The beloved cottage-garden hydrangea with huge rounded flower heads whose colour shifts blue in acid soil and pink in alkaline. A shade-loving deciduous shrub spectacular through summer.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 1.5 m H × 1.5 m W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun and shade and low-light positions
- Water: consistently moist soil
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla is a moderate-growing shrub in the Hydrangeaceae family. It reaches around 1.5 m tall and 1.5 m wide at maturity, with deciduous foliage. Blue, pink, white and purple flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Hydrangea
Hydrangea suits cool-temperate and warm-temperate climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun and shade and low-light positions. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Hydrangea does best in loamy and acidic soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Hydrangea is consistently moist soil. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Hydrangea after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is moderate maintenance.
Using Hydrangea in the garden
Hydrangea earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, pots and courtyard containers and cut flowers for the vase. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Hydrangea with other plants that enjoy the same consistently moist soil and cool-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Good to know
Note that it is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it away from pets that chew. All parts can be toxic if eaten, so keep it away from small children.
Buying Hydrangea
Plant Sale lists Hydrangea as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.