Hydrangea macrophylla Dolce Fragola

Hydrangea macrophylla Dolce Fragola, also called Hydrangea macrophylla Dolce Fragola ('Dolfrag'), is part of a new series of hydrangeas called Dolce®, selected for their compact habit, floribundity, and the aesthetics of their large sterile florets. It is well-branched with a rounded habit, which forms beautiful flat inflorescences from June. The inflorescences are composed of large flowers ranging from a bright and intense "strawberry sorbet" pink to almost red. They continue to bloom until August, on foliage of a beautiful intense green that will take on flamboyant hues in autumn. Like all hydrangeas, it prefers rich soils that are poor in limestone. It will find its place in a large pot on a terrace or balcony, as well as in partly shaded flower beds.

Hydrangea macrophylla Dolce Fragola ('Dolfrag') is a recent French creation by Marie-France Doll. It is a hybrid obtained by cross-breeding between well-hardy species and varieties belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family, native to China and Japan. This stout shrub has a nice rounded habit, as wide as it is tall, reaching about 1 m (3.3 ft) in all directions when fully mature. From June to August, its very large sterile flowers with 4 overlapping petals form almost flat inflorescences, in a deep pink colour, which ripens beautifully into reddish tones. They are carried by one-year-old or older strong stems. Flowering occurs on green deciduous foliage, which is rather rounded. In autumn, the foliage turns yellow, orange and red before falling. The leaves are opposite, reaching about 10 cm (3.9 in) in length. They are simple, ovate, ending in a pointed tip, and strongly toothed like a saw. Hydrangeas can live for at least 50 years.

The generous and easy-to-grow Dolce Fragola Hydrangea has excellent hardiness and a cheerful flowering. Hydrangeas are well-known for brightening the north side of houses. This one will thrive in a non-burning east or west exposure, in flower beds as well as in hedges. This variety is suitable for growing in the ground or in containers, which can be placed on a terrace or near an entrance. Although these plants dislike limestone, hydrangeas are not strictly ericaceous plants, and they thrive very well in any deep and loose garden soil with a neutral tendency. Pair them with Magellan fuchsias, lilies, or plant spring-flowering bulbs in front of their round silhouette. Enjoy their splendid flowering in the garden or indoors for a long time.

Note: The colour of Hydrangea macrophylla flowers varies depending on the soil pH. Traditionally blue varieties turn pink in neutral or alkaline soil.