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Bluebird serrata hydrangea is a shrub plant originated in Japan. Flowers are valued for their decorative properties, so they are often used in landscape design. The shrub blooms until late autumn, when other plants are no longer present on the site. For this reason, many gardeners prefer this culture.
Description of Bluebird serrated hydrangea
Hydrangea serrata (hydrangea serrata bluebird) is a shrub with a strong trunk. For a long time it was considered a greenhouse inhabitant, but today it is planted everywhere.
Plant height reaches 120 cm.The leaves are bright green, oval in shape, up to 12 cm long.The crown width often exceeds 1.5 m.
Hydrangea serrata Bluebird has large inflorescences up to 8 cm in diameter. They are able to change color depending on the composition of the soil. In the center of the inflorescence are small white-blue or light pink flowers. Along the edges of the "panicle" there are large flowers, which, after blooming, acquire a milky pink and bluish tint.
Hydrangea Bluebird in landscape design
Landscaping experts recommend planting serrata hydrangea to give the site a blooming look. In the process of creating any composition, one must take into account the fact that the distance between plants must be at least 1.5 m.
The flowering shrub goes well with Astilbe or Astrantia. Lovers of minimalism will love the combination of Blueber with lilacs or mock-orange. If there is a pond in the garden, then the hydrangea can decorate its coastal zone. Due to its high frost resistance, the shrub will delight its owners from early spring to late autumn.
Below are photos of the use of Bluebird serrata hydrangea in landscape design.
The plant is planted as a hedge along the garden path
The combination of different varieties allows you to achieve the natural brightness of a living fence
The view from the window to the blooming flower bed will extend the summer until October
Winter hardiness of hydrangea serrata Bluebird
The winter hardiness of an adult serrated hydrangea bluebird allows it to withstand frosts down to -23 ° C, so it can be planted in the Moscow region. The only area where Bluebird hydrangea should not be bred is Siberia.
With the onset of cold weather, a young plant requires shelter, or transfer to a cool room. Proper and timely care of the shrub guarantees a healthy awakening of serrated hydrangea in early spring.
The serrated variety Bluebird blooms all summer and continues to delight the eye until late autumn.
Planting and caring for Bluebird saw hydrangea
The best times to plant Bluebird serrata hydrangea are April, May and September. In order for a young shrub to take root faster, it is planted in warm weather. Care must be taken to care for him.
For abundant flowering, the gardener must provide hydrangeas:
- timely watering;
- surface loosening;
- competent pruning;
- protection from pests.
The serrated variety Bluebird is a thermophilic variety, therefore, when planting outdoors, it is important to correctly determine the place.
Selection and preparation of the landing site
Bluebird hydrangea is planted in open, partially shaded areas. This flower does not tolerate when a large amount of sunlight falls on it. Long exposure to the open sun can cause the shrub to dry out. To prevent this from happening, landing is carried out in partial shade.
Serrate hydrangea is an unpretentious plant, so you shouldn't worry about whether it will take root in the chosen place or not. The most important thing is that the site is not exposed to strong winds, and the soil is sufficiently moistened. Also, the plant will feel comfortable in conditions when no other moisture-loving flowers grow nearby. Otherwise, the hydrangea will not be able to bloom.
If the selected place is not protected from sunlight, then the seedlings will have to be shaded. This will help prevent leaf burns.
For this reason, it is often planted near high fences, building facades.
Landing rules
The shrub takes root well on all types of soil, except for those that contain a large amount of lime and ash. These substances reduce the acidity of the soil, so the plant cannot develop normally.
Experienced gardeners say that a substrate made from humus, earth, peat and sand is a good option for growing.
The planting process is carried out as follows:
- A pit 50 cm wide and 60 cm deep is prepared for seedlings.
- After that, organic fertilizers are applied to the ground. Clay soil is diluted with sand. If organic fertilizers are not available, it is allowed to use urea instead.
- During the planting process, it is necessary to ensure that the root collar remains flush with the ground.
- After planting is complete, the serrate shrub is watered abundantly with water.
- Mulch the soil around the flower.
