Hydrangea macrophylla Beautensia Spike

Hydrangea macrophylla Beautensia 'Spike' is a bush with remarkable and long-lasting flowering. With a compact and rounded habit, it forms large, round, opulent inflorescences from June, composed of large florets that resemble butterflies. The colour of the flowers, in shades of pink to blue depending on the soil, fades to lovely shades of green. This variety blooms all summer and remains decorative until autumn. Like all hydrangeas, it prefers calcium-poor soils. It will find its place in a large pot on a terrace or balcony, as well as in partially shaded flower beds. Its flowers are absolutely stunning in bouquets.

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Spike' is a recent introduction from the Beautensia hydrangea series. It is compact, unique, hardy and easy to grow. It is a hybrid obtained through cross-breeding of well-hardy species and varieties belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family, native to China and Japan. This small bush has a rounded habit, supported by sturdy stems that effortlessly bear the weight of the flowers. Slightly narrower than tall, it will measure approximately 1.2m (4ft) in height and a similar width at maturity, slightly less in a pot, depending on growing conditions. Its flowering begins in June on old branches and continues until September on new shoots. The sterile florets measure approximately 4cm (2in) in diameter. They have serrated and undulate petals and are arranged on hemispherical inflorescences measuring 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) in diameter. As is often the case with hydrangeas, the colour of the flowers depends on the pH of the soil: they will be pink in neutral soil and blue in acidic soil. The flowering is set against elegant dark green foliage that turns yellow in autumn before falling. The leaves are opposite, reaching about 15cm (6in) in length. They are simple, ovate to elliptical, ending in a pointed tip, and strongly serrated. Hydrangeas can live for at least 50 years.

'Spike' has excellent hardiness, maintains a neat appearance in all circumstances, and offers a charming and unique flowering. Hydrangeas are well known for brightening the north side of houses. This one will thrive in an east or west exposure that is not too hot, in flower beds as well as in small hedges. This variety is suitable for growing in the ground or in containers, which can be placed on a terrace or near an entrance. This variety also adapts to indoor cultivation, provided it is overwintered in an unheated room. Although hydrangeas are sensitive to limestone, they are not strictly plants for acid soil. They thrive in all good non-calcareous garden soils. Combine them with magellanica fuchsias or annual impatiens, or plant spring-flowering bulbs and lilies in front of their round silhouette. Enjoy their sumptuous flowering for a long time in the garden or in the house.