About
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Atlantic' is a robust, rounded deciduous shrub characterized by its serrated dark green foliage. From summer into autumn, it produces substantial mophead blooms that range in color from pink to blue, depending on soil pH; more neutral to alkaline conditions will yield pink flowers. This variety is also well-suited for floral arrangements.
About the genus
Hydrangeas can be either deciduous or evergreen shrubs, as well as self-clinging vines. Their flowers are typically arranged in clusters that include both smaller, fertile blooms and larger, more ornamental sterile ones. Many varieties also offer notable autumn foliage.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
- Toxicity
- Skin 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
- Cultivation
- Grow 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
- Pruning
- See pruning group 4 for further advice and video guide
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or hardwood cuttings in winter
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids, capsid bug, hydrangea scale and vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to a leaf spot, grey moulds, powdery mildews and honey fungus