ShrubsHydrangea macrophylla
Hydrangea
Hydrangea is a popular garden shrub with large, globe-shaped flower heads blooming from June through September. The flowers turn blue in acidic soil and pink in alkaline soil. A sturdy plant that thrives in sheltered spots with partial shade.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Partial shade
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 100–180 cm
- Spread
- 100–200 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 5–9
- Family
- Hydrangeaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- blue, pink, white
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in partial shade in moist, humus-rich soil. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Feed with ericaceous fertilizer in spring. Mulch around the base to help retain moisture.
Pruning tips
In early spring, remove only the spent flower heads just above the first pair of healthy buds. Take out any dead or damaged wood. Avoid cutting too hard — flower buds form on the previous year's growth.
Good companions
PerennialsHosta sieboldiana
Hosta
Hosta is the quintessential shade plant, valued for its large, blue-green, ribbed leaves. Light purple or white bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stems in July and August. Over the years the plant forms substantial clumps that give a shaded border a lush character.
ClimbersHedera helix
Common Ivy
Common Ivy is an evergreen climber that uses aerial roots to cover walls, fences, and trees. Its dark green, glossy leaves provide year-round greenery. Mature plants flower in autumn with inconspicuous green-yellow blooms that are an important late food source for bees and insects.
ShrubsBuxus sempervirens
Boxwood
Boxwood is an evergreen shrub with small, glossy dark green leaves that is ideal for topiary and hedging. The plant grows slowly and can live for hundreds of years. Small green-yellow flowers appear in April and May, attracting early bees.