Overview
Hydrangea longifolia is a shrub shrubs in the genus Hydrangea, part of the Hydrangeaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hydrangea longifolia grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and clay soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1a. Suggested uses include borders and containers.
About
Hydrangea longifolia is a deciduous shrub in the Hydrangeaceae that flowers from June to September. It prefers moist but well-drained loam or clay and will grow in acidic to alkaline soils. Suited to full sun or partial shade, it tolerates both sheltered and exposed positions. As a tender shrub (H1a) give winter protection in colder locations or keep in a moved container.
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
In the garden
Hydrangea longifolia is a deciduous shrub in the Hydrangeaceae that produces its main display from June to September. It is suitable for gardeners who need a summer-flowering shrub that can occupy either sunny or partly shaded sites and cope with a range of aspects, including north-, south- and west-facing positions. Plant into loam or clay soils that remain moist but are well drained; the species tolerates acidic, neutral and alkaline pH so soil amendments are not usually required for pH reasons. It will tolerate sheltered and exposed exposures, but because it is rated H1a (tender) in UK terms it benefits from frost protection in cold winters—sit it against a warm wall, shelter young specimens, or keep container-grown plants under cover during hard frost. Place Hydrangea longifolia in borders where its summer flowers will be seen, or grow it in a large container on a terrace. In pots provide regular moisture and lift or insulate containers before prolonged cold. Flowering from June to September delivers a sustained summer display best positioned near seating or a path where the blooms can be enjoyed up close.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hydrangea
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acidic, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered, Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H1a
Plant details
Hydrangea longifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Shrub
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Containers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hydrangea longifolia
- Propagation
- Cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-resistant
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Hydrangea longifolia?
Hydrangea longifolia prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered and exposed positions.
What soil does Hydrangea longifolia need?
Hydrangea longifolia grows best in loam and clay soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Hydrangea longifolia hardy in the UK?
Hydrangea longifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H1a, meaning it needs tropical warmth above 15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Hydrangea longifolia?
Cuttings.
More in the Hydrangea genus
- 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
- Hydrangea macrophylla Hi Tornado ('Hitor'PBR) (H)Bigleaf Hydrangea