Hydrangea is a shrub with lush inflorescences and large green leaves. Loved by gardeners and landscape designers. There are about 80 varieties. Some of them are designed for growing at home, but it is important to consider the differences in planting and care.
Description of hydrangea room
It is necessary to familiarize yourself with the description before buying the variety - some varieties differ significantly in height, size, color and other parameters.
Indoor hydrangea
Are there room hydrangeas
Indoor hydrangea will become an adornment of any room - lush inflorescences, wide leaves of juicy green color, lack of aroma (therefore it does not attract bees and other insects).
Home varieties are dwarf subspecies of garden varieties. Small bushes vary significantly in height, although individual owners grow home species up to 1.5 m.
Origin
Home hydrangea is a subspecies of a plant brought to Europe in the 14th century. Originally intended exclusively for the wealthy segments of the population - luxurious inflorescences were associated with the wealth and special position of the owner. Hydrangea gained particular popularity in England and France.
Shrub is widespread in Asia and America. The largest number of varieties grows in Japan, China. Separate frost-resistant species are also found in Russia - mainly in the Far East.
What is the difference from garden hydrangea
Most often, the plant looks at the sites, but there is no need to be afraid to grow shrubs at home - home hydrangea is considered quite unpretentious flower (if you know certain nuances).
Care differs only in scale. Indoor varieties like water, do not tolerate extreme heat (in summer too sunny weather, it is better to remove from the windowsill).
For reference! The main difference between garden and room hydrangea is size, individual varieties grow only to 20 cm.
Features
Those who are familiar with garden hydrangea know that this is a large bush with lush inflorescences of various shades. Popular names - "fate", "bride". Miniature varieties practically do not differ:
- inflorescences are spherical, flowers in shape are racemose, in the form of an "umbrella", corymbose;
- leaves are large, saturated green, framed by small cloves;
- the root system is rapidly developing (often visible from the ground in pots).
With proper pruning, the leaves are arranged in a bunch at the bottom, and flowers bloom at the top, forming a bright hat.
Pros and cons
Hydrangea is a special flower. In order not to ruin the plant, you need to know about the basic rules and requirements for care.
Close-up of violet hydrangea flowers
Shrub disadvantages:
- increased requirements for acidity and soil composition (sudden changes, an overabundance or lack of minerals leads to a complete absence of inflorescences, death of the bush);
- plentiful watering - hydrangea must be watered often (it will not work for a few days for the trip);
- the need for a permanent place of growth - the plant does not like frequent transplants, a change of habitat.
For some growers, care may seem difficult - this often scares beginners. You should not worry, many care products are sold ready-made, the main thing is to prepare.
Advantages of indoor hydrangeas:
- lack of aroma - does not attract bees, other insects;
- bright, saturated shades that can be changed independently (from pink to blue, for example);
- lush inflorescences will look great in any interior, attract the attention of others.
Hydrangea is a perennial shrub, so it will delight the attentive owner for several years in a row.
The most suitable varieties of hydrangeas for growing at home
Breeders have bred a few dozen varieties, so before buying it is important to "inquire". Plants differ in appearance and in the nuances of care. Experts recommend the following varieties.
- Compacta
A small shrub with lush foliage. Inflorescences are usually pink or white (depending on the soil). Thanks to competent pruning, it acquires a beautiful shape with a height of up to 50 cm.
- Ramars mars
A miniature variety, inflorescences reach a diameter of not more than 20 cm. Hydrangea in a pot looks compact, requires constant pruning. The peculiarity of the variety is that over time the ends of the petals acquire a greenish tint.
- Madame E. Mouillere
The variety grows spherically, it turns out compact and spherical. The leaves are glossy, slightly narrowed (in comparison with other types). The inflorescences are dense, usually white, last a long time.
- Soeur therese
The bush blooms early in the first half of June. The plant reaches a height of 35-40 cm. The inflorescences are spherical, regular in shape, white. The leaves are small, dark green.
- Europe
Decorative shrub, height not more than 50 cm. It is considered medium-tall in its class. The sheets are large. You can distinguish by the blue hue of the petals.
- Red sensation
A sprawling bush, but dense enough to grow without support. The leaves are glossy, bright green. If you comply with the recommended acidity, the flowers will be red.
Attention! If alum is added to the soil, the flowers will acquire a purple or burgundy hue.
- Prime
Heap large-leaved shrub, spherical shape, slightly flattened. Inflorescences reach a diameter of 18 cm, small flowers - up to 3.5 cm, usually pink. The stems grow to 25 cm.
Indoor Hydrangea Prime
- Miss saori
The variety appeared in 2013 thanks to Japanese breeders. Large shrub - height and width reach 100 cm. Shoots strongly branch. Inflorescences are pink.
For reference! Feature - does not change the color of the flowers when changing the acidity of the soil.
- Bavaria
It blooms from June to October. The shrub can be grown up to 1.5 m. The inflorescences are large - up to 20 cm.
It blooms profusely, the color of the petals is blue.
How to transplant home hydrangea into a pot after purchase
Home care and maintenance begin from the moment of the first transplant after purchase. The plant is recommended to be transplanted annually, the rules are the same. Pot, soil, drainage, top dressing should be purchased in advance.
Capacity selection
Hydrangeas are sold in a pot in which care is not possible. A transplant is required immediately after purchase. A new container is selected based on the size of the seedling. The pot should be wide and shallow.
Attention! Hydrangeas are not transplanted into deep containers. The root system of the plant is superficial, the depth will cause stagnation of water, the development of diseases and parasites.
