Hydrangea macrophylla Hi Tornado ('Hitor'PBR) (H) (Bigleaf Hydrangea) — Shrub

Overview

Hydrangea macrophylla Hi Tornado ('Hitor'PBR) (H) is a shrub shrubs in the genus Hydrangea, part of the Hydrangeaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hydrangea macrophylla Hi Tornado ('Hitor'PBR) (H) 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 macrophylla Hi Tornado ('Hitor'PBR) is a cultivar of Hydrangea macrophylla grown for its large summer flowerheads, which commonly appear pink or blue. It is a deciduous shrub that flowers from June to September. Plant in full sun or partial shade in loam or clay that stays moist but drains freely; it tolerates acid to alkaline soils. As an H1a-rated hydrangea it is tender in the UK and suits borders or containers where winter protection can be provided.

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 macrophylla Hi Tornado ('Hitor'PBR) belongs to the Hydrangeaceae and traces its ancestry to the bigleaf hydrangeas of Japan. As a deciduous shrub it produces the large, rounded flowerheads associated with H. macrophylla, with blooms that present in pink or blue tones and appear during the period June to September. Site the plant in full sun or partial shade; morning sun with afternoon shade suits many UK gardens. It prefers loam or clay soils that remain moist but are well drained and will tolerate acidic, neutral or alkaline pH. Hi Tornado can be placed on north-, south- or west-facing aspects and will tolerate both sheltered and exposed positions, but its H1a hardiness rating means it should be treated as tender — protect from severe winter cold. Use this cultivar at the front of mixed borders where its summer blooms can be seen at eye level, or grow it in a container for patios and terraces. In containers, move the pot to a frost-protected location or wrap the rootball in cold weather to reduce winter damage and help ensure June–September flowering in following seasons.

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 macrophylla Hi Tornado ('Hitor'PBR) (H) size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Shrubs
Habit: Shrub
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Borders, Containers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hydrangea macrophylla Hi Tornado ('Hitor'PBR) (H)

Propagation: Cuttings
Pest resistance: Generally pest-resistant
Disease resistance: Generally disease-resistant

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Hydrangea macrophylla Hi Tornado ('Hitor'PBR) (H)?

Hydrangea macrophylla Hi Tornado ('Hitor'PBR) (H) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered and exposed positions.

What soil does Hydrangea macrophylla Hi Tornado ('Hitor'PBR) (H) need?

Hydrangea macrophylla Hi Tornado ('Hitor'PBR) (H) 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 macrophylla Hi Tornado ('Hitor'PBR) (H) hardy in the UK?

Hydrangea macrophylla Hi Tornado ('Hitor'PBR) (H) 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 macrophylla Hi Tornado ('Hitor'PBR) (H)?

Cuttings.

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