Varieties of paniculata hydrangea. Hydrangea paniculata: new varieties, cultivation, pruning Hydrangea paniculata with pink flowers

Unlike tree-like, petiolate, large-leaved, ashy and other forms, the inflorescences are elongated. They resemble fluffy panicles, which is why the species got its name. According to the description, paniculate hydrangea can only be compared with the oak-leaved variety, but, of course, the heroine of this material wins in brightness, density and duration of flowering.

The most favorite shrubs among gardeners: paniculata hydrangea, mock orange, lilac. Each bush is good in its own way. But the leader in this trio is still hydrangea. Firstly, she is a real champion in terms of flowering duration. Secondly, it grows and blooms without problems in partial shade, where lilac and mock orange will wither. Thirdly, her caps decorate the garden precisely when almost everything has already bloomed, and only dahlias are anxiously awaiting the end of the holiday - the first autumn frost.

Recently, new varieties of paniculate hydrangeas appear literally every year. It is difficult even for specialists to understand this flow. There is nowhere to look at all the forms “live”, and even more so at the new items, even abroad. It is expected that a collection of the best varieties of paniculate hydrangeas will soon appear in the Botanical Garden on Mira Avenue.

A photo of an adult paniculate hydrangea with a detailed description is very rare; nurseries do not pamper customers with such gifts. So you have to collect information bit by bit. And, of course, experiment at your own risk.

Breeding Hydrangea paniculata

Previously, everything was simple with paniculate hydrangea - in Russian noble estates and later in summer cottages, only one variety grew - ‘Grandiflora’. It was brought to Europe from Japan in 1829 by the German doctor Philipp Franz Balthasar von Siebold, who worked for several years on the islands in the Nagasaki area. Another old variety, ‘Floribunda’, which came to St. Petersburg from a Japanese nursery thanks to Karl Maksimovich in 1860, has not become so widespread in our country. A little later, two more cultivars became known in Europe - ‘Praecox’ and ‘Kyushu’.

Their origin was still the same - Japanese.

The situation changed in the fifties, when two enthusiasts, Jelena and Robert de Beider, began breeding paniculate hydrangeas. It is to them that flower growers owe their appearance! such masterpieces as ‘Unique’, ‘Brussels Lace’ and ‘Pink Diamond’.

Breeders in Europe and the USA are still working with the de Belder heritage. For example, using plants from their arboretum, in the 1970-80s. Dutchman Pieter Zwijnenburg gave the world such beautiful varieties of paniculate hydrangeas as ‘ Phantom' , 'Limelight' and 'Silver Dollar'. The first cultivar became famous for the largest size of inflorescences to date, the second - for its unusual lemon-salad sterile flowers, the third - for the spectacular appearance of the bush: large pyramidal inflorescences and strong, vertical shoots.

The best varieties of paniculate hydrangea for the Moscow region: photos and description

‘Brussels Lace’

The height of the bush is 2 m. The inflorescence is up to 30 cm long, conical in shape, the flowers are fertile and sterile. White, later turning pink. Blooms until October.

‘Grandiflora’

The height of the bush is 2-3 m. The inflorescence is a wide cone, 20-30 cm long. The flowers of this variety of paniculate hydrangea, suitable for the Moscow region, are sterile, creamy white, then pink. Blooms until October.

‘Great Star’ (‘Le Vasterival’)

The height of the bush is 2 m. The inflorescence is round, with a diameter of 15 cm. Among the fertile flowers are sterile, very large, white, “propeller” shaped. Blooms until September.

'Dart's Little Dot' ('Darlibo')

The height of the bush is 0.8-1 m. The inflorescence is spherical, 15 cm in diameter, the flowers are white, sterile and fertile. Blooms until October.

'Kyushu'

The height of the bush is 3 m. Narrow-conical, loose inflorescence, 20-35 cm long, the flowers are white, sterile and fertile. Blooms until mid-August.

'Limelight'

The height of the bush is 2.3 m. The inflorescence is wide-conical, 30 cm long, the flowers are sterile, light green, then white. This one of the best varieties of paniculate hydrangeas for the Moscow region blooms until the beginning of October.

'Mega Mindy' ('Ilvomindi')

The height of the bush is 1.8 m. The inflorescence is conical, up to 30 cm long. Most of the flowers are sterile. The color is white, then red-pink. Blooms until August.

'Pinky Winky'

The height of the bush is 1.6 m. As you can see in the photo, this paniculate hydrangea has a conical inflorescence, 20 cm long:

The flowers are sterile, white, then deep pink. Continues to bloom in October.

'Pink Diamond'

The height of the bush is 2-3 m. The inflorescence is cone-shaped, up to 30 cm long. The flowers are sterile and fertile, white, then pink. Continues to bloom in October.

'Phantom'

The height of the bush is 2 m. Look at the photo - this variety of paniculate hydrangea has the largest inflorescence, conical-rounded, 30 cm long:

The flowers are sterile, white, then light pink. Blooms until October. Reminds me of the 'Grandiflora' variety.

‘Floribunda’

The height of the bush is 2 m. The inflorescence is wide-conical, up to 40 cm long. The flowers are sterile and fertile, white. Blooms until October.

‘Vanille Fraise’ (‘Renhy’)

The height of the bush is 1.8 m. The inflorescence is wide-boxed, 30 cm long, the flowers are small, sterile, pale pink. This paniculate hydrangea, recommended for the Moscow region, continues to bloom in October.

'Silver Dollar'

The height of the bush is 1.7-4 m. The inflorescence is conical-rounded, up to 25 cm. The flowers are sterile, creamy white, then pink. It also blooms in October.

