Hydrangea Little Lime panicled

Hydrangea Little Lime paniculata got its name because of several tens of small flowers that form a panicle. This variety is derived from Limelight Variegated and an unknown species of panicled hydrangea. Little Lyme liked gardeners due to unusual white-green inflorescences, which eventually acquire a pink color, as well as compact size.

The origin and appearance of the plant

At first, Europe became acquainted with large-leaved hydrangea. It happened in the eighteenth century. French scientists brought it from the island of Mauritius. The participant of the expedition was Prince Nassau-Siegen, who named this flower in honor of his sister.

Hydrangea Little Light

The dwarf shrub Little Lyme was born recently - in 2012, the plant pleased gardeners with its attractive appearance. Hydrangea Little Lime is different in description from other varieties:

• it is very compact and is formed at the request of the owner, so it can grow like a bush or like a tree;
• plant height does not exceed 70 cm, and in width it can reach 1 m;
• green leaves have a velvety structure, pleasant to the touch. Their edges are with small notches;
• the stem of the flower is erect, does not need a garter;
• the root system is very branched, but does not go deep underground;
• the crown of the bush is dense, almost invisible.

Flower descriptions

In the fall, round large inflorescences appear on hydrangeas. At first they have a greenish color, thanks to which the flower got its name Lime. Over time, this color gradually changes to white, beige and even purple.

The size of the inflorescence varies between 10-13 cm.

Green inflorescences

Transplant after purchase in the open field

After the purchase, Little Lyme hydrangea is planted in open ground mainly in the spring. In latitudes with a temperate climate, this is done in April, and in the northern regions - in early May, when the soil warms up well. In the southern regions, where there are warm winters, the bush can be planted in September, but this is provided that the hydrangea already has a well-formed and developed root system.

What you need for landing

In order for the planting to be successful, you need to choose a good place, stock up with peat, turfy soil, humus, pine sawdust and water.

Choosing a place to land

Choosing a place to plant shrubs is not at all simple. An ideal area would be where the plant will be in the sun in the morning and evening, and the flower will be able to stay in partial shade for most of the day.

Hydrangea is planted at a distance from garden paths, as the bushes will grow and will interfere with walking. It is necessary to take care that Little Light does not grow under the crowns of trees that will obscure it.

Do not plant a flower close to the house. In winter, snow and icicles will fall from the roof, which injure the plant.

Step-by-step landing process

Although planting is a simple process, but still some recommendations from experienced gardeners should be followed:

1. To begin with, they dig a landing pit of about 40 × 40 cm.
2. Peat mixed with humus is suitable for cultivation. Such a mixture should not exceed 1/3 of the pit, the rest of the space is covered with turfy soil.
3. If the plant has an open root system, you need to put it on a tubercle and spread it.
4. Shrub fall asleep to the root neck. At the same time, one must not overdo it: if the stem is deepened greatly, it will begin to rot.
5. The soil is slightly tamped.
6. Watering is carried out in the center of the bush and along the edge.
7. If the land sags, it can again be poured and watered. This procedure is repeated several times.
8. Little Lime panicle hydrangea loves acidified soil, so 2 tbsp can be poured around it. tablespoons of colloidal sulfur and mulch the soil from above with peat or pine bark.
9. The top of the inflorescence is well cut: the lower it is, the better it will take root.
10. The remaining hemp is also slightly covered with soil.

Planting a plant

Propagation of hydrangeas Little Lyme

You can propagate a flower in different ways: by dividing an adult bush, cuttings and seeds.

It is necessary to divide the bush very carefully so that both the root and small branches remain on the small sprout. This is not so simple, so they often use Little Lyme hydrangea propagation with cuttings.

Propagation by cuttings

In order for the cuttings to be accepted and successfully developed, you need to adhere to certain rules:

• you need to cut the cuttings so that two internodes remain on them;
• the tip of the branch is treated with root;
• planting material is planted in a pot with nutritious soil and covered with a jar.

The appendix takes root within 30 days. All this time it is recommended to keep it in the shade.

Seed cultivation

Propagation by seeds of hydrangeas Little Lyme takes a lot of time, because this method of cultivation is mainly used by breeders to obtain new varieties.

Although the process of growing seeds is very long, but not at all complicated.

1. You need to pick up a small capacity.
2. Sow the seeds in the soil and press them a little into the soil.
3. Cover the entire pot with foil.
4. When the seeds sprout, they open.
5. Then you just need to observe the sprouts and water them periodically.
6. When they are old enough, they are dived two or three in one pot.

Little Lime Hydrangea Care

Shrub is very undemanding in care. However, the most elementary rules for watering, fertilizing, lighting and pruning must be observed.

Watering mode

Little Lyme is very fond of moisture. In Japan, this flower is even called "crying on the water." If the soil under the bush has dried out, it must be watered. Hydrangea needs watering at least once a week.

Top dressing

If, when planting a shrub, he was correctly selected the soil and all the necessary micronutrients were added, the plant will not need to be fed for another two or three years.

In general, panicle hydrangea Little Lyme is fertilized in four stages.

• Fertilizers begin to make in early spring. In order for the bush to please with thick foliage, it is necessary to provide with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
• The next stage of fertilizer application occurs with the formation of buds. During this period, the shrub needs potassium and phosphorus.
• Provide fertilizing Little Light and during flowering. During this period, it is necessary to nourish potassium-phosphorus substances.
• The last stage of fertilizer begins when the plant fades. This happens in late August or early September. After flowering, superphosphate and potassium sulfate are added. Such top dressing will help the shrub survive the winter well and acquire lush flowering for the next year.

Fertilizer

Features of care during the flowering period

Young plants bloom in the second year of life. During this period, they are not yet sufficiently strengthened, and the resulting flowers will only slow down their development. To prevent this from happening, as soon as the buds appear, they are cut off.

Features of care at rest

In the spring, when the plant has not yet acquired buds, you need to trim. It is imperative to eliminate all frostbitten branches, removing to a healthy place. Then, last year's branches are shortened to the fifth kidney and, finally, taken for the crown. To destroy it, cut all the shoots that grow inward.

If the bush is already old, it should be rejuvenated. To do this, they are cut in the spring, leaving only hemp.

Winter preparations

One of the main characteristics of this species is frost resistance. The shrub tolerates temperatures up to −34 ° C. However, in order for Little Lime hydrangea to survive the winter well, you need to take care of it a little:

• remove inflorescences;
• if the bush is very lush, then it must be tied in two bunches;
• top with a burlap flower. Such protection will not only protect the plant from frost, but also from hares, who do not mind eating them.

Burlap Shelter

Hydrangea Little Lime, thanks to its compact size, serves as an excellent decoration for summer cottages. Recently, it has been used in landscape design of city parks and flower beds. She feels good both in large flowerpots and in open ground. Also, the bush can be used as a hedge.