The hydrangea family includes about 80 types of flowers. The most popular are large-leaved, treelike and panicle hydrangeas. The homeland of this flower is southeast Asia, North and South America, and hydrangeas also grow in China and Japan. In Japan, hydrangea is called ajisai, which means "purple sun". From Latin, the name of the flower is translated as "a vessel with water".
According to one of the legends, on the birthday of Buddha in Japan, sweet nectar poured from the sky and flowers fell. This is how a wonderful flower called hydrangea appeared on earth. Buddhists on this day drink tea called "amacha", which is made from hydrangea leaves. This tea is believed to protect against insects, evil spirits and poisonous snake bites.
Soil for hydrangea
The optimal composition of the soil for growing this flower is sod land, leafy soil and sand in proportions of 3: 3: 1, and for garden types of hydrangeas, you can use soils consisting of coniferous soil, humus and sand.
During the growing season, it is imperative to feed the plant once a week; during dormancy, this should not be done. Hydrangea with pink flowers is best fed with mineral liquid fertilizers. Poultry droppings are best used in May, June and July.
Lighting and watering hydrangeas
Indoor hydrangeas prefer partial shade, so it is best to choose a place where direct sunlight will not fall on the flower. During the growth and vegetation period, hydrangeas require abundant watering. It is necessary to water the flower as the top layer dries.
Reproduction of hydrangea
There are several ways to propagate hydrangeas: from seeds, cuttings and rooting.
Hydrangea has small seeds that are sown superficially and do not bury deep in the soil. Before sowing, the land is sprayed. The optimal composition of the soil is leafy soil, sod land, humus, peat and sand in a ratio of 1: 1: 1: 1/2: 1/2.
Hydrangea is planted in open ground in May. To do this, the seeds are scattered around the garden bed chaotically and sprinkled with sand. You can expect shoots in 1 month.
Also, an adult plant can be planted: divide in such a way that each half has an aerial part and a root, then plant it in a separate pot and do not forget to feed. The incision site can be treated with phytohormones.
It is best to cut a hydrangea in May. To do this, separate the stalk 10 centimeters long, immerse it in the soil consisting of sand. Then close with a glass jar or a bag, hold in this way until the first leaf appears, then the flower can be planted in a pot or on a garden bed.
Diseases and pests of hydrangea
The pests of this flower are powdery mildew, gray rot and chlorosis. In the event that the hydrangea has discolored leaves, then this is a chlorosis infection. For treatment, add 10 g of ferrous sulfate per 1 liter or 2 liters of ferrous sulfate to the water and treat the bushes with this solution.
Gray rot can be destroyed with Bordeaux fluid.
The appearance of oily, yellowish spots is a sign of powdery mildew infection. For treatment, make a mixture of copper sulfate (15 g per liter) and treat your flower with this mixture.