‘Tardiva’

The height of the bush is 1.3-3 m. The inflorescence is conical, 25 cm long. The flowers are sterile and fertile, white. It also blooms in October.

'Unique'

The height of the bush is 2-3 m. The inflorescence is a wide cone, 25 cm long. A third of the flowers are small fertile, the rest are sterile, white, then intensely red. In the garden, this paniculate hydrangea blooms until September.

If you dig around on the Internet, look at all sorts of forums, it becomes clear that the leader on this list is ‘Limelight’. Following him are ‘Vanille Fraise’ (‘Renhy’) and ‘Phantom’, and perhaps also ‘Grandiflora’ n ‘Kyushu’.

When describing the varieties of the best paniculate hydrangeas, we must not forget about the especially fragrant forms. In theory, all hydrangeas that have many fertile flowers can be classified as fragrant. However, the aroma of varieties varies and is not always pleasant. It’s good that at a distance, as a rule, you can’t hear it.

However, there are varieties whose merits include aroma in the first place!

For example, hydrangeas smell like honey Wim's Red' And ' Big Ben’.

Admire the photos of the best varieties of paniculate hydrangeas for the Moscow region in these photos:

AGM winning panicle hydrangea varieties: photos and names

Over the past twenty to thirty years, so many varieties of paniculata hydrangea have appeared that flower growers are faced with the problem of choice.

Most Russian flower growers solve the problem simply by buying all the new products in a row. But foreigners are already thinking about it. They have many more varieties on sale, but their gardens are smaller in area. In 2008, the English Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) released a newsletter on paniculate hydrangea.

The goal is to introduce hobbyists to the top 47 varieties, especially those that have received the AGM Award for Garden Excellence ( “Award of Garden Merit” ).

New and old cultivars were evaluated in terms of variety availability for buyers, relative ease of cultivation, suitability for use in garden design, as well as the appearance of buds and flowers, stability of shape and shades of inflorescences, decorativeness of foliage, color of shoots, resistance to diseases and pests.

The winning varieties were: 'Big Ben' (2008), ‘Floribunda’ (1993), ‘Grandiflora’ (1993), 'Kyushu' (1993), 'Limelight' (2008), 'Phantom' (2008), 'Pink Diamond' (1993), ‘Pinky-Winky’ (2008), 'Silver Dollar' (2008), 'Unique' (1993).

The closest candidates for the award are the following varieties:

'Dolly'

'Pink Lady'

One circumstance prevents them from overcoming the bar - according to the judges, they are not yet accessible enough for a wide range of amateurs.

What is good about the ‘Dolly’ variety? The height of the plant is approximately 1.5 m. The inflorescences are conical, dense, flowering is very abundant. Experts consider it one of the most attractive hydrangeas. ‘Pink Lady’ has an elegant conical inflorescence that turns blush towards the end of summer.

By the way, ‘Pink Lady’ is the same age as ‘Dolly’; both varieties were registered in 1990.

In addition, the English Royal Horticultural Society conducted a rating of varieties. Plants were assessed using a three-point system. Three points means excellent, two means very good, one means good.

• The following varieties were awarded three points: ‘Big Ben’, ‘Dolly’, ‘Kyushu’, ‘Limelight’, ‘Phantom’, ‘Pink Diamond’, ‘Pink Lady’, ‘Pinki Winki’, ‘Silver Dollar’.
• Hydrangeas received two points: ‘Brussels Lace’, ‘Chantilly Lace’, ‘Dharuma’, ‘Last Post’, ‘Martinvast’, ‘Praecox’, ‘Skylight’, ‘Unique’, ‘Starlight Fantasy’ (‘Degustar’), ‘Vanille Fraise’.
• One point went to the following varieties: ‘Dart’s Little Dot’ (‘Darlibo’), ‘Greenspire’, ‘Taiwan From’, ‘Mega Pearl’, ‘Mid Late Summer’, ‘Sherwood’, ‘Vera’, ‘White Moth’.

Several varieties did not receive any positive assessment.

Surprisingly, the beloved Russians turned out to be rejected White Lady’.

See what the best varieties of paniculate hydrangeas look like in these photos:

The most beautiful varieties of paniculate hydrangeas: photos and descriptions of flowers

Most hydrangeas change their color from white or cream to pink and even crimson, which is especially appreciated by Russian gardeners. The most spectacular variety in this sense is ‘Diamand Rouge’. New in 2011. Awarded a silver medal at a competition during the largest international exhibition Plantarium 2011 (Holland). By autumn, its inflorescences become red-purple, almost with a violet tint, and the leaves become deep orange.

Another interesting cultivar is ‘ Wim's Red’ – in August the inflorescences acquire a burgundy-red hue.

'Big Ven' is one of the most beautiful varieties of panicle hydrangeas, it was awarded the Award of Garden Merit (AGM) by the Royal Horticultural Society of England. Attractive with large conical inflorescences that turn deep dark pink towards the end of flowering.

As can be seen in the photo, the variety of garden paniculate hydrangeas ‘ Mega Mindy’ (‘Ilvomindi’) dense large cone-shaped inflorescence gradually turns from white to crimson:

In search of bright colors, you should pay attention to the series Magical:

The varieties ‘ Magical Fare’, ‘Pinki Winki' And ' Magical Flame’ with purple-pink conical inflorescences. They differ in size: the first one is much taller.

Don’t forget the classic – “peaks” of inflorescences 'Pinky Winky' and wide-conical hats 'Pink Diamond' And 'Magical Flame' .

