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Wednesday, 12 July 2023

Hydrangea Heaven



Hydrangea is normally one plant that will catch your eye coming into flower in July and extending on until October. Mop heads, lace caps and the large paniculata and arbourensis varieties can look dramatically spectacular. 


Arbourensis Annabelle

I  have yet to squeeze in, or should I say provide a large amount of space for, a H. Arborescens ‘Annabelle’ but  I will!. 
 
Hydrandea 'Annabelle'

This is the most classic of the arborescens. White beautiful and natural looking with heads that are large and bold. I may plant this by the fence which will provide a bit of support should it get heavy heads. This can be grown like a hedge and cut back every year to about 18”, the aim is to encourage strong stems that will support the amazing heads. A ‘Pink  versions of ‘Annabella’ is available, there is also varying pink shades in Sweet Annabella and Ruby Annabella and these make a equally wonderful shrubs.


I also would like to get the oak leaved H. Quercifolia established.
 
Hydrangea Quercifolia
This has the most wonderful woody character and beautiful leaves with large white but graceful and delicate flowers. There is nothing brash about this plant, it is very natural and the leave turns a lovely rich Autumn colour. It hates cold wet feet when trying to establish so I will overcome this problem by adding some bark (not wood chip) to the soil or roughage.  Once established it should thrive in my little woodland glade.

As we approach the latter end of summer out burst the paniculata hydrangeas. Lime light is a favourite and new varieties appear to appear all the time.

Limelight

Long enormous white heads of breath taking fresh flowers below and many beginning white and changing to pink and shades of burgundy over time. Little Lime is a slightly smaller version.

Hydrangea pan. Vanilla Fraise

Large blowsy heads which are stunning make this popular choice.


Hydrangea pan. Magic Candle begins cream and then fades to pinks or blues depending on the soil acidity. Most paniculata varieties reach about 1.25cm to 1.75cm tall. 

Hydrangea pan. Early Sensation 

Not all have the large solid flower heads some are more Lacey.These large conical lacey flower panicles also begin creamy white and flush to dusky pink. They are all beautiful definitely the shrub to include in your garden and take you through into late summer and autumn.