Hydrangea macrophylla, better known as bigleaf hydrangea, is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, widely grown in gardens for its rounded, dense habit, reaching 1 to 2 metres in height and 1 to 1.8 metres in width. It is distinguished by its apple-green, broad, opposite leaves with oval, serrated margins that can measure up to 20 cm long. Hydrangea macrophylla usually flowers on the previous year's wood, producing exceptional summer blooms that can last until autumn, in the form of large spherical (mophead) or flat (lacecap) clusters composed of numerous small colourful flowers.
The most appreciated feature of this hydrangea is its wide variety of colours, ranging from intense blue to pink, red, white, mauve and even purple, depending on the pH of the soil: acidic soils favour blue flowers, while more alkaline soils produce pink flowers. This phenomenon is mainly due to the presence of aluminium ions in the soil, which are accessible to the plant in acidic soils. Very easy to care for, it likes partial shade and fresh, rich, well-drained soil. Its generous and long flowering period and its ability to change colour make it a popular ornamental plant, both in beds and in pots or decorative hedges.
Source: Aujardin.info
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