But what if you still want white? So that pearl clouds of hydrangeas soar in the coming autumn twilight?!

In this case, we can recommend the variety ‘ White Diamond ’. This is a small, rounded shrub, 1.3 m high. Its inflorescences remain white until late autumn.

Dwarf panicle hydrangea bushes

But what about those who have a really small garden or simply don’t have room for a large bush? Look for baby hydrangeas. By the way, these varieties of dwarf paniculate hydrangeas are useful for low hedges and even for borders. They will look good in a small mixborder. By the way, reducing the size of a bush is one of the modern trends in hydrangea selection.

The “tallest” of the babies, 1.2 m -‘ Sandae Fraise’ ('Rensan') . Similar to 'Vanille Fraise'. The variety received a silver medal at the Plantarium 2010 competition (Holland).

Same height 'Dharuma'- slow growing shrub. It blooms very early and incredibly abundantly.

Even lower dwarf 'Bombshell' , only 1 m high, with a dense spherical crown.

Look at the photo - the flowers of this paniculate hydrangea are numerous, dense, almost round:

Recently the variety ‘ Little Lime' - relative of the beauty ' Limelight’. The bush is good, a mini copy of “mother”. Height up to 1 m.

Just a little one - sort 'Bobo'('Ilvobo') . Plant height is 60-70 cm. The bush is compact, the inflorescences are huge, dense, and quickly turn pink. The shoots are vertical. For small gardens, it can also be grown in containers on balconies and terraces. In 2010, the variety received a gold medal at the FLORALL exhibition (Belgium).

Below are photos and descriptions of new varieties of paniculate hydrangeas.

New varieties of garden paniculate hydrangeas

‘Levana’

Height 3 m and even more. Spectacular foliage. The inflorescences are narrow, large, up to 50 cm tall. The shoots are powerful.

‘Magical Moonlight’(‘Kolmagino’)

Translated into Russian, the name of the variety sounds like “Magic Moonlight”. One of the most beautiful paniculate hydrangeas. Height 2-2.5 m. Tough shoots. Dense “stuffed” elongated white-green inflorescences. Improved version of 'Limelight'. In a sunny place in a continental climate, the flowers quickly turn white.

'Big Ben'

Plant height is 1.8 m. The shoots are bright red, the inflorescences are large, conical. It has abundant flowering and a strong aroma. By autumn, the flowers of this paniculate hydrangea turn dark pink.

'Polar Bear'

Obtained as a result of crossing two varieties: ‘Limelight’ And ‘Grandiflora’ . Height up to 1.5-2 m. The main feature of this variety is very dense conical inflorescences up to 40 cm high on hard, strong stems. The flowers are immediately slightly pistachio, then white and cream, and by the end of summer they have a soft pink tint. The inflorescences of this new variety of paniculate hydrangea are distributed evenly throughout the bush, creating the impression of a huge blooming bouquet. Flowering from July to late autumn.

'Diamond Rouge'

New in 2011. Awarded a silver medal at the Plantarium 2011 competition (Holland). The bush is dense and compact. The autumn shade of inflorescences and leaves is unique. By autumn, the inflorescences become red-purple, almost with a purple tint, and the leaves become deep orange.

'Candlelight'

In 2013 Hydrangea paniculata Candlelight was awarded a silver medal at the Plantrium exhibition. The shoots are vertical, strong, and have a beautiful dark red color. The panicles of the inflorescences are yellow-lemon, by summer they are pastel, creamy-white-yellow, large up to 20 cm, pointed. This new panicle hydrangea begins blooming quite early and lasts from mid-June until late August and early September. Shrub of average height 100-120 cm, with pronounced vertical growth.

'Fire Light'

This 2015 variety sets the new standard for judging the merits of all panicle hydrangeas. The upright, robust inflorescences transform from pure white to rich garnet pink very quickly. Thick, very strong stems hold heavy inflorescences in an upright position without problems. Very early flowering: from the beginning of summer. The flowers turn a deep garnet red before other varieties begin to bloom. High winter hardiness. The height of the bush is 1.5 - 1.7 m.

'Shikoku Flash'

The variety is for everyone. This curiosity is grown for its original foliage. At the beginning of the growing season, green leaves are covered with cream and white strokes and specks. In July the leaves turn chartreuse. How abundant the flowering is is still unknown. The variety appeared in our country relatively recently.

'Angel Blush'

A new hardy variety, height 2.5-3 m. The shoots are strong, numerous, large inflorescences up to 25 cm, turn red early. In 2011, the variety received an award at the FLORALL exhibition.

Here you can see photos of varieties of paniculate hydrangeas, the names of which are given on this page:

Fans of hydrangeas sometimes face an unpleasant discovery. The plant, obtained by hook or by crook, finally blooms, but the inflorescence does not match either the description of the variety or its photograph on the Internet. How can you not be upset!

Do not rush to accuse everyone in the world of fraud and throw the “uninvited guest” out of the garden. Most likely, your plant is simply not mature enough. In many hydrangeas, varietal characteristics may not appear immediately; this sometimes takes several years. By the way, this feature is characteristic of the classic variety ‘Grandiflora’. ‘Limelight’ can also be capricious. This beauty needs special lighting, diffused light. If you plant a shrub in full sun, you may never get lime color at all. The same can happen when planting in dense partial shade.

Of course, misgrading cannot be ruled out. But even in this case, take a closer look at your purchase. In the end, what is more important to you: a label or a beautiful plant?!

The next section of the article is devoted to how to care for paniculate hydrangeas in the garden.

