Hydrangea macrophylla Adria

Hydrangea macrophylla sub group Hortenisa (mopheads). Perhaps one of the best known garden plants. Originally from Japan these robust and reliable plants produce a truly amazing display in summer and autumn. Hydrangea macrophylla Adria has been bred to produce a very compact plant, so is better suited to smaller gardens/borders, patios and containers. Large attractive dark green leaves which contrast superbly against the masses of large mophead shaped flowers of vibrant blue on acid soil, or if you add Hydrangea bluing agent, or shades of purple pink in alkaline soil. Best grown as a blue variety. Very easy to grow. Shade from hot summer sun unless the soil is constantly moist. Will grow in most soils but will only produce blue flowers in acidic soils. Can be grown in the garden or in a pot or container. In containers use a good quality John Innes compost as this plant will be there a long time and peaty types of compost eventually degrade, become too packed and choke the roots. Ensure you feed regularly as a hungry plant is a poor performer. We recommend Osmoscote pro 8-9 month applied in the early spring. One application gives all the nutrients the plant requires for the whole year. John Innes is a soils based compost. After flowering prune back close to the old wood.