"My lords, would you like to stroll around the garden? I saw a wonderful flower there, he is divinely beautiful. " Well, come along, and on the way I'll tell you about my sweet sister. " "Here is my flower, gentlemen, is not he really perfection! And what do you say, your sister's name? "" Hortensia, my lord. " "Perhaps I will dedicate this flower to your beautiful sister and call him by her name." "Oh, sir, she will be sincerely glad." So, thanks to the first round-the-world French expedition, in November 1768 Europe learned about the hydrangea, the flower, which has now won women's hearts around the globe. Let's join the ranks of amateurs of flower growers and talk about the care of the home hydrangea.
Hydrangea room - who is she?
Of course, met with a French expedition to Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean, the wondrous flower was not a hydrangea of the room. Most likely, it was some kind of its wild kind. But since that much time has passed, so many new varieties have appeared, among which our heroine is also listed.
The species considered in this article is very beautiful externally, in general, like all hydrangeas. The second name of this flower is large-leaf hydrangea, which speaks of the special hygienic nature of the plant (in Greek, "hydrangia" means "vessel with water"). Its growth can reach one and a half meters in height, and the flowering period lasts from April to September or October.
Care for home hydrangea
Despite the overseas origin, it is not at all difficult to look after a hydrangea at home. You just have to follow some simple rules.
How to plant, or transplant a hydrangea
Like all other species, large-leaf hydrangea propagates by cuttings. To grow a beautiful and healthy plant, you should know how to plant it properly, and when to fertilize and how to transplant.
The roots of all hydrangeas, despite their high growth, lie on the surface of the soil, and do not go deep. Therefore, for planting should take a wide, but not a deep reservoir. And do not forget that the soil must be sour, fertile and well drained. It includes humus, leafy soil, peat and sand, but, in no case, chalk or lime. Alkali hydrangeas do not accept and can get sick and wither from it.
During the rapid growth and flowering several times per season, the flower should be fed with mineral and organic fertilizers. And every spring before the flowering period, the plant should be transplanted into fresh soil. And do not forget to water it well with soft, settled water at room temperature. If necessary, you can use rain water for irrigation.
Temperature and lighting
Also, for the normal growth and development of the flower, the environment of its habitat plays a huge role. The temperature for hydrangeas should vary from 18 to 23 degrees. It can not be placed in bright sunlight or near a radiator. And in the period of rest from mid-October to mid-February - early March, it is better to take a hydrangea in a dark cool place, for example, a cellar or a closet.
Trimming
But before you send the flower for the winter, room hydrangeas are pruned. Carefully remove all faded and old twigs, leaving strong, healthy and young shoots. It is from their top buds that next year new buds will go.
Hydrangea - diseases
Many flower growers often have a natural question: does the hydrangea have any diseases, who or what should be feared when growing it? Of course, there are diseases and pests. For example, if the soil is heavily waterlogged, roots may become rotten, a spider mite, chervens or aphids may appear. But this is more an exception than the rule. Moisture hydrangea is very fond of, but at home it feels great. So, knowing how to hydrangea transplant, water, feed and protect from unfavorable external factors, you will successfully grow a beautiful plant for the joy of yourself and your girlfriends envy. Dare, and you will succeed.