How to care for paniculate hydrangea in the country (with photo)

Caring for paniculata hydrangea in open ground is not at all difficult, because this shrub is simply “unkillable.” Grows everywhere except swamps and clean sand. True, he doesn’t really like alkaline soils, but we still need to look for them in central Russia.

A baby hydrangea, like a kitten, can be petted, simply killed with your attention and care. For example, dragging around the site in search of the most suitable place. Or in the process of growing paniculate hydrangea, you can feed it so much that it simply will not survive the winter. Hydrangea can be easily watered; this plant, despite its name, which is translated from ancient Greek as “vessel of water,” simply cannot withstand frequent watering on clay soil. You should not use imported long-acting fertilizers. They are undoubtedly good, but they are designed for a longer growing season and can prevent the plant from preparing for dormancy in time.

Of course, you can feed paniculate hydrangea when caring for the garden, but it is better to simply not rake last year’s leaves under the plant and mulch the bush with pine needles.

Should I loosen the soil under paniculate hydrangeas? Better not. You can, of course, three centimeters deep, but why? The root system of hydrangea is superficial, but you will accidentally damage the roots. But mulch will only be useful for this beauty. And there will be no weeds.

The photo of caring for paniculata hydrangea shows all the basic agricultural practices:

How to grow paniculate hydrangea: bush formation

It is better to spend 2-4 years on formation than to try every year to give the plant a decent appearance.

But everything is simple. In the year of planting, you should not prune the plant at all - leave it alone, let it take root and acclimatize in the new place. A year after planting, before the growing season begins, take a closer look at your new product and decide what you will do with it. What is more necessary and interesting for you – to form the plant on a trunk or in the form of a bush. It is necessary to prune the hydrangea bush while it is young according to the same principle by which the hydrangea “tree” is formed.

The difference is that for a “tree” you are looking for one and strictly vertical shoot that will eventually develop into a trunk, and for a bush hydrangea you want 3 to 5 shoots growing at an angle of approximately 30 degrees to the vertical.

Everything else (root shoots, except for future “legs”, of course, the side shoots formed on these “legs” should be cut off during the first few years. On the shoots you initially selected, only 2-3 upper buds are left every spring. For this so that the leaders stay straight in a given direction, you can drive bamboo sticks at the desired angle, and attach future “legs” to them in several places. When the leaders become powerful and harden enough to withstand any snow and rain with gusts of wind, they are cut at a height. 1.0-1.2 m. Then the bush can grow as desired: in width, in height, in the shape of a ball, a pyramid or a fungus on several legs.

In addition to the bush and tree, there is also a third, intermediate form, a fountain or vase, when you leave some basal shoots that diverge at an angle of 45 degrees or more vertically.

The central shoot of the fountain can also be preserved. The idea behind shaping is that you want to raise the natural annual growth so that the buds don't lie on the ground. In addition, you achieve clear contours of the bush, which blooms annually with large or equal-sized inflorescences. Even after formation is completed, the bush will continue to produce fresh root shoots for some time, which will need to be removed in the spring.

If the small size of the garden or the desire to have many different varieties of paniculate hydrangea does not allow you to allocate enough space for each bush, you can form the hydrangea into a small bush. To do this, in the second year after planting (if planting in autumn - in the third year) in the spring, before the start of the growing season, prune low, leaving 2 buds from the ground. This stimulates the formation of a large number of new shoots growing from the ground itself. During the season, remove all weak shoots, as well as shoots growing inside the bush.

You can leave 6-12 skeletal shoots on the plant. In the future, trim the branches by one third every spring. In addition to the fact that with this method of plant formation you will have a compact bush shape, the inflorescences will be much larger.

To form a paniculate hydrangea into a “tree”, select one strong shoot directed vertically.

Cut out the remaining shoots. Pinch out the side shoots coming from the main trunk. At a height of 0.5-1 meter, select several (3-4) strong side shoots directed in different directions, in the form of a bowl. You can begin pruning skeletal shoots for more luxuriant flowering when the tree reaches the desired shape.

Below you will learn how to form a paniculate hydrangea on a trunk.

How to form a paniculate hydrangea on a trunk

Panicle hydrangea on a trunk is a good replacement for a rose, which requires too much trouble from the owners and free space in which the plant will need to be placed before frost. Instances with luxurious caps of inflorescences can be found in garden centers, but, unfortunately, they are not cheap. It is possible and even better to grow hydrangea on a trunk yourself. Among the rooted cuttings, they select the strongest and tallest and spend 3-4 years growing it.

The main thing when caring for while growing hydrangea on a trunk is to choose the height correctly. Low - it doesn’t make sense; you’ll end up with a bush on some strange leg. Tall (one and a half meters or even a little more) looks beautiful, but the crown of the hydrangea can freeze or break if the circumstances are unfortunate.

Probably the best option is about a meter or a little more. Of course, the variety chosen for such a purpose must have powerful branches.

So, to form a paniculate hydrangea on a trunk at a height of 1 m or a little more, the trunks are cut off, and skeletal branches are allowed to develop from the 4-5 buds located below. The crown of the standard hydrangea must be trimmed carefully; rather gentle pruning is required. Otherwise, heavy inflorescences will break off.

The following describes how to properly prune paniculate hydrangea when growing in your garden.

How to prune paniculate hydrangea in spring

How to prune paniculate hydrangea is perhaps the most painful topic for lovers of these plants. You can discuss it for hours. The main questions are: when to cut and how many buds to leave so that the plant produces a head of inflorescences worthy of an exhibition.

