Hydrangea paniculata polar bir. Hydrangea paniculata Polar bear: polar bear in the garden Where and on what soil to plant hydrangea

Hydrangea (Hydrángea) is known to all gardeners and is famous for its decorativeness and unpretentiousness. One of its varieties - paniculate - differs from other types in the shape of the inflorescences (in the form of panicles), the dark color of the foliage and high frost resistance. The long range of panicle hydrangea varieties is constantly being updated with new products. One of them is the “Polar bear” variety.

A little history

These flowers were named after the sister of Prince Charles Henry of the Roman Empire, Princess Hortense, in the second half of the 18th century. Their second name – “Hydrangea”, which translated from Greek means a vessel with water, was given later. This is probably due to the similarity of the shape of their seed pods with the pitcher and the “moisture-loving” nature of these plants.

Hydrangea was brought to Europe from Japan at the beginning of the 19th century, and in the last century, thanks to selection, it turned from a houseplant into the darling of our gardens.

The variety "Polar Bear" was obtained by crossing the two most common varieties of paniculata hydrangea "Grandiflora" and "Limelight". The first of them has very beautiful and large flowers, but thin branches that break off under their weight (especially after rains). They need supports, which spoils the decorative appearance of the plant.

The "Lime Light" variety is one of the most resistant among paniculate hydrangeas. The color of its not very large flowers changes during the season from pistachio to pinkish. The new variety “Polar Bear” acquired the best qualities of its parents, but got rid of their shortcomings.

Varieties of paniculata hydrangea (video)

Description of the variety “Polar Bear”

Hydrangea paniculata “Polar Bear” is one of the most successful ornamental plant varieties. The plant has inflorescences in the form of dense, compact cones, the size of which reaches 40 cm. They abound in large flowers. Their small bisexual flowers fly around quite quickly, without spoiling the uniformity of the lush cap of inflorescences flaunting throughout the bush.

The bushes grow up to almost two meters high, reaching a volume of more than one and a half meters. Strong, rigid branches are not prone to breaking. The oblong leaves have a rich green color; they turn yellow in the fall.

The flowers are very large - over 3 cm in diameter. At first they have a pistachio tint, at the height of flowering they are pale white, and when flowering fades they become pinkish. These hydrangeas bloom for a long time: from mid-summer until the coldest weather.

The variety is distinguished by its ease of care, very high frost resistance, withstanding temperatures down to -40 degrees, and good resistance to diseases. It is also an excellent honey plant.

Paniculate hydrangeas are planted in early spring or autumn. But in this case they need additional shelter for the winter. Caring for Polar bear involves the following agrotechnical measures:

1. Choosing a landing site. The plant prefers well-lit places where there is direct sun in the morning for at least 6 hours a day. It is also important to protect it from drafts, because... Sap flow in this variety begins in early spring, when night cold and wind are common.
2. Soil selection. The plant prefers slightly acidified fertile soils - loams, black soil. When planting in sandy soil, it requires additional fertilizing. Alkaline soils are harmful to it.
3. Mulching. It is necessary as protection against drying out and overheating of plant roots, which are located compactly and shallowly. For this purpose, sawdust, peat, covering materials, etc. are used.
4. Watering. Hydrangea needs regular watering, because... its roots cannot stand drying out. The usual weekly norm is 30 liters of water per bush. You can add a little potassium permanganate to it.
5. Pruning and shaping the bush. Hydrangeas need annual spring pruning to keep the plantings from becoming overcrowded. The proximity of plants to each other leads to a decrease in their immunity due to lack of light and air. At the same time, the inflorescences become smaller, and the bushes can be affected by infections and pests. Since this variety is frost-resistant, pruning can be done in early spring or even at the end of winter. Strong 5-10 shoots are shortened to 3-5 buds (almost two-thirds), and the rest are removed.
6. Warming the roots for the winter. It should be done in regions with harsh or little snowy winters. To do this, place a layer of peat, leaves, and spruce branches up to 20 cm high under the bush.

Plant feeding is carried out in 4 stages:

• Organic fertilizers are applied in spring;
• during the appearance of buds, mixtures with urea, superphosphate and potassium are used;
• in mid-summer, complex fertilizers are used, combining fertilizing with watering the plants;
• In late autumn, when preparing the bushes for winter, special fertilizers for hydrangeas are applied.

