Chinese Quinine

A striking Hydrangea-like evergreen shrub, usually with vivid blue flower heads in late Summer and Autumn, followed by iridescent indigo-blue berries. Like Hydrangeas the flower colour varies with soil pH, blue on acid soils, becoming pinkish-white on alkaline ones. Not very hardy and needs shelter and winter protection in cold areas, otherwise quite easy to grow. Often used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Has been used to treat malarial fever.

Site: Sheltered
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist, preferably acid soil
Seasons of interest: Flowers in late Summer & Autumn
Hardiness: Hardy to - 5°C
Height: 6ft (2m) Spread: 8ft (2.5m)