Before the first snow, to prevent the bush from breaking, the largest inflorescences are cut off. To prune paniculate hydrangea in the spring, as experienced gardeners advise, you need to wait until it becomes obvious which buds are alive, because it is important not to disturb the plant again. They cut off everything that is dried out and the thinnest. You can shorten a branch that is too long or unsightly.

• First option- severe pruning (two buds are left);
• Second- moderate (4 buds are left),
• Third- weak (old inflorescences are removed, so-called “decapitation”).

In the first case, the plants bloom very late, forming huge caps. But such pruning is not suitable for all varieties; sometimes the branches cannot stand it and the plant collapses.

With moderate pruning, you can expect average flowering times and average bud size. When weak - early flowering, but the inflorescences are small, though numerous. It is curious that the appearance and size of the inflorescences of the ‘Big Ben’ and ‘Brussels Lace’ varieties is practically not affected by the pruning method.

For 'Vanille Fraise' and 'Limelight' a medium, gentle option is required. But the ‘Pinki Winki’ variety requires serious pruning. The conclusion is simple: some varieties of paniculata hydrangea require an individual approach during care when growing in the garden. And, of course, we should not forget that with severe pruning in our climate, you may not wait for flowering at all. Or get such a huge one, as, for example, the ‘Phantom’ variety can produce, that the bush will simply break due to heavy rains.

Watch the video of pruning panicle hydrangea to better understand how to shape the plant:

Paniculata hydrangea in landscape design: what to plant next to the bushes

In fact, hydrangeas are self-sufficient plants. Petiolate and large-leaved hydrangeas especially do not need partners. The ideal combination for any garden is Bredschneider hydrangea, mock orange and lilac. Here, as they say, nothing can be subtracted or added.

But you can “play” with tree and paniculate hydrangeas. The ideal background for paniculate hydrangea in landscape design is coniferous plants and barberries, bladderworts with purple foliage, and Bredschneider hydrangea. Another win-win option is a mixborder of hydrangeas and rhododendrons, especially evergreens.

A design classic is considered to be the combination of paniculate hydrangeas with thujas, mock oranges, white dogwood 'Variegata', 'Elegantissima', with snowberry, with Volzhanka, saplings, perennial asters, large ferns, with pink phloxes, variegated phloxes like 'Nora Leigh', white-edged hostas varieties.

As shown in the photo, plants with blue needles, bluish leaves or blue flowers can be planted next to paniculate hydrangeas in the country:

This can be Carmichel aconite, clematis, hosts, cereals, Buenos Aires verbena, blue junipers.

But yellow, orange and especially red plants are strictly contraindicated for hydrangeas. Can you, for example, imagine Hydrangea ‘Limelight’ next to “golden balls” or powerful red dahlias?!

What else can you plant next to paniculate hydrangeas in your garden? You can surround these plants with borders of low conifers, spirea, sedums and even autumn crocus. Or plant the hydrangeas themselves as a border, of course, some low-growing variety. Just not ‘Bobo’, it will look too heavy, attract attention to itself, and after heavy rain the large inflorescences, located, in my opinion, too close to the ground, will also turn out to be dirty. By the way, this variety has one more drawback - fragile branches. Therefore, before the first snowfall, the inflorescences will need to be trimmed.

At the end of summer, the flowers generally finish blooming, but hydrangea covers itself with a magnificent inflorescence until late autumn. Her time is coming!

During the first French expedition around the world, led by Louis-Antoine de Bougainville, a unique plant was brought to Europe. If not for a coincidence, now this flower would have had a different name - “poivria”. Karl-Heinrich Nassau-Siegen, prince of the Roman Empire, Philibert Commerson, a naturalist and a French doctor, took part in this expedition. It was Monsieur Commerson who suggested naming the flower in honor of Bougainville’s beautiful sister Hortense.

Variety of hydrangea

Some species are considered to be native to North and South America, others to China, Japan, Sakhalin, and the Kuril Islands. There are 70-80 species of shrubs. But, unfortunately, not all grow in our region. Let's look at four types of hydrangea that are most common in our area:

• tree-like - lat. name Hydrangéa arborescens
• large-leaved hydrangea or large-leaved hydrangea - lat. name Hydrángea macrophylla
• petiole - lat. name Hydrangea preslii
• paniculata - lat. name Hydrangea paniculata

Tree hydrangea is a very persistent and completely unpretentious shrub, some varieties of which can reach 6 m in height. Blooms from July to October. The inflorescences are round, mostly white, cream and soft pink. The shrub is moisture-loving and grows well in partial shade. Can be planted singly or in a group. The most common varieties:

• Annabelle. A medium-sized spherical plant with white inflorescences.
• Hayes Starburst. Dome-shaped inflorescences are white. It blooms for a long time due to the formation of new spherical flowers in the center of the flower.
• White Dome. Dome-shaped bush. A large, numerous inflorescence in the center, the petals are creamy-white, and the edges are snow-white.

View large leaf hydrangea differs from other species in its variety of shades. Pink, white, purple, blue, lilac or violet - with all its riot of colors, the plant looks organically with other representatives of the flora, even dead wood. This variety of hydrangea is not resistant to frosty weather conditions. This is due to the biology of the plant: the ovary is formed at the ends of the shoots of the previous year. Poor winter hardiness due to the fact that the shoots freeze during cold weather, as a result the bush does not bloom. For this reason, before the onset of cold weather and frosts, carefully cover or hide the plant in the basement, where the temperature does not fall below zero.

In spring, do not rush to open or plant hydrangeas on the site until the air warms up enough. According to the observations of gardeners, she is more afraid of spring frosts. Temperatures of -5 in spring are detrimental to hydrangea buds.