Reviews from gardeners

"Polar bear" appeared in our gardens recently. But there are already positive reviews about the variety from both specialists and amateur summer residents. They believe that:

• This hydrangea goes well in plantings with rhodendrons, because... They need the same soil.
• If annual shoots are pruned annually, the compact crown can withstand even the first snowfalls, decorating the winter garden along with cereals and astilbes.
• Loosening the soil is not necessary for it. But since the root system of the plant is close to the surface, it is better to replace it with mulching with wood chips and bark. Also, do not forget about weeding hydrangeas.
• It is better to use pine needles to acidify the soil.
• This hydrangea pleases with large clusters of elegantly colored flowers already in the second year. And when frozen in winter, it is completely restored within a season.

Application in landscape design

Hydrangea flowers of the “Polar Bear” variety are distinguished by their sophistication, solemn, elegant and delicate color. And the bush of this plant is quite tall, easy to trim and give it various shapes. These advantages can be used by creating various garden compositions:

1. In a small area, it can replace a central tree, around which flower beds, lawns, and tapeworms can be placed.
2. You can grow coniferous-rhodendron mixboards under the bushes. This part of the garden will look especially elegant.
3. The combination of hydrangea bushes with low-growing bushes, perennials, and creeping plants looks good.
4. They can decorate fences or walls. At the same time, you can combine them with vines: girlish grapes, honeysuckle, prince.
5. Snow-white bushes can border contrasting-colored hydrangea varieties. Or, on the contrary, to be in their center.
6. These flowers look good both on sunny English lawns and in traditional Japanese gardens.

How to prune hydrangea (video)

Hydrangea Polar bear is a discovery for our gardeners. Its unpretentiousness, resistance to cold and disease attract the attention of many of them. And the delicate beauty of luxurious inflorescences gives a special charm to even the most ordinary summer cottages.

In 2013, a new unique variety of hydrangea appeared, surprising with its beauty and vitality even in the most severe frosts. Panicle hydrangea Polar Beer was bred by Dutch gardener breeders. It is based on such famous hydrangea varieties as the exquisite Grandiflora and the majestic Limelight. “Polar Bear” adopted their best qualities, quickly gaining popularity among flower growers.

Hydrangea paniculata Polar Bear is a lush evergreen shrub up to 2 m tall, 1.5 m in diameter. Sometimes the shape may be more reminiscent of a tree than a bush. The root system, like that of other representatives, is horizontal: the roots lie shallow under the surface of the earth and grow in breadth, not depth. Often the border of their distribution lies further than the diameter of the crown. The branches of the plant are thick and tough, but not prone to breaking off. The leaves are ovoid, about 10 cm long, bright green. The leaf arrangement is opposite: the leaves on the shoots grow in pairs opposite each other.

Description of hydrangea inflorescences of the Polar Beer variety: large, paniculate, cone-shaped, reaching 40 cm in length and 30 cm in diameter. They grow evenly in the crown, which gives them the effect of light clouds. They are located on strong branches, which prevents them from breaking off, unlike the inflorescences of one of their “parents” - Grandiflora . There are two types of flowers on the inflorescence: fertile and sterile. Fruiting flowers are small, almost invisible, white. They quickly fade and fall off. The sterile flowers are large, reach 3 cm in diameter, have 4 petals, and are located tightly to each other on the inflorescence. Blooming in July, they have a rich pistachio color. Towards the end of summer it changes to white, a little later - to cream, and at the end of September it takes on a pinkish tint. Hydrangea usually blooms by early November.

Appearing as a result of crossing two varieties, this hydrangea inherited the best qualities of both. Thus, “Polar Bear” inherited its vitality from Limelight: rigidity of trunks and branches, resistance to various kinds of pests, and even enhanced its extreme frost resistance. From Grandiflora he inherited large and lush inflorescences.

Polar Beer can withstand temperatures down to -40 °C!

Due to its frost resistance, it is suitable for cultivation not only throughout Europe and central Russia, but even in such cold places as Siberia or the Urals.

It is successfully used in apiaries as a honey plant.

Landing

In order for the plant to live for many years, not freeze out and delight with the splendor of flowering every year, it is important to choose the optimal place and time for planting a young seedling. It is also necessary to choose the right fertilizers.

Hydrangea loves moisture, so you should not plant it near trees that absorb water. When choosing a planting site, soil moisture must be taken into account. It is best to plant the plant in the shade, because Polar Beer is not a heat-loving plant.

