For the first time, a wide audience was able to admire the flowering seedling of panicled hydrangea of the Skyfall variety at the Plantarium International Exhibition in 2018. Its highlight is unusually large inflorescences, in a fully expanded state exceeding the size of an adult's head.
Description of hydrangea skyfall
The variety belongs to the panicled species of hydrangeas (Hydrangea Paniculata), which is best suited for cultivation in gardens and flower beds. The ancestors of modern hybrids bloomed from the age of 5, and the latest hybrids, like Skyfall, open their buds in their third year of life.
Panicled hydrangea skyfall
The crown can be formed by a tree, leaving the central strongest shoot, and cutting out the minor ones. But much more often panicle hydrangea is formed by a lush bush with numerous inflorescences. Under their weight, sufficiently thin shoots wilt, which requires the organization of supports around the crown.
Origin and appearance
As the branches grow, the plant takes the form of a compact bush with vertical strong shoots. Optimum size: 1.2 m - height, 70 cm - width. The variety is suitable for growing in open flowerbeds, as well as in tubs and containers. It looks good alone and in a group fit. Prefers semi-shady placement, fertile moist and well-drained soil. It withstands frosts down to -30 ° С.
How hydrangea skyfall blooms
In July, the tops of the shoots are covered with buds blooming in very large panicles. The size of the inflorescence is more than 30 cm high and more than 15 cm wide. The shape is conical.
Hydrangea Inflorescence Skyfall
Immediately after blooming, the flowers have a pure white or with a slight green shade, gradually gaining a pinkish tone. Large flower petals. In general, the similarity is traced by hyacinth and large-colored lilacs.
For your information! Flowering ends in late September under favorable weather conditions (air temperature above 20 ° C).
Transplant after purchase in open ground
The optimal time for planting is before buds open or after leaf fall. In a sleeping state, the plant tolerates the transplant well. But it is perfectly permissible to plant hydrangea in the summer before buds appear at the ends of young shoots.
Note! The maximum chances of successful survival in seedlings with a closed root system in containers.
What you need for landing
The place for the seedling is chosen near the shelter, which will protect the plant from strong cold winds. The beds near the walls of the house, along the fence, will do. It is additionally recommended that you immediately purchase and install a support around each bush for future lush inflorescences.
Seedlings
Choosing the best place
In addition to the need to protect the bush from the winds, it is important to choose a site where the groundwater level is deeper than 1.5 m. The panicle hydrangea does not tolerate root flooding with all its love for increased moisture.
Note! Nearby, the presence of large trees with a translucent crown is quite acceptable, which will provide the necessary shading, because, being under the scorching sun all day, hydrangea quickly burns out.
Step-by-step landing process
Landing is carried out in the following sequence:
- Dig a landing pit 50 × 50 cm and a depth of at least 50 cm.
- 1-2 buckets of water are poured into it.
- After a day, a drainage layer is made at the bottom of the pit. A large jackdaw, broken brick, expanded clay, small pieces of charcoal will do.
- If several seedlings are planted at once, then they maintain a distance of at least 70 cm between them.
- Prepare the soil for backfill by mixing fertile soil (pH = 5.5) with sand in a 2: 1 ratio. In addition, 40-50 g of superphosphate are mixed.
- At the bottom, establish a support for tying the handle.
- Spreading the roots and lowering the seedling in the pit, they fill it with a fertile soil mixture.
- The root neck should be level with the soil.
- Hydrangea is abundantly watered and a trunk circle is sprinkled with mulch from needles, sawdust, and chopped grass.
Skyfall Hydrangea Propagation
The panicled type of hydrangea is easily propagated by vegetative methods: cuttings, layering and dividing the bush. From one bush after 1-2 years you can get a lot of planting material.
Propagation by cuttings
The best time to cut the cuttings is the summer before the buds appear. Cut apical shoots with 2-3 pairs of buds.
Hydrangea cuttings
Leaves are cut in half and the cuttings are lowered into water or soil. Usually, the appearance of roots takes 3-4 weeks. Landing in the open ground is carried out a year later.
Growing from layering
Layers are obtained in June from the lower shoots, which are bent to the soil and secured with wire studs. Sprinkle on top with 2-3 cm of soil. In late August, a rooted daughter plant can be dug up and transplanted to a permanent place.
Bush division
In early spring, when the soil is thawing, the bushes are dug up and divided into 2-3 parts. Each segment is planted in a new place in accordance with general recommendations for choosing a place and preparing a fertile soil mixture.
Hydrangea Skyfall Care
During warm time, the bush brings more joy than hassle, for which gardeners around the world love it.
Important! Formative pruning is carried out in the spring. At the end of March, they leave the 10 strongest shoots, shortening up to 3-5 pairs of buds.
Watering mode
All panicled hydrangeas are extremely hygrophilous. At the same time, they prefer the defended soft. It is best to have a barrel nearby for sludge from where to take and pour 2-3 buckets every three days under each bush.
Top dressing
In autumn, rotted manure is laid around the bushes. In spring, while loosening, 40 g of superphosphate are added. In the summer, before budding, it is useful to add a solution of urea (25 g per 10 liters of water).
Features of care during the flowering period
Blooming hydrangea is a magnificent sight. Like all ornamental shrubs, she should pay attention, carefully cutting everything that spoils the appearance: faded inflorescences, broken twigs, dry leaves, etc.
Cut dry hydrangea inflorescences
Features of care at rest
It is this time that is best suited for treatment against pests and diseases. At intervals of two weeks, the bushes are alternately sprayed with Bordeaux fluid solutions, foundationazole, acaricidal preparations.
Winter preparations
Young bushes recommend sheltering in the fall immediately after complete shedding of foliage. To do this, install arches or huts from slats, on top of which you can pull a non-woven agrotextile or carry out a dumping of dry foliage mixed with needles.
Easy care and guaranteed excellent flowering for many years - the advantages of the variety. Each bush of Skyfall hydrangea will bring its owner many pleasant moments. After a year or two, if desired, you can propagate it by decorating free flower beds.
