About
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Admiration' (H) is a mophead hydrangea to 1�2 m with large, dark-emerald, serrated leaves and rounded mophead flowerheads in summer, blue in acid soil and pink in alkaline. A fine and ornamental mophead hydrangea for a sheltered, moist border.
About the genus
Hydrangea are deciduous or evergreen shrubs, or self-clinging climbers, with flowers in clusters usually comprising both small fertile and larger, showier sterile florets. They are grown for their dramatic and long-lasting flowerheads and often good autumn colour.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toSE USA
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
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, capsid bug, hydrangea scale and vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a leaf spot, powdery mildews, grey moulds (Botrytis) and honey fungus (rarely)