidic, but in no case calcareous. Ideally, the pH should be between 5,5 and 6.
Rules of landing
Hydrangea “Masya” takes root best when planting in the spring, when the threat of frost has passed. Although the plant loves a lot of light, it is not advisable to choose a site for it in direct sunlight. Also, do not deepen the seedlings much, 2 cm will be enough. But it is necessary to mulch the soil. Needles or sawdust are good for this.
Hydrangea planting is carried out in 5 stages:
- Before planting the plant, it is necessary to dig a hole 50x50x50 cm.
- Pour mulch and peat mixture on its bottom.
- Place the bush, gently straightening the roots.
- Fill it with earth, compact.
- Liberally pour.
After planting, subsequent care consists in regular moistening, loosening and fertilizing the soil.
The best time for planting hydrangeas is the end of spring – the beginning of summer.
Watering and top dressing
Since Masya loves moisture and is very picky about watering, each bush should receive at least 2 buckets of water per week. 2-3 times a month it is desirable to water the plant with the addition of alum.
Top dressing should be carried out at least 4 times:
- In May – to enhance the growth of hydrangeas.
- In early July – to tie new buds.
- In August – to extend the flowering period.
- In September – in order to restore strength.
During the first feeding, it is advisable to apply 30 g of sulfuric potassium and superphosphate, 20 g of urea (per sq. M.) under each bush. When budding begins, it is better to fertilize the Masya hydrangea with potassium sulfate (40 g) and superphosphate (70 g). By the end of flowering, the plant needs to be fed with rotted manure (15 kg per bush) or compost.
From organic matter, “Masya” perceives a solution of mullein well.
For a rich hydrangea color, you need to monitor the pH balance of the soil.
Pruning hydrangea Masya
“Masya” is a variety that needs to form bushes every year. Many gardeners prefer to carry out this procedure in the spring, usually in May. Proper pruning consists in shortening the shoots by 3-5 buds, while leaving up to ten of the strongest of them. Complete pruning of the bush will entail a lack of flowering, as the hydrangea forms buds on the shoots of the last season. To stimulate their new appearance, it is required to regularly break off dry, broken and dead inflorescences. Leaves left after winter must also be removed.
Preparation for winter
Hydrangea “Masya” is not a completely frost-resistant variety; it is mandatory to cover it for the winter. Prepare the bushes for the cold start in September. First, they stop watering, then the lower leaves are removed, giving the shoots the opportunity to become woody. In the second half of October, all hydrangea foliage is removed, leaving only the one that protects the buds. Then the branches are carefully tilted to the surface of the earth, laid on a pre-bedded spruce branch, pressed with a brick and covered. Straw is well suited to protect the shoots of the plant; peat, leaves or pine bark are often used to cover the roots.
It is easier and more reliable to cover the Masya hydrangea with special material for the winter
Reproduction
Hydrangea variety “Masya” reproduces in several ways:
- by dividing good bushes;
- grassy cuttings;
- horizontal outlets.
In the first case, it is desirable to carry out the operation in the spring, then a positive result is almost 100% guaranteed. To do this, the bush is dug up, inspected, the roots are cut, slices are sprinkled with charcoal or treated with brilliant green. Then the “delenki” are planted in pre-prepared holes.
When propagated by cuttings, they dig up the rooted part of a non-flowering shoot, transplant it into a pot, shorten the leaves and cover with a plastic bag. The plant is planted in a permanent place no earlier than after 3 weeks.
Layers can be obtained by bending a branch to the ground and sprinkling it with a layer of moist soil. When the shoot takes root, it can be transplanted.
When buying a hydrangea seedling “Masya” you need to pay attention to the condition of the plant, and give preference to a bush in a container or pot.
Diseases and pests
Even with careful care of the health of the hydrangea, it can be subject to various diseases and be affected by insects. The main ailments of the Masya variety include:
- white rot;
- fusariosis;
- septoria;
- powdery mildew;
- ring spot.
Of the pests most often attacked by hydrangea:
- leaf aphids;
- spider mite;
- nematode;
- slugs.
To make the plant more resistant to pests and diseases, it is advisable to water it several times a season with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. And in preparation for winter, treat the bushes with a Bordeaux mixture.
The right place to plant, light soil with an acidic environment, sufficient watering and timely top dressing guarantee the health of the hydrangea.
Conclusion
Hydrangea Masya, despite its tropical origin, can grow in temperate and continental climates. The main thing is to properly care for it, water it on time and feed it properly. Subject to all recommendations, the plant will thank the gardener with stunningly beautiful and abundant flowering for a long time.
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