Choice of time and place

Young plants of this variety are usually planted in the ground in autumn in warm climates or early spring in colder climates. When planting in autumn, the time must be chosen so that the plant has time to take root in a new place, but does not begin to grow, because in this case the onset of frost will destroy the young hydrangea. In such a situation, it is recommended to carefully insulate the “Bear” for the winter.

For planting paniculate hydrangea, semi-shaded places are selected, the illumination of direct sunlight does not exceed 6–8 hours. Excessive amounts of sunlight can cause difficulty in Polar Bear flowering.

For any variety of hydrangea, it is preferable to choose acidic or neutral, moderately moist soil.. The optimal pH level is around 5.5 – 6.0. Chernozem, loam, and sandy loam are suitable for planting. The polar bear does not tolerate alkaline soils well, so they need to be acidified: this can be done using chemicals such as iron sulfate, ammonium sulfate, or natural materials. Peat or pine bedding is well suited for this purpose.

The polar bear does not tolerate cold spring drafts well, since the flow of sap in this plant begins very early and there is a possibility of freezing of individual branches or even the whole bush. When choosing a landing site, you should make sure that they are absent.

Planting process

To plant a seedling, the land must be prepared in advance. To do this, first of all, dig a hole approximately corresponding in size to the area of ​​the seedling's root system, usually about 40*40*40 cm, and water it abundantly. It is recommended to pour about 30 liters of water into the hole so that the soil is properly saturated. The hole is left overnight. During this time, the water is absorbed and distributed evenly in the ground.

The next morning, fertile soil mixed with organic and mineral fertilizers is poured into the hole. It is recommended to use soil, peat, sand and humus in a ratio of 2:2:1:1. Fertilizer is added to the resulting mixture. When planting, it is recommended to use mixtures with potassium, urea (urea) and superphosphate.

The well-mixed soil mixture is poured into a moist hole in a “slide” so that there is room left for planting the seedling.

The seedling is placed on a “hill”, the roots are carefully straightened, and then sprinkled with the remaining soil mixture. The root collar is not deepened or deepened no more than 1–2 cm, as otherwise it may begin to rot. The soil around the trunks is carefully compacted.

After planting, hydrangea must be watered. Enough water is needed so that it penetrates to the bottom of the former hole and properly saturates the entire soil mixture. 8 - 10 liters is usually sufficient.

To retain moisture after planting, it is advisable to mulch the soil in the tree trunk area. This should be done using sawdust, peat or tree bark. The ground is covered with them to the height of a thumb, about 9–11 cm in a radius around the trunks. After planting, it is recommended to protect young bushes from strong winds and direct sunlight.

If hydrangeas are planted in a row, it is recommended to maintain a distance of at least 1 m between individual bushes, and ideally 1.5–2 m. It is recommended to maintain a distance of 2–3 m from large bushes of other types of plants or trees.

For the first time, paniculate hydrangea bushes bloom 2–4 years after planting. If inflorescences form in the first year, it is recommended to cut them off. This way the plant will direct all its energy to the development of the root system and branches, which will ensure larger inflorescences in the future.

Reproduction

Like any other plant, “Polar Bear” reproduces in different ways:

• dividing the bush;
• cuttings;
• seeds;
• layering.

Gardeners most often use the method of dividing an adult bush or cuttings. Other methods are less popular.

Cuttings

The optimal time for cutting cuttings is early summer, June. At this time they are most viable. Usually they are cut so that there are 4 internodes on the cutting. Sometimes they also use twigs left after spring pruning of the bush.

Immediately after pruning, the cuttings are placed in water for 2–4 days. Their cuts can be treated with a growth stimulator. Then the cuttings are planted in fertile, fertilized soil. Here you can use the same soil mixture in which the seedlings are installed, or you can prepare a different one: mix peat or humus and sand in a 1:1 ratio, and then add mineral fertilizers. The soil mixture is watered abundantly, and the pot is covered with a cap or special film to create a greenhouse effect. Humidity is an important component for the development of cuttings.

The cover from the pot must be removed from time to time to ventilate the small plant. You should not water the soil too often - it is recommended to do this only as needed. Cuttings can be planted in open ground after two years. Typically, about 4–5 years pass from the moment the cuttings are pruned to the first flowering of the Bear.

