Hydrangea macrophylla Royalty Kardinal Violet

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Kardinal Violet' stands out for its vigour, its ability to produce lateral buds, its large flat flowers with intense colours, and the abundance of its flowering. This large bush offers superb flat inflorescences with purplish-violet tones if grown in acidic soil, taking on reddish hues in neutral soil. Hydrangeas are not strictly acid-loving plants. They grow very well in ordinary, moist but not chalky soil. It tolerates a slightly sunny location that will reveal the intensity of all its colours. It is easy to control through pruning, 

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Kardinal Violet' is a recent creation, resulting from the cross-breeding of H. macrophylla and H. serrata, among others. All these hardy plants belong to the Hydrangeaceae family, originating from China and Japan.

'Kardinal Violet' is part of a series of lace-cap cultivars selected for their flat cyme inflorescences. This hydrangea has a bushy and rounded habit, as wide as it is tall, reaching over 1.5m (5ft) in all directions. From July to October, it produces large inflorescences measuring 30 to 35cm (12 to 14in) in diameter at the end of its branches. They are slightly rounded and composed of small fertile and sterile flowers with striking dimorphism. The well-developed fertile florets are arranged on the periphery of a large "heart" where tiny fertile florets are tightly packed. The colour varies depending on the nature of the soil. This flowering appears on deciduous, bright green foliage. The leaves are opposite, reaching a minimum length of about 15cm (6in). They are simple, ovate to elliptical, ending in a pointed tip, and coarsely toothed like a saw. Hydrangeas can live for at least 50 years.

With its assertive personality and intensely coloured flowers, 'Kardinal Violet' is perfect for illuminated flower beds. Hydrangeas are well known for brightening the north side of houses. It will thrive in a non-burning east or west exposure, both in flower beds and hedges. This vigorous variety can be easily controlled through pruning, allowing it to also be planted in a large pot, which can be placed on a terrace or near an entrance. Pair it with magellanica fuchsias, Rodgersia, silver candles, ferns, and annual impatiens, or plant spring-flowering bulbs in front of its generous silhouette. Enjoy its magnificent flowering in the garden or indoors for a long time.

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