The hydrangea family consists of more than fifteen genera and about two hundred and fifty species of plants. The most popular genus is hydrangea (Hydrángea). Some varieties of this culture require a lot of attention, while others are not very demanding in care. However, over time, regardless of how they are grown and how demanding they are, they still need to be replanted.
In addition to this reason, sometimes unforeseen circumstances can arise, such as a disease of the shrub, the wrong place previously selected for its planting, construction and other works on the land plot, moving and so on. There are also lovers of experimenting with the color of the buds, deliberately changing the soil and transplanting plants. Some novice gardeners are interested in the question of whether it is possible to transplant hydrangeas in the summer. There is no unambiguous answer on this subject.
Before transplanting the plant, it is not superfluous to get acquainted with all the subtleties of this procedure.
There are certain rules of transplanting, and they, of course, should be followed. Everyone knows that the transplanting of any crop should be carried out in the spring and autumn period before the beginning of the sap movement.
But many experts agree that it is preferable to carry out these works in early autumn, justifying the factor that during the time remaining until the winter frost, Hydrangea can take root and get stronger. Despite these differences, it is worth noting that it will develop equally well, the main thing is to choose the right site for planting and provide him with proper care. Therefore, everyone can independently choose a favorable time (spring or autumn) for its transplanting.
So what to do for those who have a situation that does not tolerate delay? Breeders strongly recommend not to transplant at the time of active vegetation or flowering, because such changes have a detrimental effect on its development up to death.
In cases where it was previously planted in an ill-conceived place and there is a desire to change this oversight or just experiment with a color scheme, it is better to postpone these works to the last decade of September. And during this time to think through all the details and thoroughly prepare for the upcoming event.
It should also be noted that if there is a suspicion of any disease of the bush, it is not necessary to transplant it urgently. To begin with, it is better to understand the root causes and pay attention to the soil mixture and care. Hydrangeas that are well cared for will never get sick.
If still for some reason you can not avoid summer transplanting, do not be afraid of it. It is very important to surround it with tenderness and care after all the manipulations.
Hydrangea planting rules
Site selection
Since Hydrángea is a light loving plant, the area must be open and well lit. It is desirable that the plant is “lounging” in the sunlight in the first half of the day, and in the afternoon it should be slightly shaded. Direct sunlight during the whole daylight has a negative effect on it: the leaves get burnt, the flowers become smaller and drier. By planting it in the shade, you can not wait for its flowering at all. It is very important to place it in a place protected from draughts and gusts of wind, at least one and a half meters away from buildings. There must not be any overhangs, canopies or drains over it, from which water would flow during rainfall, snow melt etc. Under the weight of the fragile branches can be damaged and the root system from too much moisture rot.
Ground preparation
The best option is loose, rich in organic matter soil with a neutral or acidic reaction. Before planting, at least thirty to sixty days are recommended to properly prepare the soil. Sand, peat, pine needles are used as organics. For one square meter of soil you need about five to six kilograms of each biocomponent. Not superfluous will be the addition of fertilizers of mineral origin (superphosphate and potassium sulfate).
All components are mixed with the soil and leveled. In alkaline soil, hydrangea will need iron and magnesium. A permanent lack of these nutrients can lead to interstitial chlorosis. Planting the flower near sidewalks or building materials will cause the lime in the pavement to leach out and increase the acidity of the soil mixture. This may change the color spectrum of the inflorescences. The pH of the substrate can be determined with 9% table vinegar. Strong foaming is indicative of an alkaline soil coma, its absence – acidic, and barely noticeable – neutral.
Planting
It is very important to plant the plant correctly:
- Prepares a planting hole with a width and depth of not less than 0.5 m. At its bottom, a drainage material of brick fragments, sand, small stones is laid out.
- The earth extracted during excavation is mixed with compost and placed next to it.
- In the prepared trench place the rhizomes of the tree and carefully distribute them. The root neck of the bush should remain flush with the level of the soil.
- Next, the hole is filled with a mixture of soil and compost. The root area is not tamped, so as not to harm the roots. It is mulched with a layer up to ten centimeters thick. As mulch, use tree bark, peat or decomposed manure.
- After transplanting, water well (about four buckets of water under the bush). This is done daily until it takes root.
When using group plantings, it is recommended to keep a distance of at least 1.5 meters between them. Whatever the time period of the above procedure, the transplanted crop will need your love and attention. To create gorgeous and spectacular beds, you should have knowledge not only about transplanting, but also about caring for it.
Hydrangea: care after transplanting
In order to ensure that after transplanting, the tree will not break under gusts of wind, it is tied to a support, which will not allow it to fall or bend. It is allowed to create around it an additional board structure in the form of a shield.
During the first two to three weeks it is necessary to keep the soil moist. Water it as the ground dries out.
On hot days, moisten at least once every two days. An adult Hydrangea requires about 40 liters of water per watering.
You should not fertilise it while it is getting used to its new surroundings. Excessive nutrients will cause excessive growth of flower stalks which can cause the shoots to break.
With care, the shrub will be able to “survive” even after transplanting in summer and will enjoy its blossoms for several more years.
