Hydrangea tree "Pink Anabel": description, planting and care

Treelike hydrangeas are the most persistent and can take root in almost any climate. Among domestic gardeners one of the favorites is considered to be the Pink Anabel variety. It is distinguished by its excellent appearance and at the same time is unpretentious in terms of placement and maintenance. We will tell you more about this variety in our article.

This variety is a relative of the equally popular Anabel, which has delicious snow-white buds. The difference between them is in shades, in "Pink" they are pink. It must be said that the Anabel variety dates back to the 18th century. Then it was bred in America and after a few decades spread throughout the world. Outwardly, the bush looks very powerful. Its spreading branches reach 1.5 meters in height. The shoots are quite strong and do not bend even under the huge caps of flowers. Therefore, in general, the plant looks compact.

Oval leaves of deep green color have small denticles at the edges. By autumn, they turn yellow, after which they fall off. Pink buds are collected in large and fluffy spherical inflorescences. Their diameter can be up to 40 centimeters.

It should be noted the peculiarity of the Pink Annabel hydrangea. The fact is that the formation of inflorescences is possible only on young branches. Therefore, every year it will be necessary to carry out a complete pruning, which directly affects the flowering activity and the splendor of the flowers. The plant blooms from June to September. It feels especially comfortable on moist, fertile and slightly acidic soils.

Frost resistance allows it to grow in various regions of our country. A healthy and mature shrub can withstand temperatures as low as -40 degrees. However, young growth may not cope with such weather, its minimum bar should be kept at -20 degrees. Hydrangea "Pink Anabel" can grow in one place for many years. It should be noted that the growth rates are significant. During the growing season, the crown grows by about 10-15 centimeters.

Designers note that this plant looks great both independently and in group plantings. The variety goes well with flowers such as roses and lilies. Great for decorating shrub and flower arrangements. Hydrangea can be used as part of a hedge. She is decorated with alpine slides, terraces, balconies and open verandas. Inflorescences look great in bouquets and flower arrangements.

In order for the hydrangea to actively grow and bloom magnificently, it is necessary to provide it with optimal conditions. Among them are the illumination, soil, moisture and other indicators. First of all, you need to find a place for the shrub. In this case, the error can become fatal, since the plant will not be able to show all its beauty and brightness in unfavorable conditions. Do not choose a shaded area for planting.Pink Annabelle stretches towards the sun, so there should be enough light for it. However, you should protect it from direct sunlight. Therefore, diffused lighting will be ideal.

Partial shade cannot destroy the flower, but it will grow more slowly, and the owners of the site are unlikely to please with the maximum lush flowering. Those that are much taller and more powerful should not be located next to the plant. They will not only block the light, but also draw off the bulk of the moisture, and a lack of water can also badly affect hydrangeas. For tree varieties, temperature and humidity indicators are not too important. They are frost-resistant. At the same time, drafts can cause significant damage to the plant, so they should be avoided. As for the soil, it should be fertile and slightly acidic. Transplants will not do the hydrangea to the advantage, so the place should be determined for sure.

The hydrangea should be planted on time. May or September are considered the most suitable periods. If the planting takes place in the spring, the buds on the bush should already be formed. In the case when the procedure is planned for the fall, it should be ensured that there are several live buds on the seedlings. Before planting, the roots of hydrangea need to be held in a solution of potassium permanganate, this procedure perfectly disinfects. The depth of the planting hole should be about half a meter. If the soil is infertile, you can add a mixture of sand, peat and humus.

The seedling is placed vertically in the hole, its roots are carefully straightened. After that, the plant is covered with earth and slightly compacted.

In order for Pink Anabel to feel comfortable and bloom profusely, it is required to provide it with competent care. First of all, it should be said about watering. It should be noted that hydrangeas are extremely moisture-loving, so they need regular and abundant watering. The soil should not dry out. It should be noted that the plant is able to live without moisture for a long time, however, this will certainly affect its appearance. The leaves and flowers will simply wither. Therefore, during drought and on hot summer days, you need to water the shrubs 2 times a week, and under normal conditions, weekly.

Mulching the root circle will allow you to retain moisture in the ground for much longer. The mulch will prevent it from evaporating. You can use pine needles or chopped bark. Organic matter contributes to the acidification of the soil, which will definitely benefit the hydrangea. Its layer should be about 8-10 centimeters. Once decomposed, the organic material makes an excellent flower food.

You should also pay attention to top dressing. During the growing season, in spring and autumn, "Pink Anabel" will need more enhanced nutrition. Its role will be perfectly performed by both organic and mineral fertilizers. You can also use a formulation specifically designed for flowering plants. It contains all the necessary components.

It is most convenient to purchase formulations initially in the form of a liquid. Before you treat the plant with them, it will be enough to dilute them with water in the right proportions.

3 times per season, the hydrangea must be treated with a solution of potassium permanganate. It is an excellent prophylactic agent against attacks of harmful insects. This procedure is especially relevant when it comes to young and tender bushes.

Cropping should not be overlooked either. It is with its help that the appearance of the bush is formed. The procedure should be carried out from the first years of the plant's life. However, up to the age of three, she should have the most gentle regimen.

Pruning can be done in the spring, however, it is necessary that the juice has not yet begun to move. It is also not forbidden to carry out the procedure in the autumn, when the plant has already faded. In addition, it should be borne in mind that the first inflorescences on young bushes are also recommended to be torn off, this will lead to more abundant flowering in the future.

Hydrangea "Pink Anabel" is a frost-resistant variety. However, in those territories of Russia where the climate is not mild, it will be necessary to organize a winter shelter. In the southern part, you can not do this, the flower tolerates a cold snap to -27 degrees calmly.

It should be borne in mind that it is recommended to cover young bushes for the winter, regardless of the region of growth. To begin with, the plant is cleaned of dried leaves, damaged or dried branches are cut off, and the root circle is mulched with sawdust. After that, the hydrangea is pressed to the ground and covered with spruce branches.

Despite the fact that this hydrangea variety is quite resistant to diseases and pests, there are some unpleasant moments that can occur during the growing process. Therefore, it will be useful to take preventive measures in time in order to avoid serious consequences. For these purposes, a weak solution of potassium permanganate is perfect. It pours profusely under the bush.

Among the most common diseases are chlorosis and powdery mildew. Chlorosis manifests itself as yellowing of the leaves with still dark veins and, if untreated, can lead to the death of the flower. Powdery mildew is characterized by yellow spots that turn brown over time. In advanced cases, the leaves begin to wither and fall off. In this situation, it is best to use chemicals. Folk remedies in the form of, for example, wood ash will not interfere.

As for insects, spider mites attack the hydrangea most often. It is easily recognized by the presence of a thin web entangling the leaves. If the pest was noticed immediately, you can treat the bush with a solution of laundry soap.

A brief description of the variety in the next video.