Dividing the bush

• An adult hydrangea bush is dug up on one side.
• Several trunks are carefully separated from the plant along with a piece of soil with part of the root system.
• The delenka is planted in a previously prepared hole, sprinkled with soil mixture, watered and mulched.

Care

Caring for the “Polar Bear” is easy if all the rules were taken into account when planting the seedling. It includes regular watering of the plant, fertilizing, mulching and pruning.

In addition, hydrangea needs to insulate its roots for the winter. This can be done by laying out peat fertilizer mixed with leaves.

Watering

This variety of hydrangea is quite moisture-loving, so “Polar Bear” should be watered regularly. Watering is carried out in the area around the trunk, once every 3-5 waterings it is recommended to add potassium permanganate to the water: about 2-3 g per 10 liters of water. It is an antifungal agent, prevents the formation of rot, and also serves as additional plant nutrition. Watering is usually done at relatively cool times of the day, usually in the morning or evening.

In conditions of moderate, non-hot summer, it is enough to water the hydrangea once every week and a half, pouring 15 to 30 liters of water under the bush, depending on the amount of precipitation during this period and the size of the bush.

In hot summer conditions, watering should be carried out more often: 2–3 times a week, 15–20 liters each.

If the summer is quite cool and rainy, you can reduce watering to 4-5 times over the entire season. It is necessary to pay special attention to watering in the fall, since a lack of moisture during this period can lead to a decrease in the winter hardiness of the plant.

Fertilizer

As a rule, hydrangea requires feeding only in the second or third year after planting, when it begins to bloom.

Experienced gardeners have noticed that the brightness of hydrangea flowers directly depends on the acidity of the soil. The more acidic the soil, the brighter the color of the flowers of paniculate hydrangea. Therefore, the following rule was derived: until July, during the period of bud setting and the beginning of flowering, acidifiers such as potassium or ammonium sulfates are used as fertilizers, and from July to the end of October - potassium-phosphorus fertilizers.

In May, the first plant feeding of the year is carried out. It must be comprehensive in order to give strength to a plant weakened after winter. For these purposes, it is recommended to use special complex mineral fertilizers diluted in water. Usually 20–40 g of fertilizer per 10 liters of water is sufficient. It is recommended to carry out this procedure twice: the second time approximately two weeks after the first. This fertilizing can be supported by adding organic fertilizers.

In early to mid-June, “sour” feeding is carried out, aimed at improving the flowering of the “Polar Bear”. The time is chosen two weeks before flowering, during the formation of buds. For this feeding, potassium or ammonium sulfate (about 45 g) and superphosphate (about 70 g) are mixed. You can also add a little urea. Fertilizers are diluted in 15–30 liters of water.

To prolong the flowering of hydrangeas and ensure a good formation of flower buds for the next year, it is recommended to repeat the “sour” fertilizing procedure in mid-to-late July.

The last stage of feeding the plant occurs in mid-autumn. It should help accumulate a sufficient amount of nutrient material for the plant throughout the winter. Here it is recommended to use special fertilizers for hydrangeas. If you couldn’t find any, fertilizers for rhododendron are also good, since their growing conditions are similar to those for hydrangeas.

Ash, chalk, and dolomite (limestone) flour cannot be used as fertilizer for hydrangea, as they are soil deoxidizers and will only harm the plant!

Trimming

There are two types of pruning paniculate hydrangea. They are suitable for two purposes:

1. 1. Pruning to thin out the bush.
2. 2. Trimming for the purpose of rejuvenation.

In order to thin out the bush, pruning of paniculate hydrangea is done only in the 3rd–4th year of the plant’s life, when it has grown sufficiently (with the exception of removing frozen branches - this procedure is performed annually).

They are pruned twice a year: in March and before the onset of cold weather. In the spring, all frozen branches are removed up to the first living bud, and last year's weak shoots are also completely pruned. The main 5–10 shoots are cut by two thirds (to 3–5 buds from the ground).

At the end of autumn, pruning is done to prevent branches from breaking off under the weight of snow or ice. Only browned inflorescences and, if necessary, strongly protruding young shoots are cut off.

If the hydrangea is not pruned, the inflorescences will grow smaller and smaller every year, and excessive thickening of the bush will lead to a lack of oxygen and light for individual shoots, which, in turn, can provoke various plant diseases.

