Hydrangea macrophylla, commonly referred to as mophead, was seen in recent times as being unfashionable. I never did pay any attention to that sort of nonsense so lets say no more about it.
This Hydrangea has large very showy blooms from mid Summer lasting well into the Autumn. The flower colour varies from pink, if planted in an alkaline soil to lilac or blue, the more acidic the soil is. If you are looking for one of the best blue Macrophylla, plant Renate Steiniger, remember even this one will be more lilac if planted in alkaline soil.
More questions seem to be asked regarding the pruning of mopheads than almost any other shrub except perhaps the climbing plant Wisteria Well anyway with your Hydrangea, first of all leave the flower heads on throughout the Winter and come mid March prune back to a couple of buds directly below the dead flower head. If in subsequent years your plant is becoming leggy, cut back about one third of the stems to ground level which will promote healthy new growth.
Generally here in Aberdeen this Hydrangea is fully hardy, however in our garden perhaps because we are in a bit of a frost pocket it really does struggle. However I have overcome this problem by planting in a container and overwintering in the unheated greenhouse. Results are amazing, producing the most beautiful plants smothered in blooms at least two weeks earlier than normally would be expected. With this method of growing you can safely remove the withered blooms just before placing in the greenhouse for the Winter. Of course come Spring your container plant can be placed in any position in the garden where you think it will look most effective.
Position – Full sun/part shade
Height – 150cm
Hardiness – Generally
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