About
A small deciduous shrub with broadly ovate leaves. Hortensia-type with large rose-red sterile florets, turning to green then deep red in autumn. Blues well on acid soils.
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, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden
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 for further advice and video guide
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, vine weevils and capsid bug
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a leaf spot, powdery mildews, grey moulds (Botrytis) and honey fungus (rarely)