Overview
Hydrangea macrophylla 'McKay' is a shrubby, climbing shrubs in the genus Hydrangea, part of the Hydrangeaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hydrangea macrophylla 'McKay' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include borders, containers and climbing walls.
About
Hydrangea macrophylla 'McKay' is a deciduous shrub or climbing plant belonging to the Hydrangea genus, known for its clustered flowers comprising both fertile and ornamental blooms. This cultivar thrives in partial shade, ideally on north- or east-facing, sheltered sites with moist but well-drained loam soil of neutral pH. Suitable for borders, containers, and climbing walls, it offers seasonal interest in summer and autumn. It is hardy in the UK (H6) and benefits from annual mulching with well-rotted organic matter. Propagation can be achieved through softwood, semi-ripe, or hardwood cuttings.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hydrangea
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Hydrangea macrophylla 'McKay' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Shrubby, climbing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Borders, containers, climbing walls
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hydrangea macrophylla 'McKay'
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings, semi-ripe cuttings, hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, capsid bug, hydrangea scale, vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- Leaf spot, powdery mildew, grey mould, honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Hydrangea macrophylla 'McKay'?
Hydrangea macrophylla 'McKay' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hydrangea macrophylla 'McKay' need?
Hydrangea macrophylla 'McKay' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Hydrangea macrophylla 'McKay' hardy in the UK?
Hydrangea macrophylla 'McKay' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Hydrangea macrophylla 'McKay'?
Softwood cuttings, semi-ripe cuttings, hardwood cuttings.
More in the Hydrangea genus
- Hydrangea alternifolia 'Pink Geisha'hydrangea 'Pink Geisha'
- Hydrangea arborescens 'Astrid Lindgren'hydrangea 'Astrid Lindgren'
- Hydrangea arborescens 'Pink Percussion'
- Hydrangea gracilis
- Hydrangea heteromalla 'Krista'
- Hydrangea hirta
- Hydrangea hydrangeoides 'Shiro-fuka-fukurin-fu' (v)Japanese hydrangea vine 'Shiro-fuka-fukurin-fu'
- Hydrangea involucrata 'Late Love'hydrangea 'Late Love'
