Hydrangea macrophylla Nachtigall

The Hydrangea macrophylla Natchigall, with large flat flower heads, is undoubtedly one of the bluest. Its flowers can reach a purplish-violet shade in acidic soil, remaining dark pink and almost red in neutral ground. This medium-sized variety forms sturdy stems on a bush with a low habit, taking on beautiful colours in autumn. Its generous flowering lasts all summer. It is perfect for adding colour to the garden and making fresh or dry bouquets. To be grown in shaded beds, in fresh and non-limestone soil.

Hydrangea macrophylla Natchigall is one of the many hybrids obtained by cross-breeding the species H. macrophylla and H. aspera, among others. All these hardy plants belong to the Hydrangeaceae family, originating from China and Japan. This bush has a compact habit, as wide as it is tall, 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) in all directions, at the age of 10 years. From July to October, these small fertile and sterile flowers, with striking dimorphism, form flat flower heads of 15 to 20 cm (5.9 to 7.9 in) in diameter. They are formed of a central bouquet of tiny fertile florets, first green, then white, then bluing up to ultramarine, surrounded by a crown of large sterile florets where intense blue and violet mix. In aluminium-poor soil, it turns shades of pink to red, creating a beautiful effect. The flowers fade into a texture resembling paper, in faded tones that remarkably match the autumn foliage. The flowering is accompanied by medium green, deciduous leaves. The leaves are opposite; they reach a minimum of ten centimetres in length. They are single, ovate to elliptical, ending in a tapered point, saw-toothed. Hydrangeas can live for at least 50 years.

The Natchigall Hydrangea has good hardiness and is adorned with a unique and intense shade, remarkable for brightening up the north side of the house. It will be happy in an east or west exposure that is not burning, in beds and hedges. This variety is particularly suited to growing in the open ground, whether to create a backdrop in front of perennial beds, near the terrace or at the entrance of a property. All hydrangeas can be grown in large pots. Even though they are not fond of limestone, they are not strictly ericaceous plants. The colour of the flowers often depends on the soil, leading to beautiful colour battles. Pair them with fuchsia magellanica, annual impatiens, or plant spring-flowering bulbs in front of their round shape. Enjoy their sumptuous and long-lasting flowering in the garden or the house.

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