Hydrangea macrophylla Princess Diana

Hydrangea macrophylla Princess Diana is a brand new hydrangea that stands out for its unique and long-lasting flowering. It has a compact and rounded habit, which forms numerous round and opulent inflorescences from June, composed of a multitude of double star-shaped flowers in a beautiful bright pink. The changing colour of the flowers, gradually shifting from deep pink to light pink, lime green and then bronze, is the main asset of this variety, which blooms for a long time and remains decorative until autumn. Like all hydrangeas, it prefers limestone-poor soils. It will suit planting in a large pot on a patio or balcony, as well as in semi-shaded flower beds. Its flowers are absolutely stunning in bouquets.

Princess Diana is a recent Japanese creation, introduced to the horticultural market in 2016 under the name 'Wow Time'. It is a hybrid obtained through the cross-breeding of well-hardy species and varieties belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family, and originating from China and Japan. This compact bush has a round habit, supported by very strong stems that easily bear the weight of the flowers. As wide as it is tall, it will measure approximately 1.2 m (3.9 ft) in all directions at maturity depending on the growing conditions. Its flowering starts at the end of June, on older branches, and continues on new shoots until September. In this Princess Diana variety, countless sterile flowers form a row of narrow petals surrounding a second row of shorter petals in the centre. They cluster on large pink inflorescences in dense balls, which change colour through the season and fade beautifully, turning bronze. The flowering is set against elegant green foliage, which turns yellow to purple in autumn before falling. The leaves are opposite, reaching about 15 cm (5.9 in) in length. They are simple, ovate to elliptical, end in a pointed tip, and are strongly dentate. Hydrangeas can live for at least 50 years.

Princess Diana has excellent hardiness, maintains a neat appearance in all circumstances, and offers an elegant and slightly whimsical flowering. Hydrangeas are well known for brightening up the north side of houses. This one will thrive in a non-burning east or west exposure, in flower beds as well as hedges. This variety is suitable for cultivation in the ground or in containers, which can be placed on a terrace or near the house. Although hydrangeas fear limestone, they are not strictly acid-loving plants; they thrive in all good non-limestone garden soils. Pair them with magellanica fuchsias, annual impatiens, or plant spring-flowering bulbs and lilies in front of their round silhouette. Enjoy their magnificent flowering for a long time in the garden or in the house.