A spokesperson for the family of stone-fir trees, the hydrangea hydrangea "Tardiva" can hardly be called an unproblematic plant - you will have to work hard to get a bright, lushly flowering bush. But the result will be so impressive that it will pay off all the effort.
Hydrangea panicle "Tardiva" - description
The variety "Tardiva" refers to hydrangeas of the late flowering period - fragrant luxuriant inflorescences-panicles cover the bush in late summer and early autumn (August-September). The peak of flowering is in October, so this variety should be grown only in areas with a warm climate, in others it simply will not have time to prove itself in all its glory. A wide sprawling bush can grow up to 3 meters under favorable conditions, but most often its height does not exceed a mark of 2 meters. A paniculate pyramidal or conical shape of the inflorescence of small cream-white flowers forms at the ends of the shoots, and this occurs usually at the age of 3-4 years.
Hydrangea panicle "Tardiva" - planting and care
When choosing a site for planting hydrangeas, it is necessary to remember that this whimsical beauty is quite demanding both for the level of illumination and for the quality of the soil. Lack of nutrients and moisture, excess sunlight and alkali in the soil will lead to the fact that the bush will be stunted, will not bloom, or even completely die. Having chosen a place that meets all the requirements, you can start landing. To do this, early in the spring, dig out a wide (no less than 70 cm) pits, well spill it and lay fertilizers. When planting a few hydrangeas, ensure that the gap between them is not less than one and a half meters. Care for the hydrangea hydrangea "Tardiva" includes regular abundant watering with loosening and mulching the stump, periodic (every 10-15 days) fertilization and mandatory annual pruning. The hydrangea should be cut twice a year: in autumn and early spring. During autumn pruning, all old and broken branches are cleaned, with shoots shortened in spring, leaving no more than 3-5 kidneys on each. In this case, do not be afraid to overdo it - such a cardinal haircut will not only not harm the plant, but it will even become a stimulating factor for a full lush flowering. Young plants need a special shelter for winter, but over time their winter hardiness rises.