Contents
Description
Hydrangea Sikokiana is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family. It is native to Japan and its surrounding islands, where it can be found growing in mountainous regions. This plant is known for its large and showy flower heads, which can be blue or pink depending on the soil acidity. The leaves of Hydrangea Sikokiana are dark green and have a serrated edge. This plant is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Hydrangeaceae |
| Genus | Hydrangea |
Appearance
Hydrangea Sikokiana can grow up to 2 meters tall and wide. Its flower heads can reach up to 20cm in diameter and are composed of both sterile and fertile flowers. The sterile flowers are large and showy, while the fertile flowers are small and inconspicuous. The color of the flowers can be blue or pink depending on the soil acidity, with acidic soil producing blue flowers and alkaline soil producing pink flowers. The leaves of Hydrangea Sikokiana are dark green, ovate in shape, and have a serrated edge. They can grow up to 15cm long and 10cm wide. The bark of this plant is brown and has a flaky texture.
Care Guide
Hydrangea Sikokiana requires regular watering and fertilization to thrive. It prefers moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. This plant should be grown in partial shade to protect it from the hot afternoon sun. It is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Water
This plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Hydrangea Sikokiana should be fertilized in the spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer. This will provide the plant with the necessary nutrients to produce healthy growth and flowers.
Soil
This plant prefers moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It is important to avoid planting it in heavy clay soil, as this can lead to root rot.
Sunlight
Hydrangea Sikokiana should be grown in partial shade to protect it from the hot afternoon sun. It can tolerate some morning sun, but should be shaded during the hottest part of the day.
Hardiness Zones
This plant is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hydrangea Sikokiana is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:
Pests
- Aphids
- Spider mites
- Scale insects
Diseases
- Powdery mildew
- Leaf spot
- Root rot
Habitat
Hydrangea Sikokiana is native to Japan and its surrounding islands, where it can be found growing in mountainous regions. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Hydrangea Sikokiana tolerate full sun?
A: No, this plant should be grown in partial shade to protect it from the hot afternoon sun.
Q: What is the best time to fertilize Hydrangea Sikokiana?
A: This plant should be fertilized in the spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the ideal soil pH for blue flowers?
A: Acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 or lower will produce blue flowers.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Hydrangea Sikokiana?
A: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Related Plants
- Hydrangea macrophylla
- Hydrangea quercifolia
- Hydrangea paniculata
- Hydrangea arborescens
References
- “Hydrangea Sikokiana.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 9, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c336.
- “Hydrangea Sikokiana.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed September 9, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/207416/i-Hydrangea-sikokiana-i/Details.
- “Hydrangea Sikokiana.” Plant Care Today. Accessed September 9, 2021. https://plantcaretoday.com/hydrangea-sikokiana.html.
