Dichroa versicolor
Vari-coloured dichroa, Two-toned vari-coloured hydrangea
Also known as Hydrangea versicolor
- Height × spread
- 1.8m × 2m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
An evergreen relation of the hydrangea. This is generally grown under cover in the UK though it may be hardy in the warmer parts of the country. It makes a handsome plant with large sheeny leaves that are oblong and taper to a point. They have white buds that are followed by blue flowers if on acid soil, pink ones if grown on the less-preferred alkaline. It flowers in late summer and the blooms are followed by red-purple berries which are ornamental. This plant flowers on old wood and is susceptible to damage in cold or exposed positions. It is drought and shade tolerant and is well suited to positions as an understorey shrub where it receives protection from trees that grow above it.
- Flower colour
- Blue, Mauve, Pink
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Round
- Height
- 1.8m
- Spread
- 2m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Shady court, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Wall cover
- Walls
- West facing
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Prune old branches
On established shrubs, remove a third of the old branches to the base in early spring. Cut off old flower heads to a lower bud. This can be done every couple of years if the plant looks well-proportioned or is slow growing.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.