An exquisite hydrangea variety called Magical Fire is ideal for decorating a garden. This shrub differs from similar species of flowers. They in the middle of flowering acquire a purple-pink hue. A flat and circle-like crown shape is perfectly visible from afar. Translated from English, this variety is called "Magic Fire." Hydrangea received this name because of the peculiarity of changing the color of the flowers. At the stage of bud opening, they are light pink, then they turn scarlet and by the end of the season they turn red and sometimes even maroon. Watching this flowering process, you can compare it with a flaming flame.

Description and origin of the variety

Magic Fire under normal conditions of care and landing grows to a height of 2 m. The first inflorescences bloom in the month of July. With proper courtship, this process can last until late autumn. Although hydrangea prefers sunny areas, it needs shade during the summer day. The botanical description indicates that the plant can withstand a significant drop in temperature in the winter. But without artificial shelter, she will not be able to successfully survive too cold days.

In the description of the Magic Fire variety, information is given that he gets along well with other cultures. The stems of the plant are strong and dense. They do not bend under the significant weight of the inflorescences. Their length can reach 20 cm. It was this feature that created hydrangea good fame among flower growers.

Important! Soil should not be alkaline. Otherwise, the plant may die.

The inflorescence consists of many small sized flowers. Their color changes throughout the flowering. Light pink flowers initially appear. In mid-summer, they become a rich light red hue. And in the fall they get a bright red, and sometimes even a purple hue. Until the first buds appear, the plant is covered with dark green leaves. The main feature of this variety is that hydrangea grows very quickly.

Use in landscape design

Variety Magic Fire looks great in almost any style of landscape design. Today's popular summer landscape of the Mediterranean garden will be an ideal option for planting this hydrangea. The main feature of this design is a diverse and rich palette of flowers, which consists of different plants. In such a place, the bush is perfect for decorating the entrance or resting place.

Great for hydrangea planting and oriental style.. A feature of this design is the creation of a complex composition of different colors. In the center of it you can plant a variety of Magic Fire.One of the most popular styles that came to us from the USA is country. The landscape of the countryside is impossible to imagine without an artificial reservoir. And it is on its shores that hydrangea can be planted.

No less popular Russian design involves the organization of an extensive flowerbed or front garden. At the same time, a fairly large variety of plants can be placed on the site. There is a place in this composition and the variety of Magic Fire. The shrub looks spectacular and adorns special architectural styles, so it can be planted near residential or utility rooms.

Landing

Hydrangea cultivation from seeds obtained in the previous season or acquired begins in the month of February. Before using them, a thorough inspection of the surface is carried out. It must be solid. It should be free from various mechanical damage - chips, scratches, cracks.

In order for their landing to succeed, the following rules should be followed:

1. Before planting in a container, the seeds must be germinated in advance. To do this, take two cotton swabs of different thicknesses. Seeds are placed on a thicker piece. Then it is abundantly moistened with water. A second swab covers the seed. It is also sprayed with room temperature water from a spray bottle. For several days, it is necessary to constantly irrigate the cotton wool. After 5-7 days, the first white shoots will appear. At this point, they must be separated from the shelter and prepared for landing in the ground.
2. Hydrangea seeds are grown in large wooden containers. They are filled with ordinary forest land harvested in the fall. It is believed that foliage, moss and needles, which is part of it, will create humus. It will serve as an organic fertilizer for future seedlings.
3. Planting seeds is carried out using a small round stick. With its help create grooves. They should be no more than 5 mm. They are neatly stacked one at a time already sprouted grain at a distance of 7-10 mm. A layer of soil is poured on top in such a way as to level the surface. The earth is slightly moistened with water from a spray bottle. The container is covered with a plastic lid or plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect. The temperature in the room during this period should be in the range from + 18 ° С to + 21 ° С.
4. Before the final planting in open ground, seedlings are transplanted into smaller containers. When at least three leaves are formed on it, it is transferred to open soil. Usually this process is carried out on a warm autumn day, when the earth finally warms up in the sun.

One of the main recommendations is the need for a gradual change of climate, so from time to time the container is taken out to the balcony. Here, in the first few days, it costs about 3 hours, and then left for the whole day.

Seat selection

Panicled hydrangea can successfully grow both in sunny areas and in partial shade. For example, for the southern regions, sites are suitable that are lit by the sun for no more than 5 hours during the day, and then remain in the shade. In the northern regions, on the contrary, it is necessary to choose exclusively sunny places. Penumbra and shadow can adversely affect the flowering process.

Peat must be present in the soil. The surface must always remain moist. If the earth is very dry, then the plant will cease to develop. Otherwise, hydrangeas will begin to rot.

Important! This variety of hydrangea has a branched structure of the root system, so it can not be planted near tuber crops, which are excavated annually at the end of the season.

In the selected area, weeds should be completely absent. A pit is created in the ground, the depth of which is 35–40 cm. Its diameter depends on the size of the root system of the seedling and should exceed its indicator by 2 times. When planting several bushes, the distance between them should be at least 1.5 m. A drainage layer is created in each hole. You should also add a small amount of organic fertilizer - humus. A thin layer of chalk is poured along the edges of the recess.

Landing rules

In order for a plant in a selected place not only to grow well, but also to bloom magnificently, a number of rules should be adhered to, namely:

1. Before removing the flower from the container, it is plentifully filled with water. This will soften the earth, which, in turn, will provide easy and painless pulling of the root system for the plant. If it is stuck, then the pot should be turned over and shaken lightly.
2. When the roots are extracted with an earthen lump, they are placed in the center of a previously prepared landing pit. Then they are sprinkled with a substrate, and the surface is tamped.
3. After watering, moistened soil loosens a little. This will provide airflow to the roots.

