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 very cold areas, otherwise quite easy to grow. Often used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. 

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)