Soil requirements
Care at home for room hydrangea involves the selection of a specific soil. The plant does not accept alkaline soil. A land with high acidity will provide good growth and rapid flowering.
You can use purchased soil for azaleas, for example. Expanded clay balls are suitable as drainage.
How to plant
You can transplant the plant on a wide table, which is previously covered with a film or newspaper. Then prepare the pot. Drainage is poured to the bottom, about 1-2 cm. Ground is poured from above, distributing it to the side walls of the tank - it is necessary to form a hole.
Important information! It is important to check for a purchased seedling for root diseases. In this case, the earth can not be shaken off. The flower must be carefully planted in a basin of water, rinse the roots and inspect.
The seedling is set in the center of the pot pit. Gently holding the stem of the plant, sprinkle with earth to the desired level. Strongly should not be crushed. After planting, it is enough to spray the leaves from the spray gun, watering starts from the next day.
Hydrangea transplant after purchase
Hydrangea - home care
How to care for hydrangea in an apartment is necessary for every lover of this variety of flowers to know. The plant is considered moody, so it is important to consider certain nuances.
Temperature and ventilation
For home hydrangeas, a room temperature is suitable, which usually stays between 18 ... 22 ° C. For the winter, it is better to rearrange the pot in a cooler place (optimal values are 7 ... 9 ° C).
The flower does not tolerate drafts, so when ventilating the room it is better to remove the plant from the window.
Lighting and placing a flower on the windowsill
Hydrangea loves well-lit places, but does not tolerate direct sunlight. If you keep on the windowsill, you should consider the direction of the window. If necessary, create additional shading. Otherwise, white spots will appear on the leaves - burns from ultraviolet radiation.
Watering and spraying
With home care for hydrangea, it is important not to forget about timely watering. In summer, the plant is watered regularly and abundantly, in winter and autumn - in moderation.
Water should be at room temperature. From time to time, you can add lemon juice (5 drops per 1 liter of liquid).
Spraying is carried out necessarily - leaves, flowers.
Fertilizer and fertilizing
Home varieties need regular soil recharge - once every two weeks. Fertilizers recommended for flowering plants are suitable for hydrangeas.
Attention! The dosage indicated on the packaging must be strictly observed. Excessive amounts can burn the roots.
What to do when indoor hydrangea has faded
Rapid flowering ends in the fall, usually in October. After this, the plant is prepared for wintering.
Faded tips must be carefully cut. Care - top dressing, trimming, compliance with the regime - do not stop in winter.
Pruning
Indoor varieties also need competent formation, like garden ones. The procedure is carried out twice a year:
- in the fall, at the end of flowering, half the length of the stems and weak branches are removed;
- in the spring cut weak shoots.
Sometimes they remove the top of the flower. This helps make the bush more lush and rounded.
Breeding
Purchasing a seedling in a store is a popular, but not always the best option. There is no information about leaving, possible diseases, sometimes "surprises" pop up. Hydrangea can be propagated at home in several ways.
Seed cultivation
There is no special preplant preparation of hydrangea seeds. Seeds are placed in the soil in February. Small, separate containers are recommended. Soil is used purchased or prepared:
- humus, leaf or soddy soil - equal parts;
- peat, sand - ½ part.
Pots are covered with glass. Every day it is necessary to ventilate and moisten the crops. It is better to use a spray gun. After the first shoots, the glass can be removed.
Cuttings
It is considered the simplest method of bush propagation. Spend at the end of winter. Cuttings are cut from basal shoots - about 8 cm long, with a maximum of three branches. The lower sheets are removed, the upper ones are cut in half.
Billets are placed in pots, covered with glass jars. Every day they air. Lighting should be, but without direct sunlight. Seedlings will be ready in 3-4 weeks.
Propagation of room hydrangea by petioles
Bush division
It is carried out during the annual plant transplant. It is important to carefully separate the hydrangea stems without damaging the branches. Roots and shoots shorten a little.
After dividing the bushes are planted in separate pots. Thus, a mix of varieties is often made.
Layering
The method is more suitable for garden varieties. Indoor hydrangeas are placed next to pots filled with earth. Shoots, new stems carefully unwrap (unwind), moving to the ground in a new container. So that the shoots do not curl, it is necessary to fix it (for example, with a wooden handle).
After 3-4 weeks, the plant can be separated.
Diseases and pests, means of combating them
Any cultivated plant is exposed to various factors, including the development of diseases, and the occurrence of harmful insects. Hydrangea is no exception, although it is considered a fairly hardy plant.
Typical diseases and pests:
- gray rot - appears from excessive humidity, the leaves are treated with Bordeaux liquid;
- powdery mildew - also from high humidity, is treated with copper-containing solutions;
- aphid, spider mite - appear in dry air and moist soil, soap solution, Karbofos act against insects;
Attention! If a nematode is found on the bushes, the plant will begin to dry, it will have to be destroyed. Such a bush is not subject to treatment.
Is it possible to plant indoor hydrangea in open ground and how to do it right
Any variety of indoor hydrangea can be transplanted into the open ground. The procedure is carried out similarly - they prepare a pit, the plant is moved and the roots are sprinkled with earth.
To make the bush better move away from the container, put the pot on its side, carefully run a ruler between the walls and roots. It is important not to stop abundant watering, plant nutrition.
There is no doubt whether hydrangea can be grown at home in a pot. The plant requires careful and constant care, however, the abundance of flowers and large inflorescences will please any owner.
