Hydrangea macrophylla Blueberry Cheesecake

Hydrangea macrophylla Blueberry Cheesecake is a compact variety that catches the eye from afar. This bush is particularly hardy and has a very long flowering period. Its large flat inflorescences are bi-colour, composed of semi-double sterile florets, which are lavender blue (or pink in neutral soil) with a pale-yellow centre, and fertile florets, which are tinted with lime green. Even when faded, the flowers retain all their charm. The flowers especially stand out against the foliage that ignites in autumn in shades of red. Capable of producing flowers on one-year-old wood, as well as on the current year's shoots, it will bloom from early summer until October. Superb as a specimen, in beds, or in pots.

Hydrangea macrophylla belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family, native to China and Japan. Blueberry Cheesecake is part of a series of varieties selected for their excellent ability to rebloom throughout the season, both on one-year-old branches and on the current year's branches. It is a small, fully hardy bush (down to -20°C (-4°F)), with a very rounded bushy habit, about as wide as it is tall, from 1 to 1.2m (3 to 4ft) in all directions. From June, and until October, the small flowers gathered in flat umbels form bi-colour bouquets, pink in neutral soil, or blue in acid soil or rich in aluminium sulphate, then fade into a texture that resembles paper. They renew themselves endlessly, until the foliage takes on its beautiful autumn colours. Note that these colours are even more spectacular when the bush has received direct sunlight. In summer, the flowering is accompanied by beautiful dark green foliage. The leaves are deciduous and opposite, reaching a minimum length of 10cm (4in). They are simple, ovate to elliptical, toothed, and end in a tapered point.

Hydrangeas are sturdy and faithful plants that live and bloom for many years in the garden. With excellent hardiness, these bushes are well known for brightening up the north side of houses. This variety will thrive in beds as well as hedges, but it really deserves a prime location, near a terrace or close to the home. Its compact habit allows it to be planted in a large pot, where it will thrive. Although these plants fear limestone, hydrangeas are not strictly acid-loving plants. Pair them with magellanica fuchsias, the curious climbing Fuchsia hatschbachii, or annual impatiens, or plant spring-flowering bulbs in front of their round silhouette. Enjoy their magnificent flowers for a long time, in the garden or in bouquets at home.

Note: The colour of the flowers of macrophylla hydrangeas varies depending on the pH of the soil. Traditionally blue varieties turn pink in neutral or alkaline soil. To maintain a beautiful blue colour, mix ericaceous soil into your garden soil and apply aluminium sulphate (slate contains it) or alum stone every spring.