Hydrangea macrophylla Ayesha

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Ayesha' is one of the rare hydrangeas whose flowers have petals shaped like a cup or spoon, much like those of lilacs. It is this characteristic that has earned it the nickname of lilac-flowered hydrangea. Depending on the acidity of the soil, its large inflorescences will display a lovely shade of light pink-lilac or soft lavender-blue. The pink flowers turn to old pink in autumn, while the blue ones turn to celadon green, which is absolutely stunning in the garden but also in bouquets. Blooming all summer, this large bush with a flexible habit sometimes reblooms in autumn in mild climates. It brings panache and originality to shady areas of the garden.

Introduced from Japan, 'Ayesha' is probably a spontaneous mutation of the 'Sir Joseph Banks' hydrangea. It is a hybrid obtained through cross-breeding of well-hardy species and varieties belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family, native to China and Japan. This vigorous bush with a flexible and rounded habit, quickly reaches 1.5 m to 2 m (4.9 ft to 6.6 ft) in all directions depending on the climate and growing conditions. Its flowering period extends from July to September. In this variety, the small wax-like flowers are gathered in generous inflorescences that are spherical and slightly flattened, measuring 20 cm to 30 cm (7.9 in to 11.8 in) in diameter. The 4 incurved sepals of the flowers, shaped like small cups, resemble those that make up lilac flowers. They will be of matte pink-mauve colour turning to old pink in neutral to slightly alkaline soil, but light blue evolving to green in acidic soil. They can be slightly fragrant.

It flowers on thick and semi-rigid one year old stems. The large, deciduous leaves are single, ovate, ending in a pointed tip, and strongly serrated. Their colour is a light and shiny green. Hydrangeas can live for at least 50 years.

'Ayesha' is a vigorous and very hardy variety, which will thrive in oceanic or warm climates. Plant this beautiful hydrangea in borders, as a flowering hedge, or against a north or west-facing wall. You can also grow it in a large container on a terrace. Its fresh or dried flowers can be used to create wonderful bouquets, for example with roses, lilies, paniculate gypsophila, or carnations. This easy-to-grow bush pairs perfectly with other hydrangeas or acidic soil plants such as wild camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas, ferns, monardas, and Rodgersia.