For the purpose of rejuvenation, old plants are pruned in the spring. All old trunks are removed “under the stump”, only young shoots are left. In 1–2 years they will grow and the hydrangea will again acquire a presentable appearance.

Insulation for the winter

Since Polar Beer is an extremely frost-resistant hydrangea variety, it does not require special measures to prepare for winter. It is enough just to insulate the roots. To do this, the soil within the circle around the trunk is mulched. Sawdust, dry grass, spruce or pine spruce branches, leaves or peat are laid in a layer of 15–20 cm.

In landscape design

Hydrangea can be planted in a variety of ways: as a single plant, as a kind of hedge, or in combination with other plants. When planted effectively, Polar Bir's height can reach more than 1.5 m.

Hydrangea "Polar Beer" is good in landscape design for many reasons. It is flexible to create various shapes: if desired, it can be cut into a small tree or a neat ball. Polar Bear looks great as a central plant in a small garden, or as a zone separator plant for large gardens. By planting the bushes closely together with this variety of hydrangea, you can achieve the effect of an untrimmed hedge.

The evergreen corner of the garden, the center of which is Polar Beer, looks very beautiful. Along with it, you can use low rhododendron shrubs and creeping perennial plants.

Hydrangea paniculata Polar Beer appeared in our gardens relatively recently, but thanks to its excellent frost-resistant properties, the plant quickly became popular among summer residents and experienced gardeners. Taking into account the fact that our winters continue to delight us with severe frosts every year, not all plants manage to survive the cold season. This plant doesn’t even mind frosts of -40°C.

Let's figure out how Polar Beer differs from other varieties of hydrangea, how to plant these plants correctly and how to care for them throughout the year.

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Features of the Polar Beer variety

Hortensia is often used by gardeners in landscape design, because it is not only capable of decorating any area, but also does not require painstaking care. This is especially true for paniculate hydrangea, because it is famous for its frost resistance. The range of varieties of this plant is constantly replenished. Not long ago, a new product appeared - Hydrangea Polar Bear, the name of which translated means “polar bear”.

Breeders obtained this variety thanks to the two most common varieties of paniculate hydrangea: “Grandiflora” and “Limelight”. The first has large flowers, but thin branches. Because of this, the plant must be constantly supported, otherwise they may break under the weight of the flowers. They break down especially often after rains.

The second variety has established itself as one of the most frost-resistant. These plants do not have the largest flowers, but over the course of the season they can change their color from pistachio to pink. The Polar Bear hydrangea variety combines the best qualities of its parent varieties and at the same time gets rid of their shortcomings.

Polar Bear inflorescences can reach sizes of about 40 cm, which is why this plant looks very impressive among other flowers. They do not have a constant color; during the flowering season, the inflorescences can be pistachio, white, cream and slightly pinkish.

By the way, this variety of hydrangea is distinguished not only by the large size of the inflorescences, but also by the flowers themselves. As a rule, they exceed 3 cm in diameter. Due to the fact that the inflorescences are evenly distributed throughout the bush, the plant gives the impression of a large bouquet in the flowerbed. An adult Polar Bear hydrangea bush can reach a height of 1.8 meters, and the diameter of the crown can be the same.

Hydrangea paniculata Polar bear loves sunny and semi-shaded places. It begins to bloom in July, and its huge flowers will delight the eye until late autumn. This variety is not afraid of frost, so it can easily withstand temperatures of even -40°C. Gardeners recommend planting Polar Bear hydrangea as a tapeworm or in tree and shrub compositions.

Where and on what soil should I plant hydrangea?

Hydrangea Polar Bear takes root best in the south, but it is imperative to ensure that the landing site receives shade. It is extremely rare that hydrangea can bloom without problems in the sun, but only with increased watering. It is recommended to protect young bushes from the afternoon sun and strong winds. Since hydrangea loves moisture, you should not plant this plant near trees that absorb water in large quantities.

Polar Bear hydrangea is very demanding not only in terms of soil moisture, but also in its richness. Gardeners recommend using humus, leaf soil, peat and sand for planting in a ratio of 2:2:1:1. This variety does not like lime; you need to take this factor into account when choosing a planting site. It is best for the soil to be almost acidic, with a pH level of approximately 5.0.



In the northern regions, it is recommended to plant paniculata hydrangea in the spring; in the south, this can be done in the fall. When planting Polar Bear, it is necessary to maintain a distance of 1 meter between plants. The root system of hydrangeas is shallow, but quite branched.

