Hydrangea macrophylla x serrata Flair & Flavours Blackberry Pie

The Hydrangea macrophylla Flair & Flavours 'Blackberry Pie' is a lacecap Hydrangea with both sterile and fertile florets, whose colour varies depending on the acidity of the soil. In acidic soil, the colour of the sterile florets is blue-violet, while in less acidic soil, it is red-pink. The fertile florets in the centre are pale yellow buds tinted with light blue or light pink. The foliage is dark green with a touch of purple. This hardy variety forms a compact bush and should be placed in a partially shaded spot with non-calcareous soil. It is easy to grow, requiring only annual pruning in spring and regular watering in summer to keep the soil moist.

The 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 values plants highly, festivals are even dedicated to this bush. It is found in the wild on the island of Honshu (home to the capital Tokyo) and was introduced to Europe around 1789. This bush is also highly appreciated in Europe by professionals, including nurserymen who specialise in its production and breeders who have selected dozens of cultivars, as well as by amateurs.
This Flair & Flavours Blackberry Pie Hydrangea is a compact variety, reaching about 1m in all directions. It forms a beautiful, well-structured tuft with healthy, fairly dark green foliage with serrated edges. Its inflorescences appear in July and last until September or October. The flat heads are made up of both sterile and fertile florets, whose colour varies depending on the acidity of the soil. If the soil is acidic and contains enough Aluminium ions (Al³⁺), the inflorescences will take on a blue to violet hue. In neutral or slightly alkaline soil, they will be pink-red. In both cases, it can be said that this beautiful bush exudes a charm full of romance. In autumn, its foliage usually takes on beautiful colours, adding to its ornamental interest.

As a small bush, this Hydrangea, like all H. macrophylla, is not strictly an ericaceous soil plant, but it prefers neutral to acidic soil. It will thrive in a partially shaded to shaded position in hot climates, as well as regular watering in summer, as it does not tolerate drought (both in the soil and in the air), which can cause its leaves to wilt. In less sunny climates, it can be planted in an open space. Care consists of annual pruning in spring, before the new leaves emerge. This bush with its long summer flowering period is highly hardy (-20°C or more, although severe frost can damage the tips of the branches, they will easily regenerate after pruning in spring). Easy to grow, it can live for a very long time.

The 'Blackberry Pie' Hydrangea is an excellent variety for container gardening, on a balcony or a terrace sheltered from the afternoon sun. A thick terracotta pot would be suitable, and if using a plastic container, preferably choose a "double skin" one, with two walls separated by an air gap, creating an insulating layer that prevents the potting soil from overheating and the roots from getting too hot in summer, and also provides some protection against frost in winter. Use a potting mix for ericaceous plants, adding a bit of compost. Water regularly during hot periods. When planted in the garden, place it in a slightly shaded border, on the edge of trees, alongside plants with similar needs. To extend the flowering season, consider Witch Hazels for late winter, Chinese Azaleas and Deciduous Magnolias for spring, and Camellia sasanqua for autumn.