Hydrangea petiolaris Firefly - Firefly hydrangea has upright and climbing growth habit with unique and stable yellow and green variegated leaves.
Hydrangea petiolaris Firefly also called as Firefly hydrangea, is a cultivar in the genus Hydrangea. This cultivar was discovered by Daniel B. Benarcik, Jr. in a controlled environment in Wilmington, Del., in 1992.
DESCRIPTION OF HYDRANGEA PETIOLARIS FIREFLY - FIREFLY HYDRANGEA
Hydrangea petiolaris Firefly is a spontaneous mutation of a unidentified solid green-leaf Hydrangea petiolaris. Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar by terminal cuttings taken at Wilmington, Del., has shown that the unique features of this new Hydrangea are stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations of asexual reproduction.
It is a vigorous woody climbing vine plant with upright, climbing plant form with thick, fleshy and well-branched roots. Removal of terminal apex will enhance branching. The leaves are generally symmetrical abundant, opposite, and flat in aspect, about 7 cm long by 5.5 cm wide, ovate, acuminate apex, obtuse base, serrate mnargin, yellow-green and green variegated.
Firefly hydrangea blooms in in mid-summer. The flowers are arranged in corymbs with about 10 to 15 white sterile outer flowers and numerous small off-white fertile flowers. The fruit is a dry urn-shaped capsule containing several small winged seeds.
HYDRANGEA PETIOLARIS FIREFLY - FIREFLY HYDRANGEA CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Hydrangea petiolaris Firefly love the warm morning sun, but they dislike the heat of the afternoon. The best place for the plant is in a sheltered location with sunny mornings and shady afternoons. Avoid planting directly underneath trees, which can lead to competition for water and nutrients. High winds can rip and damage leaves and destroy the flowers. Although they can be successfully grown in full shade, they will not bloom well.
Temperature:
Firefly hydrangea prefers a cool location, from 18° to 24°C. The plant may suffer from considerable branch dieback during the cold months and will benefit from winter protection. Winter protection can be provided by constructing a wire framework around the plant and filling the space with shredded leaves to a depth of approximately 10-12” for insulation. Cold winters and late spring frosts can often kill flower buds, preventing plants from blooming in the spring. When unexpected cold weather is predicted in late spring or early summer after winter protection has been removed, it may be necessary to cover tender plant with cloth, burlap, or heavy paper to protect flower buds. Plastic should never be used as winter protection because it may damage tender plant tissue.
Substrate, growing media:
Hydrangea petiolaris Firefly is grown either on masonry walls or on sturdy trellises or fences. They are best planted in well-drained, moist soil, preferably a fertile sandy or silt loam with greater than 1% organic matter. The plant can also grow in clay soils with proper water management. When grown in container, the plant needs a well-drained substrate with sphagnum peat moss to increase substrate water holding capacity, and perlite or pumice to maintain adequate air space.
Humidity and Watering:
Firefly hydrangea prefers consistent moisture but dislike wet feet. The plant should be watered thoroughly at least 3 times a week. Always water the plant all the way around the container, not just in one place. Water should come out the bottom of the pot. Never let it sit in water which will cause the roots to rot away. Mulch to help conserve moisture and cool the root system. A two- to three-inch layer of mulch will help to conserve moisture.
Fertilizer:
Fertilizing is generally not recommended unless a nutrient deficiency is observed. The plants may need little fertilizer in rich soil with organic matter applied yearly. Avoid using too much nitrogen, too much nitrogen can produce excessive green growth at the expense of flowers. If you do fertilize, do a little research to find out exactly what your plant might need, and always apply as directed and read and follow all label directions.
Pruning:
Minimal pruning is required. Deadheading can be done right after flowering to save energy and for aesthetics by cutting the inflorescences off above the first leaf. Branches that extend out far from the climbing surface may also be pruned back in summer after flowering to prevent the plants from being pulled from their structures by heavy winds, ice or snow.
Propagation:
Hydrangea petiolaris Firefly is mainly propagated by softwood cuttings. The cutting should be taken from non-flowering green woody stems and cut at the base. Each cutting should have at least one leaf node or terminal bud. It is important not to damage the buds while obtaining the cuttings. Dip your cutting into your rooting hormone, then place into the sterile media that should consist of one part peat and one part medium to fine grade perlite, vermiculite, or sand. Spray the plant until wet but dont over water it. Watering is important for the first week, three times a day is recommended for the first week when top soil feels dry. Dont place the plant in direct sunlight or wind. After a few weeks you should see growth from your cuttings.
Pests and diseases:
Firefly hydrangea are almost trouble-free. However, certain pests and diseases can attack. The most common time for them to do so is in the summer months. They most commonly suffer from powdery mildew, aphids, spider mites, yellow leaves and leaf spots. All of these are common to spot and treat, providing you catch the disease or pest early.
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