Overview
Hydrangea macrophylla 'King George' is a deciduous shrub in the genus Hydrangea, part of the Hydrangeaceae family. It typically grows around 3.0 m tall. Hydrangea macrophylla 'King George' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and acidic to neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include garden borders, specimen plant and hedging. It is native to Japan.
About
Hydrangea macrophylla is a species of flowering plant in the family Hydrangeaceae, native and endemic to Japan. It is a deciduous shrub growing to 3 m (10 ft) tall by 2.5 m (8 ft) or more broad with large heads of pink or blue flowers in summer and autumn.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hydrangea macrophylla
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hydrangea
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- acidic to neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Exposure
- full sun to partial shade
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Hydrangea macrophylla 'King George' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- deciduous shrub
- Height
- 3.0 m
- Suggested uses
- garden borders, specimen plant, hedging
- Native to
- Japan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hydrangea macrophylla 'King George'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; benefits from mulching; avoid water stress
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth
- Propagation
- softwood cuttings, layering
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Hydrangea macrophylla 'King George'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; benefits from mulching; avoid water stress.
Where is the best place to plant Hydrangea macrophylla 'King George'?
Hydrangea macrophylla 'King George' prefers full sun. It suits full sun to partial shade positions.
What soil does Hydrangea macrophylla 'King George' need?
Hydrangea macrophylla 'King George' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers acidic to neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Hydrangea macrophylla 'King George'?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
How big does Hydrangea macrophylla 'King George' grow?
Hydrangea macrophylla 'King George' reaches a height of 3.0 m.
Is Hydrangea macrophylla 'King George' hardy in the UK?
Hydrangea macrophylla 'King George' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Hydrangea macrophylla 'King George'?
Softwood cuttings, layering.
More in the Hydrangea genus
- Hydrangea longifolia

- 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
