Hydrangea macrophylla Magical Harmony

Like all the varieties of the wonderful 'Magical' series, Hydrangea macrophylla Magical Harmony 'Hortmahar', bears colour-changing flowers, which evolve from spring to autumn, and remain ornamental for over 5 months. Its regular pompoms bloom in a green shade, then they develop blue or pink tints depending on the nature of the soil. In acidic soil or rich in aluminium sulphate, its flowers evolve from water-green to light blue to end in a deep blue tone. In neutral soil, its pompoms are a brighter green, turning to an almost uniform light pink marginated with green, before fading into more marked shades of pink and green. It is perfect for making fresh or dry bouquets. Its compact and round habit is well suited to growing in large containers or in shaded beds, in non-limestone soil. Very hardy.

Hydrangea macrophylla belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family, it is native to China and Japan. Magical Harmony is part of a series of varieties named 'Magical Four Seasons', selected for their flowers changing colours over the season. It is a hardy bush with a compact habit, slightly wider than tall, 1m (3ft) tall and 1.2m (4ft) wide. Depending on growing conditions, it can reach 1.2m (4ft) in height in 10 years. In June, the small flowers form dense bouquets in perfect green globes. These delightful inflorescences are the scene of a waltz of colours, in which blue or pink dominate, depending on the pH of the soil. The colours are remarkable at the end of flowering, regardless of the soil, even in a sunny exposure. At this time, the flowers fade in a texture resembling paper. The flowering is accompanied by dark green, deciduous foliage, which falls in autumn. The leaves are opposite, reaching 10cm (4in) in length. They are single, ovate to elliptical, ending in a pointed tip, dentate around the edge, and strongly veined. 

Hydrangeas are well known for brightening the north side of houses. The 'Magical' series plants require no particular maintenance, offer impeccable behaviour, and resist sun, rain, and frost. This one will enjoy being in beds as well as hedges. This compact variety is particularly suited to container culture on a terrace or near a doorway. Even though hydrangeas fear limestone, they are not strictly speaking ericaceous plants. They accommodate any soil devoid of active limestone. Combine them with fuchsia magellanica or annual impatiens, or plant lilies and spring-flowering bulbs in front of their rounded silhouette. Enjoy their beautiful flowers for a long time, in the garden or at home in bouquets.

Note: The colour of the flowers of Hydrangea macrophylla varies according to the pH of the soil. Traditionally blue varieties turn pink in neutral or alkaline soil. To preserve a beautiful blue colour, mix ericaceous soil with your garden soil. Add aluminium sulphate (slate contains it) or alum stone every year in spring.