Many gardeners are interested in the description of the variety of paniculata hydrangea Weems Red, its planting and care. This is a relatively new crop that was bred by breeders not so long ago. Despite this, gardeners have already been able to appreciate the decorative characteristics of this plant. Hydrangea looks good both individually and in group plantings. At the same time, the plant is often used to decorate gardens, lawns and front gardens.
Description of the variety
Whims Red paniculate hydrangea differs from other members of the family in its compact size.The culture does not exceed 1.5 meters. The shoots spread out in different directions, which makes the bush very decorative. In this case, the size of the inflorescences reaches 30-40 centimeters. In shape they resemble a narrowed pyramid.
The description of the culture notes not only the small height, but also the limited fertility of flowers. This figure does not exceed 50%. The sterile half of the flowers usually has 4 lobes. In this case, the diameter is 0.05-0.07 meters. This indicator is the same along the entire length of the brush. That’s why the inflorescences seem delicate.
The early flowers are snow-white, but gradually they acquire a pink tint. With the arrival of autumn, the inflorescences turn wine-red. An additional advantage of the plant is its intense aroma.
The Weems Red variety is characterized by dark green leaves that have a slight reddish tint. The crop looks especially elegant in the fall. During this period, the foliage becomes covered with fragments with a metallic sheen. It smoothly flows into different shades of purple, cherry, bronze, yellow.
The shoots have a dark red hue. The culture blooms once a year. In this case, buds appear on last year’s branches. An important advantage of the plant is its high winter hardiness. The culture is able to survive even when temperatures drop to -30 degrees. However, young shoots still need to be insulated and mulched at the end of autumn. This is stopped only from the third year of development.
Planting and care
In order for the Wims Red paniculata to develop normally and have strong immunity, it is important to carry out planting work correctly.
Which lighting to choose
This crop grows best in full light. Direct sunlight ensures the formation of a large number of flowers and gives the petals additional color.In addition, sufficient lighting helps the plant remain compact and prevents it from stretching. However, light partial shade is also suitable for hydrangeas.
Soil preparation
The crop can be planted in any acid-neutral soil that contains a lot of humus. It is important to ensure that the soil allows moisture to pass through. A small amount of perlite or vermiculite can be added to dense soil.
Landing
Planting work can be carried out in early spring. It is worth preparing the soil for the plant in advance. 2-3 weeks before planting the crop, it is recommended to mix turf, peat, sand and foliage. These components must be taken in equal parts. The diameter of the recess for planting should be at least 50 centimeters, and the depth - 40-45. The pit needs to be filled with prepared fertile soil.
To plant Wims Red paniculata hydrangea, you need to do the following:
- Place a fertile, loose substrate in a layer of 10 centimeters at the bottom of the recess.
- Form a small hill in the central part.
- Straighten the root system over the surface.
- Fill the hole with fertile substrate. In this case, it is important that the root collar remains above the soil surface.
- Compact the soil and water the flower.
- Cover the tree trunk circle with straw or peat.
Panicle hydrangea with closed roots can be planted in the soil throughout the summer. Such a culture adapts normally to any conditions.
How to care for hydrangea
Hydrangea Weems Red is resistant to many diseases and can withstand low temperatures well. An important advantage of the culture is its unpretentiousness. In order for the plant to maintain an attractive appearance, care should include the following components:
- Watering - the frequency of soil moisture depends on the weather. When there is frequent rainfall, the plants are hardly watered.In hot weather, hydrangea needs additional moisture. It is important to ensure that the upper part of the tree trunk circle is slightly damp. To water this variety of hydrangea, you only need to use settled water.
- Feeding - until mid-July, the flower needs to be fed with potassium or ammonium sulfate. In August it is required to use superphosphate. This variety also accepts organic matter well. Whey has proven itself especially well, as it has a slight acidifying effect. This fertilizer ensures abundant flowering and green growth.
- Loosening and mulching - immediately after planting, you need to slightly loosen the tree trunk circle and cover it with sawdust. This will help maintain moderate humidity near the plant's roots.
- Pruning is carried out every year, but young plants do not need this procedure. Shoots need to be pruned from 3 years of age. This will help improve flowering and achieve a rejuvenating effect. The bush should be pruned in March - before the first buds appear. It is also permissible to do this in the fall - after the bushes shed their leaves. Trimmed cuttings take root well in the soil. Therefore, they can be used for the purpose of propagating crops.
- Preparation for winter - at this stage it is necessary to carry out sanitary pruning. It consists of removing dry and broken branches. Adult plants do not need to be covered. They are highly frost-resistant. With the onset of cold weather, young seedlings need to be covered with leaves, spruce branches or burlap.
Disease and pest control
Most often the plant suffers from chlorosis. This disease occurs when planting crops in alkaline soil. Iron chelate will help cope with pathology. It is an effective microfertilizer.As a foliar feeding, it must be applied at intervals of 7-10 days.
Reproduction
Hydrangea Weems Red propagates in different ways - by seeds, cuttings or layering. The first method is used quite rarely, since it is considered quite labor-intensive. To take cuttings from a plant, you need to take annual shoots. To do this you need to do the following:
- prepare cuttings measuring 15-18 centimeters;
- immerse the shoots in water for 3 days;
- treat the lower cut with a growth stimulator;
- plant the plant in a container with peat;
- water the crop every day;
- In spring, plant the plant in open soil.
To propagate a crop by layering, you should perform the following steps:
- in spring or late summer, bend the plant shoot to the ground and secure it with a metal bracket;
- cut the area in contact with the ground and deepen it slightly;
- When roots appear next year, carefully separate the plant from the bush and plant it in a new place.
Application of variety in design
This variety of hydrangea is perfect for decorating a garden plot. It has a linear growth pattern and can therefore be a focal flower in any floral arrangement. The seedling can be safely placed in the central part of the flowerbed in combination with smaller flowers. The shrub makes a good addition to borders and hedges.
Whims Red paniculate hydrangea is a spectacular ornamental plant that is very popular among gardeners. For the cultivation of a crop to be successful, it must be properly cared for.
