Hydrangea "Bombshell": description, recommendations for cultivation and reproduction

Flowers play the main role in decorating a garden or summer cottage, especially those varieties that bloom throughout the summer season. Gardeners note the hydrangea, which is distinguished by a variety of shades of petals, as well as long flowering - from early summer to late autumn. The characteristics of the Bombshell hydrangea and the rules of its agricultural technology are in the article.

Paniculate varieties of hydrangea are often found in gardens, summer cottages, and also as a decoration for city parks and squares. The main advantage of this perennial bush is its high frost resistance. It is this quality that makes it possible to grow crops in the northern regions of Russia. In addition, it should be noted the variety of varieties that differ in external qualities, unpretentious care, long flowering. Therefore, if a gardener cannot provide regular flower care, panicle hydrangea is the ideal choice.

Dutch breeders have spent several years breeding the Bombshell hydrangea, however, it was possible to officially register a new variety only in 2010. The author of this type of culture is considered to be Alex Frederick Shoemaker.

The perennial is large enough - 0.8 m in height, and in diameter the bush reaches almost 1-1.5 meters. The foliage is abundant, the leaves are oval, slightly elongated, large in shape. Interestingly, the color of the foliage always depends on the planting soil. So, a dark emerald color is able to change to a lighter one. The flowering period lasts from mid-June to the first autumn frost. At this time, the bush is overgrown with large inflorescences that resemble a pyramid in shape. Such a "pyramid" grows up to 16 cm in height, 12 cm in width. An integral part of the panicles are sterile flowers. The blossoming buds reach a diameter of 3-4 cm. The petals are colored cream or white with a green tint. At the end of the flowering period, the color changes to white with a slight pinkish tint.

By the way, when the buds have already blossomed on paniculate inflorescences, the so-called panicles lean to the ground, as a result, the bush changes its shape to a spherical... After planting seedlings in open ground, the panicle hydrangea "Bombshell" begins to bloom the next year.

In order to enjoy the beautiful garden of blooming Bombshell hydrangeas in the summer, first of all, you need to properly plant the seedlings in the ground. Planting a young plant is usually planned for the spring. So the seedlings have more chances to acclimatize in a permanent place, and also have time to take root before the first frost. Experienced gardeners are advised to start this process as early as possible, depending on the climatic conditions.

For example, residents of the southern regions plant hydrangea much earlier than in the middle lane, Siberia... In addition, the variety has high winter hardiness, which allows you to plant a flower even in autumn. True, with the onset of winter, it is important to cover the hydrangea well.

The place for planting paniculate hydrangea should be bright enough, but not in direct sunlight, and always protected from drafts. Shady areas are not suitable for perennials - the foliage becomes very dull, and the buds lose their saturation. An equally important factor is the susceptibility to certain diseases that intensify in darkened places. But the bushes growing under the scorching sun also feel unwell - they burn out, which subsequently leads to the death of the plant.

After you have chosen a place, you should dig a hole 0.8 m deep. Further, a drainage layer of peat, sand, humus and fertile soil is laid on the bottom. It is worth knowing that it is forbidden to add lime to the recess - it is destructive for this type of hydrangea. Before planting a culture in a permanent place, it is necessary to prepare planting material. The shoots and roots of the seedling are shortened, after which they are placed in the middle of the pit. Having spread the roots on the sides, the stem is covered with soil so that the basal neck looks out of the ground. At the end, each bush is watered abundantly (one and a half buckets of water per hole).

Despite the unpretentious nature of the Bombshell variety, there are conditions under which a young plant begins to feel bad. So, on dry days, the bush needs a lot of water. The same goes for perennials growing near the road.

Caring for young hydrangeas includes:

• regular watering;
• timely pruning;
• top dressing;
• protection and prevention from diseases.

It is recommended to fertilize the plant at least four times during one season.

• Spring feeding involves the introduction of organic products. This greatly enhances the active growth of the vegetative mass, and also contributes to the good development of inflorescences.
• The second feeding should be done after the buds appear. Gardeners are advised to prepare a mixture of superphosphate, potassium salt, urea.
• The July fertilization involves the introduction of a solution from complex mineral products. The last time to fertilize the bushes is best with a phosphorus-potassium composition.

In addition, regular watering is a mandatory rule for caring for paniculate hydrangeas. It is necessary to monitor the moisture level of the upper soil layer, avoiding dehydration. Pruning is done by removing unnecessary shoots and diseased branches.

This variety of garden culture is resistant to many diseases, however, improper care or planting in the wrong place can weaken the plant's immunity. Consider the most common diseases, as well as insects that attack the culture.

• Chlorosis. When infected, the leaves begin to turn yellow, but the color of the veins remains the same. Such a reaction indicates a deficiency of iron in the soil. To do this, a solution of ferrous sulfate should be added under the bush.
• Powdery mildew. It manifests itself in the form of ash spots with a blue tint on the leaves. Fungicides such as "Fundazol" or spraying the bush with Bordeaux liquid will help to cure the disease.
• Gray rot. In cloudy cold weather, hydrangea is more susceptible to infection. The foliage is covered with brown specks, especially if the bush is in the shade or very thickened. To save the flower, an urgent transplant will be required in a bright place. Treatment involves spraying with Chistotsvet, Skor, Yundazol solutions.
• Tracheomycosis. The root system primarily suffers from a fungal disease, as a result of which the entire bush dies. It all starts with yellowing of the aboveground part of the flower, gradually spreading through the tissues of the stem. In the fight against fungus, fungicidal preparations are most effective. Before use, it is important to study the instructions on how to properly dilute the solution.

As for insects, the most often paniculate hydrangea is attacked by aphids, snails, leaf rollers, nematodes, leaf beetles.As soon as the "guests" on the foliage or their larvae have been noticed, treatment should be started immediately.

Hydrangea "Bombshell" is able to decorate any garden or local area. In addition, the plant is used to domesticate city parks, squares and entire streets. Such popularity of hydrangea was provided by one feature - long flowering.

In landscape design, bushes are used in single or group plantings. So, an excellent combination is created by flowers with neighboring conifers and small bushes. In addition, the most advantageous is the combination of "Bombshell" with a cuff, astilba, hosts.

A white hydrangea bush will add freshness to the garden, and by complementing it with delicate shades of other varieties of flowers, it will turn out to create a truly light atmosphere.

The Bombshell panicle hydrangea is a long-flowering shrub that adorns the garden with its snow-white buds and green foliage. An unpretentious culture is able to take root in almost any region, from which the planting date is constantly postponed depending on climatic conditions. Proper care and maintenance will keep your garden hydrangeas healthy and beautiful for years to come.

In the next video you will find a short overview of the Bombshell hydrangea.