Overview
Hydrangea aspera 'Hot Chocolate' is a bushy deciduous shrub in the genus Hydrangea, part of the Hydrangeaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 4.0 m tall. Hydrangea aspera 'Hot Chocolate' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, hedging and containers. It is native to Himalayas, southern China and Taiwan.
About
Hydrangea aspera is a species of flowering plant in the family Hydrangeaceae native to dense forests in the region between the Himalayas, across southern China, to Taiwan. It is a large, erect deciduous shrub growing to 3 m (10 ft) tall and wide, with broadly oval leaves and dense branches.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hydrangea aspera
About the genus
Hydrangea is a genus of more than 70 species of flowering plants native to Asia and the Americas. Hydrangea is also used as the common name for the genus; some are also often called hortensia. The genus was first described from Virginia in North America, but by far the greatest species diversity is in eastern Asia, notably China, Korea, and Japan.
Wikipedia contributors, "Hydrangea", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hydrangea
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hydrangea
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Hydrangea aspera 'Hot Chocolate' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Deciduous shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Hedging, Containers
- Native to
- Himalayas, southern China, Taiwan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hydrangea aspera 'Hot Chocolate'
- Propagation
- Cuttings, Layering, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Hydrangea aspera 'Hot Chocolate'?
Hydrangea aspera 'Hot Chocolate' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hydrangea aspera 'Hot Chocolate' need?
Hydrangea aspera 'Hot Chocolate' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How big does Hydrangea aspera 'Hot Chocolate' grow?
Hydrangea aspera 'Hot Chocolate' reaches a height of 4.0 m.
Is Hydrangea aspera 'Hot Chocolate' hardy in the UK?
Hydrangea aspera 'Hot Chocolate' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Hydrangea aspera 'Hot Chocolate'?
Cuttings, Layering, Seed.
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More in the Hydrangea genus
- Hydrangea longifolia
- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Frau Katsuko' (Lady Series) (H)Bigleaf Hydrangea
- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Oregon Pride' (H)Bigleaf Hydrangea
- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Rosewarne Lace' (L)Bigleaf Hydrangea
- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Rotkehlchen' (Teller Series) (L)Bigleaf Hydrangea
- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Sweet Verena'PBR (H)Bigleaf Hydrangea
- Hydrangea macrophylla Chocolate Ever Belles ('Hokomachoko'PBR) (H)Bigleaf Hydrangea
- Hydrangea macrophylla Hi River ('Hiriv'PBR) (H)Bigleaf Hydrangea