Hydrangea Macrophylla

Hydrangea macrophylla is a classic in shade gardens. Originating from Japan, it grows near the coasts, in mild and temperate zones.  Depending on the varieties, the flowers are either in double or single umbels, either in ball shape, made up of sterile flowers or in flat lacecap form, consisting of fertile flowers in the centre and sterile flowers on the periphery. New colours are emerging every year: carmine red, candy pink, mauve, white, green or violet. The deciduous foliage of Hydrangea macrophylla, characterised by its size and oval shape, is apple green and sometimes variegated with white or cream, as in the variety 'Tricolor'. Hydrangea macrophylla blooms on the previous year's wood, is easy to maintain, it requires little to no pruning: it just needs faded inflorescences to be pruned at the end of winter. Acidic soil alone does not always guarantee this famous blue colour, it is also the presence of Aluminum sulfate in the soil that will turn Hydrangea macrophylla blue. Naturally present in slate, it can also be purchased in powder form as Alum.  A small handful of this powder at the base is enough to maintain this blue colour.