Overview of Hydrangea arborescens L. var. discolor Ser. ex DC.
Hydrangea arborescens L. var. discolor Ser. ex DC. is a deciduous shrub of the family Hydrangeaceae that is native to eastern North America. It is commonly known as smooth hydrangea, wild hydrangea, or sevenbark due to its smooth, light gray bark that peels in layers.
Appearance
The Hydrangea arborescens L. var. discolor Ser. ex DC. shrub grows up to 3 meters in height and equally as wide. It has large, serrated, oval-shaped leaves that are dark green and have prominent veining. The plant produces showy, flat-topped clusters of flowers that can range from creamy white to pale pink, depending on the soil's acidity. The flowers are composed of both sterile and fertile flowers, with the sterile flowers surrounding the fertile flowers.
Uses of Hydrangea arborescens L. var. discolor Ser. ex DC.
The smooth hydrangea has a variety of uses, including landscaping, erosion control, and medicinal purposes. It is frequently used as a garden shrub for its attractive foliage and showy flowers. Due to its ability to tolerate moist and partially shaded areas, it is also a popular choice for erosion control on banks and slopes. The bark and roots of the smooth hydrangea have been used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and inflammation.
Conclusion
Hydrangea arborescens L. var. discolor Ser. ex DC. is a versatile and attractive shrub that is widely used in landscaping and erosion control. Its bark and roots have also been used for medicinal purposes. With its showy flowers and attractive foliage, this plant is a favorite among gardeners and landscapers alike.
Light Requirements
Hydrangea arborescens L. var. discolor Ser. ex DC. thrives in partial sun to partial shade. It can tolerate full sun if the soil remains consistently moist, but excessive heat and sun can cause wilting and leaf damage.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Hydrangea arborescens L. var. discolor Ser. ex DC. is 60-70°F (15-21°C). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) and as high as 90°F (32°C), but extreme temperatures can result in decreased growth and flowering.
Soil Requirements
This plant prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0-6.5. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil. It also requires consistent moisture, but not waterlogged conditions. Organic matter such as compost or aged manure can be added to the soil to enhance its fertility.
Cultivation methods
The Hydrangea arborescens L. var. discolor Ser. ex DC. plant is easy to cultivate and is suitable for growing in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9. It prefers well-drained soils but can grow well in soils that are rich in organic matter. The best time to plant hydrangeas is in early spring or fall when the soil is warm.
Plant the Hydrangea arborescens L. var. discolor Ser. ex DC. plant in a location with partial shade or full sun. Ensure that the soil is loose and moist before planting. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant's root ball and place the plant in the hole. Cover the area around the plant with mulch to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.
Watering needs
The Hydrangea arborescens L. var. discolor Ser. ex DC. plant needs frequent watering during its growing season, especially during dry periods. Water the plant deeply once a week, ensuring that the water reaches the roots. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, which can cause root rot. Deep watering encourages the growth of a healthy root system, leading to a healthy plant.
Fertilization
The Hydrangea arborescens L. var. discolor Ser. ex DC. plant benefits from regular fertilizing. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 16-16-16 during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer to the soil around the plant, following the manufacturer's instructions. Over-fertilizing can cause foliage burn and reduce flower production.
Pruning
The Hydrangea arborescens L. var. discolor Ser. ex DC. plant requires pruning after flowering to control its size and shape. Prune the plant during late winter or early spring by removing any dead or damaged wood. Cut back one-third of the plant's growth to encourage new growth and promote bushier growth. Moderate pruning can increase the size and number of flowers produced.
It is essential to clean the pruning equipment adequately before use to prevent the spread of disease. Use a sharp and clean pair of pruning shears to make the cuts, ensuring a clean cut without crushing or damaging the stem.
Propagation of Hydrangea arborescens L. var. discolor Ser. ex DC.
Hydrangea arborescens L. var. discolor Ser. ex DC., commonly known as wild hydrangea, is a deciduous shrub endemic to the eastern United States. Propagation of this plant can be accomplished through different methods, which include:
Softwood cuttings
Softwood cuttings are taken in the early summer, when the plant is actively growing and the stems are still green and pliable. Cuttings should be at least 4 inches long, with a few leaves at the top, and should be taken from the tip of the stem. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Cover with a plastic bag or a propagation dome to maintain humidity and keep in a shaded area. Roots should develop within a few weeks.
Hardwood cuttings
Hardwood cuttings are taken in the late fall or early winter, when the plant has gone dormant. Select a well-matured stem and cut it into pieces that are around 6 inches long and have several buds. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Cover with a plastic bag or a propagation dome to maintain humidity and keep in a shaded area. Roots should develop by the following spring.
Division
Hydrangea arborescens can also be propagated by division. This should be done in the early spring, just as new growth is emerging. Dig up the plant and separate the root ball into smaller sections, each with a few stems and roots. Replant the smaller sections in a well-draining soil and water thoroughly.
Air layering
Air layering is a propagation method that involves making a wound on the stem, applying rooting hormone, and wrapping the wounded area in moist sphagnum moss, which is then covered with plastic. Roots should develop in the moss, and the rooted stem can be cut off and planted in a pot or directly in the ground.
Propagation of Hydrangea arborescens may take time and effort, but it is a rewarding process that results in new plants that can be added to your garden or shared with friends and family.
Disease Management
Hydrangea arborescens L. var. discolor Ser. ex DC. is prone to various diseases that can affect its growth and development. Below are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
Leaf spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular dark spots on the leaves of hydrangea plants. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and destroy them. Avoid overhead watering which can help prevent the spread of the disease. Apply a fungicide at the first sign of leaf spot to prevent it from spreading.
Botrytis blight
Botrytis blight is another fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves of hydrangea plants. It can also cause the flowers to wilt and turn brown. To manage this disease, remove the infected plant parts and destroy them. Avoid overhead watering and improve air circulation to prevent the spread of the disease. Apply a fungicide at the first sign of botrytis blight to prevent it from spreading.
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as white powdery spots on the leaves of hydrangea plants. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and destroy them. Avoid overhead watering and improve air circulation to prevent the spread of the disease. Apply a fungicide at the first sign of powdery mildew to prevent it from spreading.
Pest Management
Hydrangea arborescens L. var. discolor Ser. ex DC. is also prone to various pests that can damage the plant. Below are some common pests and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from hydrangea plants. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong blast of water to knock them off the plant. Alternatively, apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause stippling on the leaves of hydrangea plants. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong blast of water to knock them off the plant. Alternatively, apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
Japanese beetles
Japanese beetles are a common pest that can defoliate hydrangea plants. To manage Japanese beetles, handpick them off the plant and destroy them. Alternatively, apply a natural insecticide such as pyrethrum or neem oil to control their population.