Caring for tree hydrangea (video)

Recently, varieties have been developed that are not afraid of frost. Ovaries are formed not only on the shoots of the previous year, but also on the shoots of the current year.

For example, the Endless Summer series:

• Blashing Bride. White flowers that turn pinkish over time
• Original A spherical inflorescence of pink or soft lilac color.
• Twist And Shout. The flowers of this variety are small central and large marginal.

The Forever and Ever series change color depending on the soil characteristics:

• Pink - pink, but turns blue in more acidic soil
• Blue - on the contrary from the Pink variety, blue, but on alkaline soil they turn pink
• Red - red at the beginning of the season, purple at the end
• Dichromatic - two-color flowers, white with a pink eye.

The main advantage of large-leaved frost-resistant varieties is long flowering. After the shrub blooms for the first time, buds appear again after about five to six weeks. This goes on several times. As a result, the bush is decorated with color in good weather conditions from June to October.

Petiolate, climbing hydrangea

The only species accepted in our area. Other species are afraid of the cold. The climbing variety is used in vertical gardening (house walls, terraces, fences, arches) due to its lush foliage. The plant receives nutrition not only from the roots that are in the soil, but also from the air. The vine climbs to a height of more than 10 m, growth increases by 50-100 cm over the season. The plant must be planted in partial shade, in a protected place from cold winds. Flowering occurs in June and July. The flowers are white or white-pink with a pleasant aroma. Petiole hydrangea attracts bees with its aroma. The plant can be ground cover if support is not provided.

Planting and caring for petiole hydrangea (video)

Paniculata hydrangea

It got its name because of the shape of the inflorescences - panicles in the shape of a pyramid. The length of such a “pyramid” reaches 25 cm. Paniculate hydrangea flowers have two types - bisexual and sterile. Sterile flowers remain on the branches for a long time, and bisexual flowers immediately fall off after pollination.

One bush can occupy an area with a diameter of up to 2 m. For this reason, before planting the cutting, design the planting site, taking into account the fact that this variety needs space. The plant must be constantly replanted for 5 years, and regular feeding is required. Do not be afraid to plant hydrangea in shady areas of the site, because unlike other flowering plants, it takes root well in partial shade. The shrub is quite frost-resistant. Even if it gets frosty, it will quickly regain its strength and delight you with its color again this year. Timely watering is the main thing in caring for shrubs. Even short-term drying out of the soil is detrimental to hydrangea.

The very name of the plant contains the Greek word - water, which indicates the preference of the plant.

After planting, the first flowering will occur after 4 years. Please be patient! Your wait will be rewarded with abundant color. It begins to bloom with white inflorescences and ends with rich pink flowers.

Consider the composition of the soil before planting paniculate species with other shrubs and trees. The plant reacts to its composition by changing color.

Slightly alkaline soil gives a pink color, while acidic soil gives a rich blue color. This happens due to the lack or absence of iron in the soil. Experts experiment with the addition of iron and various acids and obtain the desired shade of flowers or a combination of pink and blue flowers on the branches of one shrub. After all the flowers have fallen, the soft velvety leaves will be no less attractive.

How to care for paniculate hydrangea (video)

Designers use paniculate hydrangea for decorative purposes for their original shape and bright color, which give the backyard a delightful look.

We list the most famous varieties of this species:

• Grandiflora. It is distinguished by its cream color, which changes its shade by autumn.
• Kyushu. An aerial bush up to 3 m. The inflorescences have an openwork shape. Early flowering
• Floribunda. Cream-colored inflorescences with dark green leaves.
• Tardiva. The conical shape of the inflorescences is white, which change to pink and red.
• Le Vasterival. The flowers are white and shaped like a propeller.
• Limelight. A unique variety developed by Dutch specialists. Conical inflorescences up to 25 cm in length, lemon-colored. An interesting fact is that in the shade the inflorescences are lemon-colored, and those planted in the sunny side of the site are white.
• Bobo (BoBo). This variety is dwarf, 50-70 cm in height. The flowers are usually white, but the color may change over time to lemon white and later even pink.

Paniculata hydrangea in landscape design - design styles

Landscaping with hydrangeas will give the site a sophisticated look. The shrub is beautiful when planted alone, even if one is planted in the middle of the plot. It is no less beautiful when planted in a group, for example, as a hedge. If you plan to divide the territory into zones, you can safely use flowering shrubs. Hydrangea will fulfill its function by forming a hedge or fence impenetrable to prying eyes. With careful pruning, the plant takes on its intended shape and size. The decor of a garden or summer cottage with hydrangea creates an atmosphere of comfort and romance. Flowering compositions of hydrangeas near a gazebo, ponds, natural or artificial, have a relaxing and tranquil effect. The landscape becomes colorful from the bright flowering of the bushes when it is reflected in artificial or natural reservoirs. When flowering stops, the water reflection is decorated with unusual leaves.

Japanese garden

Hydrangeas in landscape design are used to decorate gardens in different styles. When creating a Japanese garden, we use plants of all types that grow in our area. It is possible for plants of the same variety to be arranged in tiny islands. Fan maple, pine trees, nivaki, ferns - all these plants are used in Japanese-style garden design. Looks great in a duet with rhododendron hydrangea.

White Garden

For a white garden, tree-like and large-leaved shrubs with snow-white or white-lemon flowers are used. Paniculate hydrangeas should be selected with inflorescences that remain unchanged during flowering. White-flowered paniculates look festive with white roses.