Hydrangea Care

The grade Magic Fire requires constant attention of the gardener, therefore it is very important to follow the recommended rules of care. Only in this case, the plant will give its owner fragrant and large inflorescences.

Watering

Hydrangea is a moisture-loving plant. Watering on a personal plot should be carried out systematically and constantly. Rainy days are considered an exception, when the soil under the bush constantly remains moist. If the summer turned out to be too hot, then irrigation of not only the land, but also the crowns is carried out. The same procedure will be needed at the time of bud formation.

So that the plant does not get too hard water, it is defended before use for up to 2 days. Watering is carried out only in the evening or in the morning. If you implement it on a sunny sultry day, the leaves of the plant can get burns.

Fertilizer

The Hydrangea variety Magic Fire responds well to the application of both organic and mineral fertilizers. So that the plant receives the maximum of nutrients and delights the gardener with lush flowers, top dressing is carried out at least 3-4 times a season. It is also worth remembering the artificial acidification of the soil.

The whole procedure comes down to following some basic rules, namely:

1. When spring comes, a small amount of organic fertilizer must be added to the ground. They will help form a magnificent crown. In this case, humus or manure will not help hydrangeas form buds.
2. When the first inflorescences begin to appear, mineral fertilizers are introduced into the soil. Usually this is any composition based on potassium and / or phosphorus. Thanks to such top dressing, the flowering period is significantly increased, and the flowers become larger.
3. At the end of August, the time comes for fertilizing with substances that will help the plant to winter. These are any complex nitrogen-based mineral fertilizers. Also allow the use of organics, such as peat.
4. At least once a month, potassium permanganate is added to water for irrigation. Using a spray gun, it is sprayed throughout the bush. This substance will help improve immunity to diseases and pests, as well as provide useful trace elements.
5. Artificially acidify the soil by applying peat, manure, garden sulfur or pine needles. You can also create a solution of water and 1 teaspoon of citric acid.

During flowering

During the period when hydrangea begins to bloom, she will need a little care. Firstly, it is necessary to constantly add (although 2 times a month) acidified water. Secondly, for the formation of large inflorescences phosphorus-based mineral fertilizer must be used.

During flowering, the plant gives most of its useful components to flowers. The root system practically does not develop, so it is important to ensure the flow of air. To do this, carry out shallow loosening of the soil. At the same time, any weeds that grow within a radius of 1 meter from the bush should be removed.

During rest

When hydrangea is resting after the season (gives seeds), prune it. All inflorescences are removed from her crown. In the same period, the earth should be enriched with nitrogen fertilizers, which will help to gain strength before wintering. It is recommended to create a layer of mulch from spruce branches or peat, which will help protect the roots of plants on cold days.

Did you know? If the soil is acidified only on one side of the bush, then flowers of a more saturated shade will appear on it. It seems that one plant blooms differently.

Pruning

The first pruning stage begins after the hydrangea has stopped flowering.. All dried inflorescences are removed. In the same period, pruning of damaged shoots is carried out. The bush is subjected to the same procedure in the spring. As soon as the first frosts come off, damaged and frozen branches are removed.

There are cases when the shoots themselves were restored after exposure to cold, therefore, in some areas of the country, gardeners carry out spring pruning a few weeks later. The main condition is the lack of juice in the shoots. As soon as it begins to circulate, it is better not to touch the plant. It is important to treat the cut points with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or vitriol in order to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.

When the bush reaches adulthood (at least 15 years), rejuvenation is performed. This process involves cutting off all the shoots. Small branches should remain, the height of which is 15–20 cm.

Winter preparations

The variety Magic Fire is considered winter hardy. However, young bushes must be covered for winter with agrofibre or spruce branches. In the southern regions, this procedure can be abandoned. Winters here are not so severe, and the plant only gets stronger thanks to moderate frosts. Before the onset of the first frosts, a small amount of nitrogen-based mineral fertilizers can be applied. This procedure will help get the root system additional nutrients.

Breeding methods

Hydrangea propagates in various ways. The first of these was described above. This is growing seedlings from seed. The fastest and easiest is the division of the mother bush. In this case, the plant is completely dug up, and then with the help of garden tools they are divided into two or three equal parts.

The most common method of propagation is cuttings. It involves trimming one or more branches for the purpose of subsequent rooting in separate containers with ground. You can use the technique of creating layering. In this case, a lateral shoot is selected and dug up with earth. After some time, roots will form on it. The branch is divided into equal parts, which are planted in open ground in the fall.

Diseases and Pests

Fungal infections are considered common diseases that affect hydrangea. They appear in the ground as a result of improper maintenance. Often they can be brought to the site along with peat or humus. If a gray or white coating is found on any part of the plant, fungicides should be used. The most popular in our country is considered “Fitosporin”, “Fundazol” and copper sulfate.

The most common pests are aphids and spider mites. Modern preparations “Actellik” or “Topaz” will help get rid of them. They belong to the group of insecticides.

Did you know? If you plant marigolds nearby, they will attract ladybugs. These insects themselves fight aphids.

The Magic Fire Hydrangea is a truly extraordinary plant. It not only changes the color of the flowers throughout the flowering period, but also pleases with a wonderful aroma. To grow it on a personal plot, you will need to make a lot of effort. But every minute of time spent pays off in full.