Hydrangea macrophylla Masja

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Masja' produces a dazzling deep red flowering, which stands out well against its bright green leaves. This variety has a rather slow growth rate and forms a compact bush, about 1m (3ft) in all directions, equally suited to pot culture as to open ground. Very hardy, place it in a semi-shaded location, in neutral to acidic soil. It is easy to grow, requiring only annual pruning in spring and watering in summer to keep the soil moist. 

Hydrangea macrophylla is a deciduous bush, native to Japan, where its beauty has been appreciated for centuries and cited in poems dating back to the 8th century! Festivals are even dedicated to this bush. It is found in the wild on the island of Honshu (which houses the capital Tokyo), and it was introduced to Europe around 1789.

'Masja' is a relatively recent variety, dating from the 1980s, which was selected for its compact habit and its magnificent flowering. With a rather slow growth rate, it reaches about 1m (3ft) in height after 4 or 5 years, with a slightly greater width, forming a nice regular tuft. Its inflorescences appear in July and renew throughout summer. Its round, regular heads are made up of flowers with 4 fairly wide sepals, of a spectacular bright red colour. At the end of flowering, around September, or even October depending on the year, the flowers turn to purple-brown. The ovate leaves are a beautiful slightly shiny green, with rather marked serration. They yellow and then redden in autumn before falling. Like all hydrangea, it is not strictly an ericaceous soil plant. It prefers neutral to acidic soils, rich in humus. It is very hardy (-20°C (-4°F) or more. Severe frosts can damage the ends of the branches, but they easily regrow after pruning in the spring). Easy to grow, it can live a very long time. 

'Masja' is a very good variety for pot or container cultivation, on a balcony or terrace sheltered from the afternoon sun. Planted in the garden, it will pair very well with spring-flowering bushes. Choose compact plants to avoid the risk of stifling it. For spring, a Camellia japonica will be ideal. The small Magnolia 'Susan', with its fragrant purplish-pink flowers in April-May, will also be a good companion.