Origin of Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock
Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock, commonly known as the wild hydrangea or smooth hydrangea, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the family Hydrangeaceae. The plant is native to eastern North America and can be found in the United States from New York to Florida and west to Iowa and Louisiana.
Common Names of Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock
Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock is commonly known by various names, including the wild hydrangea, smooth hydrangea, sevenbark, and wild sevenbark. The plant gets its common names due to the smooth bark that peels in multiple layers, exposing new bark below, resembling the appearance of a seven-layered bark.
Uses of Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock
Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock has significant therapeutic values, and its roots, stems, and leaves are used for medicinal purposes. Native American tribes used the plant to treat various health issues such as bladder infections, kidney stones, and to induce sweating in patients recovering from fevers. The root bark of the plant was used to make a sedative tea. In modern times, the plant is used in the production of dietary supplements, mainly for treating urinary tract issues and boosting the immune system.
General Appearance of Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock
Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock is a deciduous shrub that can reach a height of three to four feet with a spread of up to six feet. The plant typically grows in moist, shady areas and prefers well-drained soil. The leaves of the plant are of a vibrant green color, with a serrated edge, and are ovate in shape. The plant blooms between May and July, producing white or cream-colored round flower clusters that can be up to six inches in diameter. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and attract bees and butterflies, making it a popular ornamental plant.
Light Requirements
The Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock thrives in an area with partial shade to full sun exposure. When grown in full sun, the plant requires consistent moisture to prevent wilting. However, when grown in partial shade, the plant requires less water, making it an ideal plant for drought-prone areas.
Temperature Requirements
The plant adapts well to a wide range of temperatures, making it ideal for growth in USDA plant hardiness zones 3-9. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 60-70°F (15.5-21°C). However, the plant can tolerate temperatures down to -30°F (-34°C) and up to 90°F (32°C) with proper care.
Soil Requirements
The Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock grows best in a well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. It prefers rich and moist soil, but it can also grow in poor soil conditions. The plant does not tolerate wet feet, so it is essential to ensure proper drainage. Adding organic matter to the soil can help retain moisture without causing waterlogging.
Cultivation Method for Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock
Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family. It can grow up to eight feet in height, and has a spread of four to six feet. To cultivate this plant, it is best to plant it in well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal location would be a spot that gets full to partial shade, avoiding direct afternoon sunlight. This plant can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9.
Watering Needs for Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock
When it comes to watering, Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock prefers moist but well-drained soil. It is best to water this plant regularly especially during dry seasons and avoid getting water on the leaves. This plant is sensitive to drought, so it is important to ensure that the soil is always moist.
Fertilization for Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock
Fertilizer is beneficial to the growth of Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock. A balanced slow-release fertilizer is recommended, and it should be applied in the late winter or early spring, just before new growth starts. Use a rate of 3 to 4 pounds of fertilizer per 100 square feet of soil area. It is also advisable to apply fertilizer after pruning to boost the growth of new shoots.
Pruning Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock
Pruning is necessary for the proper growth and maintenance of Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth starts. This plant blooms on new wood, so it is best to cut back old stems to about 12 inches from the ground level. If you want to prune to maintain the shape of the plant, it is advisable to do so after it has finished blooming. Deadheading faded flowers can also help to increase the plant's blooming period.
Propagation of Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock
Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock can be propagated using various methods such as seed propagation, softwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings, layering, and division.
Seed propagation
Propagation of Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock using seeds is possible, but it is not the most preferred method as it is usually unreliable and can take a longer time for the plants to mature. If you choose to use this method, sow the seeds in autumn or early spring and cover them lightly in soil. Keep the soil moist and warm, and the seeds should germinate in a few weeks. Once grown, transplant seedlings into larger pots or plant them outside in a well-prepared bed.
Softwood cuttings
Softwood cuttings are an excellent way to propagate Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock. Take cuttings that are four to six inches long from new growth in the spring or early summer before the wood hardens. Remove all the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, and dip the end in rooting hormone powder. Then, plant the cutting in well-draining soil in a pot or in the ground, and keep it moist and protected under a clear plastic bag until it becomes established and begins to show new growth.
Hardwood cuttings
Hardwood cuttings can be taken once the Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock plant goes dormant in late fall or winter. Take a cutting that is 10-12 inches long from hardwood growth of the current year. Keep only the top leaves and make a clean cut at the bottom. Then, dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a well-draining soil. Water the cutting thoroughly, and keep it in a shaded area until it shows new growth.
Layering
Layering is another potentially successful propagation method for Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock. Choose a softwood branch and bend it down towards the ground. Scar the bark on the underside of the branch, cover it with soil, and pin it down in place. New roots should develop after several months. Once rooted, cut the branch from the main plant and plant it in its desired location.
Division
Division involves digging up the Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock plant and dividing it into sections with a sharp knife or shovel. Ensure that each section has its own roots and replant it in individual pots or a well-prepared bed. This method is best done in the spring or early fall when the plant is dormant.
Disease Management
Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock can be affected by a variety of diseases, including:
- Cercospora leaf spot: This disease is characterized by tan to grayish spots on the leaves, which can merge and cause leaf drop. It can be managed by pruning infected leaves and improving air circulation around the plant.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can be managed by removing infected plant parts and reducing humidity around the plant.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves and can lead to defoliation. It can be managed by pruning infected areas and avoiding overhead watering, which can spread the disease.
- Phytophthora root rot: This soil-borne disease can cause wilting, stunting, and root rot in Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock. It can be managed by improving soil drainage and avoiding overwatering.
Pest Management
Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock can also be affected by a range of pests, including:
- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing wilting and yellowing. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a solution of water and insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing and webbing. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water and introducing predatory mites or other natural enemies.
- Japanese beetles: These pests feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant, causing skeletonization and defoliation. They can be managed by handpicking the beetles or using pheromone traps to lure them away from the plant.
- Scale insects: These small pests attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant, sucking the sap and causing wilting and yellowing. They can be managed by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regular monitoring of the plant for signs of disease or pest infestations and prompt management can help to keep Hydrangea arborescens L. ssp. radiata (Walt.) McClintock healthy and thriving.
