About
Produces broad flat flower heads from late spring to early summer, with loose clusters of small true flowers surrounded by larger florets, usually white but sometimes turning pink as they mature. A variable species, from mid sized shrubs to small trees, and up to around 5m high in cultivation. Leaves are dark green with greyish-white hairy undersides, usually toothed and often held on reddish stems.
About the genus
Hydrangea can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs, or self-clinging climbers, with flowers in clusters usually comprising both small fertile and more showy sterile flowers; often good autumn colour
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toHimalayas to China and Vietnam
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any moist but well-drained soil in partial shade or grow in sun if soil remains reliably moist. Improve chalky soils with organic matter to support good growth. See shrubby hydrangea cultivation for further advice
PruningSee pruning group 4 (hydrangeas)
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, or by hardwood cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, capsid bug, red spider mite, stem and bulb eelworm, vine weevil and scale insects
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a leaf spot, powdery mildews, grey moulds (Botrytis) and honey fungus (rarely)