The size of the holes for young plants should be approximately 30x30x30 cm. In such holes you must first pour 1/3 of a bucket of humus with peat. There is no need to deepen the root collar. When all the plants are planted, they need to be watered. It is advisable to use soft rainwater rather than running water. After watering, the bud needs to be loosened.



As for feeding, it is carried out in 4 stages:

1. 1 In the spring. Fertilizers are applied during planting.
2. 2 At the end of spring, when the buds appear. As fertilizers, you can use special mixtures with potassium, urea and superphosphate.
3. 3 In the middle of summer. Complex fertilizers should be accompanied by abundant watering.
4. 4 Late autumn. When plants begin to prepare for winter, you need to use special fertilizers for hydrangeas.

Particular attention should be paid to feeding in late May - early June. During this period, flower buds for next year are laid. You can enrich the soil with slurry mixed with mineral fertilizer. The solution should be prepared in a ratio of 1:10. For mineral fertilizer, you can mix 20 g of superphosphate, 10 g of potassium nitrate and 10 g of ammonium nitrate. Such doses are calculated for 10 liters of water. After the first fertilizing in late spring, it is advisable to fertilize the soil again 2 weeks later. This will ensure the best hydrangea blooms this year.



Plant care rules

Since Polar Bear hydrangea loves moisture, about 15-20 liters of water should be poured under the bushes of this plant once a week. During the rainy season, you can limit yourself to one watering per month. To make plant shoots more durable, you can use a weak solution of potassium permanganate for watering.



Tree trunk circles must be mulched. For this you can use peat or humus. After digging, mulch is usually added. Hilling up the bushes must be done in the fall; the height of the earthing up should be approximately 20-30 cm.

Hydrangea can also be mulched with sawdust. In this case, the layer of sawdust should be 6 cm. They should be left for the summer, slightly raked away from the hydrangea columns. Loosening should be carried out together with weeding; the depth of loosening should not exceed 5-6 cm.

Polar Bear hydrangea is especially spectacular when it blooms in large inflorescences. Naturally, everything depends on the plant variety, but an increase in buds can be achieved with proper pruning. In the spring, before the leaves begin to bloom, it is necessary to remove the weak branches of last year's growth. Those shoots that are well developed should be left and trimmed short. There should be 2-3 pairs of buds left on them. When the budding period begins, it is recommended to cut off the weakest branches with inflorescences.

Polar Bear hydrangea will not produce large flowers unless it is watered regularly. In hot and dry summers, without careful watering, this variety can produce small flowers.



Since this variety of hydrangea is highly frost-resistant, there is no need to cover the plant for the winter. Only in the first 2 years does hydrangea need to be mulched and hilled, then these processes are not so important.

Use in landscape design

Polar Bear hydrangea can be propagated from green cuttings. This method is most often used by gardeners. To do this, you need to cut off the shoots of the current year.

Other methods of propagating hydrangea:

• winter cuttings;
• dividing the bush;
• propagation by layering;
• seeds;
• graft.



Due to its decorative properties, Polar Bear hydrangea is used in many different ways in landscape design. It can be planted as a single plant, in a mixboard, or as an untrimmed hedge.

Single plantings can be done against the background of a lawn, but if hydrangea is used in solitary groups, then it can be used to frame tree plantings. In a mixboard, Polar Bear hydrangea is best used in a mixed composition of shrubs. Herbaceous perennials will also be excellent neighbors. The only thing that needs to be taken into account when planting hydrangeas in a mixboard is sufficient space for full development. If the plants are crowded together, then the expected large flowers will not appear.

Polar Bear hydrangea also looks impressive as an untrimmed hedge. As a rule, such planting is used in the foreground of the site. If hydrangea is planted in the garden, then its role is to separate the internal zones. The width of a flowering hedge can reach 1.5 meters.



Since the Polar Bear variety appeared in gardens relatively recently, the positive and negative properties of this plant continue to manifest themselves in practice. Both amateur summer residents and experienced gardeners have already noted several features of this variety of hydrangea that will help beginners grow spectacular flowers.



Polar Bear hydrangea goes well with rhododendrons. These plants require the same soil, so it is best to plant them side by side.

Don't neglect pruning. If you do this annually, the plant will be able to withstand even snowfalls, continuing to decorate the winter garden.

