Hydrangea Candy Heart Blue

A striking mophead hydrangea with a white rim to the petals, Hydrangea macrophylla Candy Heart Blue is a small to medium-sized, fairly vigorous, deciduous shrub, with a rounded, well-branched habit. The large, ovate leaves are deep green. From midsummer and into autumn, the shrub bears mophead flowers, each floret with a white rim; the inside of the florets will be blue on an acidic soil, but mauve or pink on a neutral or alkaline soil. Hydrangea Candy Heart Blue could also be grown in ericaceous, soil-based compost in a large container, when it will retain its blue colouring. Protect from cold winter winds, and leave the dead flowerheads over winter to protect the new buds, removing them in spring.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: Midsummer to autumn
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 3’3”–5’ (1-1.5m) Spread: 3’3”–5’ (1-1.5m)