Mediterranean

Modern Mediterranean style gardens use classic forms of stone, wood, metal and glass. In such a garden, the decoration will be hydrangea planted in ceramic vases or soil around the perimeter of the terrace. By choosing flowers in beige or terracotta shades, you add charm to the strict lines of buildings. The style will be complemented by a gravel bed and sandstone paths. Don’t forget to decorate small traditionally shaped ponds with hydrangea.

Eastern garden

This design style is applied to a small area with a flat surface. The hydrangea variety Vanilla Fraze is an indispensable assistant in this style. Create patterns from flowers of this variety. Add paths of different shapes between the bushes.

English style

To design a garden in the style of a monochrome English flower garden, you need to choose plants with flowers of the same shade, which will not change their color during the flowering process. Adhering to the style arrangement, one plant is planted closer to the center of the site, and the others are placed at the same distance from each other.

A garden in a traditional English style differs from a monochrome one in the abundance of colors, flowers, lawns, hedges and, of course, the constant ivy that covers the facade of the house. In order to create a flower garden that matches the English style, geraniums and other ornamental plants are planted in the flowerbed. The completion of the composition will be a voluminous hydrangea bush.

Russian style

Yes, there is such a style in the design of a garden plot. It combines hydrangea with Russian birch, proud maple, weeping willow, and delicate lilac. The aesthetic charm of such a composition is given by the variety of crown shapes, colors and plant sizes.

The use of hydrangea in landscape design is limitless! And, no matter how fashion and styles change, hydrangea will decorate your site!

Hydrangea is a shrub that is famous for its luxurious flowering. Gardeners value the plant for its species and varietal diversity. Hydrangea belongs to the genus of the flowering family Hydrangeaceae. The genus includes about 80 species, each of which has more than a dozen varieties. The most popular of them are tree and paniculate hydrangea.

The name was given to the flower in honor of the royal personage - Princess Hortense. The sister of the Prince of the Roman Empire, Karl of Nassau-Siegen, was famous for her prettiness. It is no coincidence that experts named the shrub hydrangea. The name is translated from Greek as “vessel of water”, and this plant is very moisture-loving.

Hydrangeas attract with the variety and beauty of the forms of inflorescences, a stunningly wide palette of colors, curly, spectacular foliage, magnificent flowering combined with unpretentious care. The shrub makes a special impression in the fall. In autumn, sometimes you can see buds, seed heads, and colorful leaves on the plant at the same time.

Most hydrangeas are shrubs 1 to 3 meters tall, but some species are small trees or vines climbing up tree trunks.

The length of the vines reaches 30 meters. Shrubs are divided into deciduous and evergreen; deciduous shrubs are cultivated in the temperate zone.

Depending on the variety, hydrangeas bloom from spring to late autumn. The flowers of the shrub are collected in inflorescences shaped like a ball, shield or panicle.

The inflorescences are usually composed of two types of flowers: small fruiting ones in the center of the inflorescence and large sterile ones at the edges. Some species have only fruitful flowers of the same size.

Most plant species have white flowers, but there are varieties with red, pink, lilac, and blue petals.

The color of the petals of some types of hydrangeas depends on the acidity of the soil:

The plant accumulates aluminum in the soil. Aluminum reacts chemically with substances in the trunk and leaves of the bush. As a result, the flower's petals acquire shades of blue.

Hydrangea. The plant's homeland is eastern North America.

The bush blooms for two summer months, namely July and August. The color of the petals is predominantly white. In autumn, dead inflorescences are cut off. Withered and weak shoots are removed in the spring before rapid growth and flowering begins or after the foliage has fully developed.

Hydrangea paniculata. The plant's homeland is eastern China, Sakhalin Island, Japan, Korea. Reaches a height of 1.5 meters.

It blooms unusually. By mid-July, green buds are formed, which turn white by early August. Flowering begins with the blooming of white flowers, then the color of the petals changes, moving from white to crimson-violet or crimson. A distinctive feature of the species is its high frost resistance.

Gallery: hydrangea varieties (25 photos)

Varieties of tree hydrangea

Anabelle. It is characterized by lush inflorescences (diameter 25 cm) with sterile white flowers. The height of the bush is 1.5 meters, it tends to grow quickly. Blooms for a long time from early summer until October. Green foliage remains until the end of flowering.

Grandiflora. The variety was bred on the basis of "Annabelle". The inflorescences are formed by larger flowers than those of “Annabelle”. The petals have a lemon or cream color. The height of the bush is 1.5 - 2 meters. Blooms all summer and September.

Hydrangea tree Bounty. The plant is distinguished by luxurious thyroid-shaped inflorescences up to 30 cm in diameter. Petals are cream, white, pale green. Flowering is extremely abundant from July to early autumn. The bushes are not tied up, as they are able to hold their shape on their own.

Hydrangea Sterilis. Blooms profusely. The inflorescences make the transition from green petals to bright white. Thanks to hydrangea sterilis, the garden plot looks elegant and well-groomed all summer and early autumn.

New breeding work

Thanks to intensive breeding work, new varieties of tree hydrangea have been developed.

Popular varieties of hydrangea paniculata

Grandiflora. A classic variety with lush white cone-shaped inflorescences. Sterile flowers predominate, which increases the decorative value of the plant. Petals transition from white to pink. Light-loving plant. The height of the bush is 2 meters. The leaves are velvety, oval in shape; they are no less decorative than the caps of the inflorescences. Blooms from mid-July to October. Frost resistance increases with the age of the plant; during wintering it is necessary to cover the shoots.

Features of Grandiflora:

• tolerates the polluted air of cities well, fits perfectly into the design of parks;
• needs loose, fertile soil;
• moisture-loving, the plant requires mineral fertilizers;
• annual pruning maintains the decorative qualities of the plant.

