Hydrangea mac. Tellers Blue

Hydrangea mac. Tellers Blue

Why Buy Me?

• Summer flowering
• Masses of showy flower heads
• Easy to grow in most soils

Growing Conditions

Light:
Performs best in partial shade—ideal in locations with morning sun and afternoon shade. In cooler climates, it can tolerate more sun, but avoid hot, direct midday exposure.

Soil:
Prefers moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. The flower colour is strongly influenced by soil pH:

• Acidic soils (pH < 6): blooms are blue

• Neutral to alkaline soils (pH > 6.5): blooms may turn mauve to pinkish

Exposure:
Best in sheltered spots, protected from cold winds and spring frosts which can damage flower buds. Suitable for woodland gardens or partially shaded borders.

Drought Tolerance:
Low to moderate. Requires regular watering in dry weather. Soil should be kept consistently moist, especially during flowering.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in spring or early autumn to give roots time to establish during mild weather.

Spacing:
Space plants 1.2–1.5 metres (4–5 feet) apart to allow mature size and airflow, which helps prevent mildew and other diseases.

Watering:
Water deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry periods. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can lead to wilting and bud drop.

Fertilization:
Feed in early spring with a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10). For deeper blue flowers, use a fertilizer low in phosphorus and high in potassium and apply aluminium sulphate to acidify the soil.

Mulching:
Apply mulch in spring using organic matter like compost or bark. Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Replenish annually.

Pruning:
Flowers on old wood. Prune only to remove dead stems and spent flower heads in late winter or early spring. Avoid hard pruning or you may lose blooms.

Propagation:
Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer, or semi-ripe cuttings later in summer.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
Emerges with lush, dark green foliage. Lacecap flower buds begin forming on last year’s growth.

Summer:
Showy lacecap blooms appear from June to August. Outer sterile florets are soft blue, surrounding fertile bluish-lavender inner flowers (in acidic soils).

Autumn:
Flowers age gracefully, often fading to green, purple, or dusky hues. Leaves may take on red or bronze tones in cool autumn weather.

Winter:
Deciduous. Bare stems can be left with dried flower heads for winter structure and to protect developing buds beneath.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Central fertile florets attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. A good late-season nectar source.

Garden Use:
Excellent for mixed borders, shaded beds, woodland gardens, and cottage-style plantings. Also suitable for large containers in shaded patios or courtyards.

Companion Plants:
Combines well with Hostas, Ferns, Astilbe, Heuchera, Japanese Anemones, and other shade-loving shrubs like Pieris or Camellia

Transform your home and garden with Hydrangea mac. Tellers Blue —a must-have for any season. Order online now for quick and easy shopping, or drop by your local Thompson's Branch to explore it up close and get personalised recommendations.