Hydrangea macrophylla Teller Blue

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Teller Blue' is a variety of hydrangea with relatively flat inflorescences, imaginatively nicknamed "Teller" by the Germans (which means "plate"). It is also known as "lace-cap". Its magnificent bright blue flowering appears for several weeks in summer. Of medium size, this beautiful and easy-to-grow bush will thrive in neutral to acidic soil and in semi-shaded areas, either as a standalone plant or in the heart of a mixed border. It can also be planted in a large container to decorate a terrace or a sun-sheltered entrance in the afternoon. 

Hydrangea macrophylla is a deciduous bush native to Japan, where its beauty has been appreciated for centuries and mentioned in poems dating back to the 8th century! In a country that attaches great importance to plants, festivals are even dedicated to this bush. Hydrangeas belong to the Hydrangeaceae family, which they gave their name to, and which includes other ornamental genera. Among Hydrangea macrophylla, there are varieties with round heads and those with flat heads.

'Teller Blue' is a variety that produces beautiful blue inflorescences in acidic soil, but mauve-pink in neutral to slightly alkaline soil, of medium size (15 cm to 18 cm (5.9 in to 7.1 in) in diameter), and clearly visible against its medium green foliage. In summer, it flowers from July to September. Its inflorescences are composed of very narrow fertile flowers tightly packed in the centre, and larger sterile florets on the periphery, reminiscent of certain Viburnums. While truly blue flowers can be found in a number of perennial plants, such as the mythical Himalayan Blue Poppy, certain Campanulas, periwinkles or Lithodoras, this colour is much rarer in woody plants of our gardens. It always evokes certain emotions and justifies planting this hydrangea in acidic soil to fully enjoy its pure blue colour. It is a medium-sized bush, reaching approximately 1.5 m (4.9 ft) in height and 1.3 m to 1.6 m (4.3 ft to 5.2 ft) in width, with a growth rate of 15 cm to 25 cm (5.9 in to 9.8 in) per year. Like all Hydrangea macrophylla, this bush is not strictly an ericaceous plant, but it prefers neutral to acidic soils, while tolerating some limestone. It is quite hardy (-20° C (-4° F) or lower). Severe frost can damage the ends of the branches, but they easily regrow after pruning in spring. Easy to grow, it can live for a very long time. 

'Teller Blue' surprises with its unique blue colour, reminiscent of precious porcelain. You can plant it as a standalone under the light shade of large trees, but it will also be valuable in mixed borders with plants that thrive in acidic soil. Choose plants with staggered flowering throughout the year to complement the flowering of this hydrangea. In a romantic setting, associate it with Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata' with its early flowering and unforgettable fragrance. The enchanting candy pink flowers of Magnolia 'Pink Beauty' will then take over, followed by the delicate bells of an Enkianthus, which will seamlessly transition with this hydrangea. And to end the year in beauty, a Camellia sasanqua with its fully open petals and bouquet of yellow stamens will be perfect.

Note: The colour of Hydrangea macrophylla flowers 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 (found in slate) or alum stone every spring.