It is not necessary to loosen the soil for hydrangeas, since the root system is located close to the surface. Gardeners recommend replacing loosening with weeding and mulching.

Since Polar Bear hydrangea likes acidic soil, pine needles can be used to acidify it.

If this variety of hydrangea froze in winter, do not worry. She will fully recover within the season.

Variety: Polar Beer ( Polar Bear)

To imagine what Polar Beer hydrangea looks like, a photo is not necessary - just translate the name into Russian. Polar Bear - Polar Bear. Imagination will immediately give the correct clue - large, strong, hardy. And, of course, in a luxurious white fur coat.

Characteristics

An excellent variety, new, but already one of the most sought after on today’s market. The height is about two meters, the width is slightly larger. The crown is regular, round, medium spreading. Evenly filled, without voids, developed symmetrically on both the sunny and shady sides. This applies not only to foliage, but also to inflorescences. What is especially appreciated in landscape design: from whatever point you look, the bush is covered with flowers from top to bottom.

The leaves are opposite, simple, oblong, rich green in color. Rough, with more pubescence along the veins on the underside. They do not change their color even in autumn.

Most often, gardeners, intending to buy Polar Beer hydrangea in a nursery or online store, ask: judging by the name, is it frost-resistant? Yes, for growing in Moscow – more than that. The Polar Bear overwinters without shelter; even those branches that are on top of a snowdrift can withstand minus forty. If winter happens to be abnormally harsh, only the ends will be damaged, which still need to be pruned.

Gas resistance is beyond praise: even in summer Moscow, overloaded with transport, Polar Beer hydrangea looks fresh, grows vigorously and forms buds. They open in July and delight until frost.

An excellent, stable honey plant, can be grown near apiaries. The honey spirit attracts bees, bumblebees and butterflies, and they willingly fly to wallow in the silky petals.

Decorativeness

The inflorescences are grandiose! Widely rounded conical, so long that they do not fit on the hand from the elbow to the fingertips. At first, openwork, with a soft light green top. Soon the fertile flowers are hidden under a mass of large, sterile, rounded petals. The panicles turn from greenish to creamy and even more plump. In August, they are touched by a delicate pink blush.

Snow-white brushes stay fresh for a long time in a vase. They can be dried for winter bouquets. This is not difficult: the inflorescences are hung by the petiole where it is gloomy, dry and drafty, for example, in the attic.

Looks good both in solo plantings and in groups. Gets along with most ornamental plants, deciduous and coniferous. Low perennials can be planted under the crown.

Like the true master of the Arctic, the Polar Bear hydrangea gravitates towards water. It is beautiful near a body of water - be it a pond, a fountain or any other source of life-giving moisture.

Paniculata hydrangea Polar Bear is a long-lived shrub. It will spend more than 50 years in your garden, so look for a place carefully. Basic landing rules:

• placed under protection from the wind, in a sunny or slightly shady area with rich soil;
• ensure an acidic soil reaction by adding peat and/or coniferous soil;
• think over the method of watering - hydrangeas are very greedy for water.

There should be a reserve of space around the stem with a radius of at least a meter. Very soon Hydrangea paniculata Polar Bear will turn from a seedling into a mature bush, and this variety does not like crowded spaces.

Landing

The shrub tolerates high groundwater levels - the roots lie shallow and almost horizontal. Hence one of the main rules for planting paniculate hydrangeas: the hole is prepared shallow, but spacious in diameter (usually it is equal to double the depth).

The process of planting seedlings with a lump does not present any difficulties. The only peculiarity: both the soil in the container and the hole are saturated with moisture to the maximum. The tree trunk circle is mulched, and the seedling is first secured with a peg. Having grown stronger, your “bear cub” will stand on its own and hold the entire mass of flowers, without needing support.

Care

If you bought Polar Beer hydrangea in our garden center, you don’t have to worry about fertilizing for at least two years: the earthen ball of the seedling is enriched with long-acting complexes. In addition, the soil and the plants themselves are completely free of pests and pathogens.

They are cut in the spring, shortening by 2 - 4 knots, to strong buds. Pruning has a beneficial effect on the size and number of inflorescences. When there are quite a lot of shoots, they begin to thin them out, leaving about a dozen of the strongest ones.

Are you looking for where to buy Polar Beer hydrangea seedlings? We have highly reliable planting material plus the absence of trade markups. Own nursery in the Moscow region, fast delivery throughout the region. Guaranteed survival.