About

A long-lived, evergreen shrub maturing to 1.5-2.5m, with broadly ovate, dark green leaves. With conical panicles of white flowers and bold, oak-shaped leaves that turn red and purple in autumn.

About the genus

Hydrangea can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs, or self-clinging climbers, with flowers in clusters usually comprising both small fertile and more showy sterile flowers; often good autumn colour

Plant details

Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained, fertile soil in partial shade to full sun. Mulch annually with well-rotted organic matter. See hydrangea cultivation
PruningPruning depends on type. Remove spent flower heads in spring. See hydrangea pruning
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil, aphids and capsid bugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildew and honey fungus