Owners of household plots and summer cottages are trying to turn the local area into a beautiful, flowering garden. One of the most popular ornamental shrubs is hydrangea, which is famous for a large number of varieties and a pleasant light aroma of flowers.

Grade description

Hydrangea Sterilis (Latin: Sterilis Hydrangea) is a tree-like shrub that can reach 2 m in height and has a large number of small flowers grouped at the end of the stem. This species differs from its “counterparts” in that the plant of the described variety is more vulnerable to frost and survives winter worse.

Important! The described type of bushes must be protected for the winter by mulching, regardless of the age of the plant.

Appearance of the bush

Sterilis can grow up to 1–2 m in height, and its diameter can reach 2 m. The bush blooms all summer, until mid-September. The plant has rather soft stems in structure, therefore, due to large inflorescences, the branches bend to the ground, however, they are elastic and do not break.

The leaves can reach 18 cm in length and have a beautiful heart-shaped shape. This plant is often confused with large-leaved hydrangea, however, unlike this species, Sterilis has flatter and more tender flowers.

Characteristics

Characterizing this variety of plants, we can conclude that this is a small tree-like shrub with a lush crown and large inflorescences of a conical shape, which can have different shades. As stated above does not tolerate winter, so it needs special care.

Young stems of the plant have a reddish-brown hue. Sterilis prefers to grow in well-drained soil, in a place protected from direct sunlight. It has high growth rates.

Did you know? The color of hydrangea can be changed artificially, because its hue will completely depend on the amount of aluminum in the soil. In addition, regular processing with special fertilizers will be required.

Timing and description of flowering

With proper care and depending on the region of growth, peduncles appear in early June and do not fall from the branches until late autumn. Small flowers of Sterilis are collected in large spherical inflorescences, consisting of two types of flowers: very small ones that are collected inside, and larger ones - appear from above and form a kind of “crown”.

A plant cultivated in neutral soil has a milky shade of petals, however, if the earth contains an admixture of aluminum salts, then the color of the buds can be blue, purple or pink.

Growing Features

To grow a tree-like shrub, certain rules must be observed. It is necessary to rationally select a place for cultivation, while observing the rules of planting, after which Sterilis should be regularly watered and fertilized. With great responsibility should approach the organization of preparation of this species for the winter.

Did you know? It was previously believed that hydrangea planted next to the dwelling will help the owner of the house avoid wrong decisions, as well as pacify jealousy and pride.

Choosing a place to grow

It is important to remember that hydrangea prefers to grow in partial shade and does not tolerate direct sunlight. If you place a flower on the sunny side of the plot, the inflorescences will be small, and the height of the plant will not exceed 60 cm. That is why it is best to highlight a platform under a tree or near a gazebo.

Landing rules

Landing is carried out in the spring, at the end of May or at the beginning of the autumn period, if the weather is warm. Seedlings are planted in the prepared loose soil, after which they are regularly watered. The earth must be fertile, so chernozem is best suited.

To plant a bush, you need to make a hole based on the size of the roots. Usually this recess with parameters 60 × 60 × 60 cm. After you need to add to the hole a mixture of peat, sand and humus in a ratio of 1: 1: 2. Having placed the bush in the center of the prepared pit, it is necessary to densify the earth well and water the trunk area abundantly.

Watering and fertilizer

The best option for irrigation is moisturizing with rainwater. If it is not possible to collect such water, you can use a tap, but it should be defended for at least 5-6 days. The temperature of the settled liquid should be at least + 16 ° C, since there is the possibility of damage to the sensitive hydrangea roots by low temperatures. The optimal amount of water per week will be a volume of about 16-18 liters per one plant.

Important! Irrigation should be carried out either in the early morning or in the evening to eliminate the risk of burns of the green mass of hydrangea.

Loosening and mulching

In order for the shrub to vegetate seamlessly in the next season, it is necessary to carefully prepare it for winter. During the entire flowering period, regular loosening of the soil is necessary. This is done so that the root system is saturated with oxygen and beneficial components.

A healthy bush will be easier to survive the winter. It is necessary to mulch the near-trunk hydrangea zone. If you place a fresh layer of mulch under the flower once a week, in the summer, its stems will grow stronger and will be easier to withstand during cold periods.

When the first frosts occur, it is necessary to thoroughly mulch the soil with sawdust or peat. The thickness of this layer should be 5-10 cm. The gradual decomposition of the substrate will fertilize the soil, the soil will retain heat longer.

Use in landscape design

In landscape design, Sterilis hydrangea can be used both as a tapeworm and in compositions with other plants. Often flowering shrubs are planted in a row, thereby separating the garden from the garden. Large lush crowns seem to create a wall that will not only decorate, but also fill the space with a delicate aroma.

After examining the information, we can conclude that this type of tree-like plant has one “unpleasant” feature - intolerance to cold. Because of this, special attention must be paid to Sterilis in the autumn, before frosts. Proper care will help preserve the shrub and give it a more lush shape.