Limelight. Blooms late. Beautiful inflorescences in the shape of a wide cone. The pale green color of the petals turns into soft pink. Large inflorescences combined with velvety oval foliage are eye-catching. Flowering continues from July to October. Loves acidic soils. Soil containing limestone is detrimental to the plant. The variety needs good lighting. Winter hardiness increases with plant age. Young bushes are sheltered for the winter. It is a perennial.

Vanilla Frize. An exquisite variety with pyramid-shaped inflorescences. Sprawling bush 2 meters high. The plant blooms late. The white petals quickly take on a bright pink hue. In addition to good lighting, hydrangeas require protection from drafts. The bush is a perennial with increased frost resistance and requires abundant watering and mineral fertilizers.

Kyushu. The variety blooms early. The color of the white petals turns into pink shades. Plant height is 3 meters. The foliage is glossy, dark green. The flowers are small, mostly all fruitful. Cone-shaped inflorescences emit a pleasant aroma. Tolerates polluted air of megacities well. A godsend for landscape design. Pruning, fertilizing, and abundant watering are necessary. Grows well in shaded areas.

Pinky Winky. Red-white-pink inflorescences form a semicircular crown. The bush, 2 meters high, is long-lived.

The plant lives for almost 50 years, maintaining its decorative and productive properties. The inflorescence changes color from a purple base to a pale pink or white tip.

The foliage of the shrub is light green in shades with sharp tips and patterned edges. The plant needs a garter during lush flowering, shelter in winter, and good sunlight. Does not tolerate a lack of moisture, soil with limestone, or compacted soil.

Hydrangea paniculata MSU pink. It is a domestic variety, has high frost resistance, and can easily withstand the winter of central Russia. The variety can safely be classified as one of the most beautiful paniculate hydrangeas.

Mega Mindy, Phantom and Silver Dollar

New varieties of hydrangea have also been developed, which, as a result of breeding work, concentrate the best qualities of the original plants.

Different shapes of inflorescences and colors of petals allow you to choose a variety of tree-like, paniculate hydrangeas that will ideally fit into the landscape design of the garden. Hydrangeas are beautiful on their own and as part of plant arrangements.

Hydrangea paniculata is one of the four most popular species cultivated in Russia. Hydrangea paniculata gets its name from the shape of its flower. It is a variegated “panicle” at the very end of the branch, which is shrouded in large leaves of various shapes. Guide to caring for hydrangea indoors.

Hydrangea paniculata flowers are flat in shape and about 15 centimeters across. The length of one panicle is 35 centimeters, and its diameter is 20 centimeters.

The foliage of paniculata hydrangea is:

• Velvety;
• Serrated;
• Serrated;
• Broadly ovate;
• Chereshkova;

According to the saturation and brightness of color, the foliage is located from top to bottom, from the brightest to the palest at the foot. The maximum length of a hydrangea leaf is 12 centimeters.

The difference between paniculata and tree hydrangea

The two leading types of garden hydrangeas are tree hydrangea and paniculate hydrangea. Both plants have a lot of positive qualities, but they also have disadvantages:

1. Tree hydrangea is a typical shrub, in contrast to its paniculate counterpart, which in shape is more like a small tree, often multi-stemmed and less often single-stemmed.
2. Paniculata hydrangea tolerates low temperatures well. Young shoots of paniculata hydrangea gain strength by autumn and are completely covered with “bark”, for this reason even they are not afraid of Russian frost. The same cannot be said about tree hydrangea. In winter, all its young shoots freeze, because they do not have time to get stronger. And the next year they produce fresh shoots again and bloom in the same color. If you cover this species under snow, then next year the bush will gain strength and again continue its path to the sun’s rays.

Both species have a wide range of colors; anyone can choose the plant that suits their liking. And it will be a wonderful addition to the natural ensemble in the garden.

Hydrangea paniculata, varieties with photos

The most comfortable varieties of paniculata hydrangea for the Moscow region can be considered:

• hydrangea paniculata vanilla freise – frost-resistant, large. At the end of flowering, the flowers become crimson, and by the end of autumn they are entirely purple;



• Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora



• hydrangea paniculata pinky winky - a variety suitable for single planting, susceptible to “attack” of mites



• Hydrangea paniculata limelight - distinguished by a dense sterile inflorescence. Frost-resistant, “loves” acidic soil;



• Hydrangea paniculata bobo - the best place to grow is partial shade. The soil needs to be drained. The best option for a terrace or border;



• Hydrangea paniculata mega mindi is unique in that dried inflorescences can remain on the stem all winter. The flowers on the “panicle” are quite large and love light;



• Hydrangea paniculata tardiva is a variety that is distinguished by its incredible height (under 2 meters). Wind protection is required. Often used by florists to create winter bouquets.



• hydrangea paniculata silver dollar - recommended to be planted in group ensembles in recreation areas;



• Hydrangea paniculata Sunday Freeze is characterized as very compact, dense and uniform. Its height reaches a meter.



• Hydrangea paniculata kyushu - loves partial shade, is frost-resistant, cannot be pruned during the period of sap flow;



Beautiful decoration of the site - paniculata kyushu hydrangea

• hydrangea paniculata mega pearl - perfect for single planting, but will also take its place in a group planting;



• Hydrangea paniculata polar bear - snow-white flowers, frost-resistant, inflorescences large and abundant;



• Hydrangea paniculata bombshell - this species is a small shrub that is abundantly strewn with snow-white flowers.



There are a huge variety of panicle hydrangea varieties, some of them are distinguished by their love of moisture and sun: