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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Hydrangea prefers consistently moist soil. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth. For the first year, favour occasional deep watering over frequent shallow drinks so roots move into the surrounding soil.
Pruning & care
Prune Hydrangea after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Its ongoing care level 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
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same consistently moist soil and cool-temperate climate as Hydrangea. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate.
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. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
