Hydrangea macrophylla Amethyst

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Amethyst' is an old English variety of hydrangea that is small in size, compact, with strong stems, and its large pastel flowers express all the charm of the Belle Époque era. Its inflorescences, filled with single to double florets, remain decorative until winter and are superb in fresh or dried bouquets. Their colour varies depending on the nature of the soil and fades beautifully: baby pink in non-calcareous garden soil, they will be light blue if the soil is acidic or if the bush benefits from a bluing treatment. Like all hydrangeas, it prefers moist, humus-bearing soils. It will make a big impact in a pot, on the terrace, or in partially shaded flower beds.

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Amethyst' is a horticultural creation by Haworth-Booth dating back to 1938. It is a hybrid obtained through the cross-breeding of hardy species and varieties belonging to the hydrangea family, native to China and Japan. This modest-sized bush has a dense and rounded habit, as wide as it is tall, reaching approximately 1m in all directions at maturity. It blooms in the second half of summer, starting from July. Its rounded, slightly flattened inflorescences, measure 14 to 19 cm in diameter. They are composed of single to double sterile florets with serrated petals. They quickly colour pink in neutral soil, mauve in slightly acidic soil, or blue in very acidic soil or soil rich in aluminium sulfate. In the end, the flowers will be green, speckled with pink or violet, depending on the soil.  They are borne by very strong stems, one-year-old or older. The flowering is set against a beautiful light green, veined foliage that turns yellow in autumn before falling. The leaves are opposite, reaching about ten cm in length. They are simple, ovate to elliptical, ending in a tapered point, strongly toothed. Hydrangeas can live for at least 50 years.

The 'Amethyst' Hydrangea is a lovely variety to flower a shaded terrace, the corner of a porch, or a perennial flower bed sheltered from scorching sun. The macrophylla hydrangeas are well known for brightening the north side of houses. This one will thrive in a non-scorching east or west exposure, in partial shade. Although hydrangeas dislike limestone, they are not strictly speaking plants for ericaceous soil. Pair them with woody fuchsias, annual Impatiens, plant lilies and double tulips in front of their round silhouette. Enjoy their sumptuous flowering in the garden or in the house for a long time.