Hydrangea heteromalla
Tree hydrangea
Also known as Hydrangea vestita
- Height × spread
- 4m × 4m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This may be grown as a large shrub or even as quite a hearty tree. It is somewhat variable in the wild, being found in Vietnam and the central and western parts of China. The flowers are in the lacecap form and it forms attractive domed heads of flowers that may be coloured white or in shades of light pink. They are long lasting, going from June into August and present an attractive appearance as the ray flowers are held on slender stems and stand out from the main body of the flower. The tree has long quite broad leaves that taper gently to a pointed tip. These are coloured mid green and may take on some yellow tints in autumn before leaf fall. The surface is downy on the underside though the upper surface looks pleasantly smooth. This needs space to do well and to develop a pleasing shape. It is very prone to becoming leggy and bare stems when constricted, however, the bark often peels in an attractive manner. If grown as an shrub this is likely to achieve around 4m (13ft) in both height and spread.
- Flower colour
- Pink, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Yellow
- Stem colour
- Brown
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 4m
- Spread
- 4m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Seaside garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Structural, Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant
- Walls
- North, West facing
- Deer
- Protect from deer when young if in vulnerable area
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- Yes, potentially harmful; Humans: Skin allergen
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
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.
Summer
Summer - early · Outdoors
Apply slow release fertiliser
Apply a slow release fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plants soon after they have come 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.
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.
Found in
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