The higher the acidity (Ph) of the earth, the brighter the flowers will be. Such soil formulations will ensure that hydrangeas grow well.
Landscape designers often use Bluebird serrata hydrangea in their designs.
Watering and feeding
Hydrangea is a moisture-loving shrub, so it should be watered regularly. Do not allow the soil to dry out. In hot and dry weather, the plant is watered daily, bringing 2-3 liters of water under the root. During the rainy season, watering is reduced to 10 liters per week.
Irrigation water has its own requirements:
- It should not be hard, otherwise the acidity of the soil will drop to a critical value.
- It is forbidden to use tap water. High chlorine content often causes leaf chlorosis (yellowing).
- It is highly not recommended to water the flower with musty water - this can provoke rotting of the roots.
If during the planting process a nutritious soil mixture was used, then fertilizing can be omitted for the next 2 years. After 2-3 years, the hydrangea is fertilized three times per season: in the spring, during the flowering period, in the fall.
The plant does not like wood ash and lime fertilizers. It is prohibited to use these funds. As for nitrogen-containing fertilizers, they should be used strictly according to the instructions.
Pruning hydrangea finely sawed Bluebird
Bluebird serrated hydrangea is pruned in September. With the help of a pruner, it is necessary to cut off 2-3 upper nodes, thereby leveling the "cap" of the shrub. Branches without flowers, old dried shoots are also cut off.
Pruning in the fall is a must. It is needed to reduce the area of evaporation of moisture from the plant. To give a beautiful shape, it is allowed to cut the shrub in the summer.
A radical shearing of the bush is carried out every two years. Removing dead, weak shoots will benefit the plant.
Preparing for winter
After preventive pruning, the hydrangea is prepared for winter. The bushes are treated with solutions against pests. When the foliage finally falls off, the plant is sprayed with a liquid based on copper sulfate and hydrated lime.
Despite the fact that serrata hydrangea has good frost resistance, the shrub is still covered for the winter.
This can be done in several ways:
- Loosen the soil and cover with plastic.
- Wrap the branches with a net, and throw warm clothes on top.
- Tie the branches together with a rope and insulate with spruce branches.
You need to cover the plant before the arrival of severe frosts.
Reproduction
The propagation of the Bluebird serrated hydrangea is carried out in several ways. Gardeners prefer to use one of the following methods:
- Cuttings - young branches are cut in mid-July, and then placed in the ground with peat and sand. The rooted stalk is planted in a permanent place, and by autumn it turns into a full-fledged bush.
- Layers - the lower branches of an adult bush are added to the ground in spring. In the fall, shoots appear on them, which can be planted next spring.
- Dividing a bush is the most affordable method. The root system is cleaned of soil, leaves, shoots. After that, the upper part of the roots is cut, and then the delenki are planted in another place.
- Seed - This method is necessary if a lot of seedlings are required. The seeds are purchased from the garden center and then soaked. The sprouts emerging from the seed will be a signal of readiness for planting in the ground.
The successful cultivation of seedlings depends on the correct selection of the earthen mixture.
Hydrangea serrata often becomes the main decoration of the garden.
Diseases and pests
Hydrangea Bluebird is resistant to disease. In addition to regular watering, the serrated shrub needs shelter from the sun's rays. A flower growing under the sun becomes ill over time: the leaves turn yellow, the flowers pale and small. To prevent this, it is necessary to create artificial shading.
Sometimes the shrub is affected by chlorosis, aphids and downy mildew. Regular inspection of the flower will help to take action in time.
Bushes growing on calcareous soils are most often exposed to chlorosis. For plant treatment, an aqueous solution based on copper sulfate and potassium nitrate is used. Downy mildew manifests itself as oily spots on the stems and leaves. A solution consisting of laundry soap, water and copper sulfate is used to process the flower.
If the hydrangea is attacked by aphids, whiteflies or spider mites, then the shrub should be treated with an insecticide. Regular spraying with special preparations will protect the plant from any infections.
Conclusion
Hydrangea serrata Bluebird is a tree-like shrub with beautiful inflorescences. The plant can decorate a balcony, garden area or terrace. With proper care, the bush will bloom not only all summer, but also in September.
