Hydrangea macr. ‘Little XS’ mix

Description and Characteristics

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Little XS’ Mix is a dwarf, compact mophead hydrangea selection developed for small gardens, containers, and vibrant seasonal displays. The mix typically features a range of vivid, long-lasting flower colours, including shades of pink, purple, blue, or red, depending on soil pH and specific cultivars within the series.

The “XS” in the name refers to the plant’s extra-small size but extra-large impact—each variety forms a dense, rounded mound with abundant blooms held above lush, dark green foliage. The flowers are large mophead-type, composed of numerous tightly packed florets, creating a bold splash of colour from early summer into autumn.

‘Little XS’ hydrangeas usually reach just 30–50 cm tall and wide, making them ideal for small borders, patios, balcony pots, and decorative displays. Despite their compact size, they deliver a high volume of flowers, and their controlled growth habit reduces the need for pruning or shaping.

• Dwarf Hydrangea macrophylla mix with mophead blooms

• Bloom colours include pink, purple, red, and blue depending on pH

• Height and spread: 30–50 cm

• Flowering period: June to September

• Compact, rounded growth habit – ideal for small spaces and containers

• Attracts bees and pollinators to lacecap-type blooms in the mix

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Hydrangea ‘Little XS’ is easy to grow and maintain with regular watering, light feeding, and part shade positioning. These plants are bred for consistent flowering, tidy form, and minimal care, making them a great choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers partial shade to dappled sunlight

  • Tolerates morning sun with afternoon shade in hot areas

  • Avoid deep shade or full, intense sun

• Soil Preferences:

  • Grows in moist, well-drained, fertile soil

  • Soil pH affects bloom colour:

    • Acidic (pH < 6): blue to purple blooms

    • Alkaline (pH > 7): pink to red blooms

  • Use hydrangea colourant or ericaceous compost to shift colours if desired

• Watering Needs:

  • Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy

  • In containers, water more frequently—especially in summer heat

  • Mulch in spring to retain moisture and regulate temperature

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring

  • Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which may encourage foliage over flowers

  • In pots, feed monthly with liquid fertiliser during bloom season

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Prune lightly in early spring, removing only dead or weak stems

  • Do not cut back hard, as these bloom on old wood

  • Remove spent blooms in autumn or leave for winter interest

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 5–9 (RHS H5)

  • In colder regions or pots, protect roots with mulch or fleece

  • Container plants may be overwintered in a sheltered, frost-free area

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Display Tips

Hydrangea ‘Little XS’ Mix is perfect for compact and colourful planting schemes, providing reliable floral display with a low-growing footprint. Its versatility allows it to shine in a wide range of garden styles and situations.

• Design Applications:

  • Ideal for borders, containers, patio pots, window boxes, and balconies

  • Excellent in cottage gardens, foundation plantings, and seasonal mixed planters

  • Suitable for urban gardens and courtyard displays

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with Hosta, Heuchera, Carex, Campanula, and Astilbe

  • Combines with ferns, evergreen grasses, or compact shrubs like Spiraea or Skimmia

  • Mix with spring bulbs for all-season impact

• Display and Styling Tips:

  • Use in terracotta pots or decorative planters for striking patio displays

  • Space evenly for formal edging or cluster for massed colour

  • Plant in groups of three or five for visual balance in borders

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • While most mopheads are less attractive to pollinators, any lacecap types in the mix may provide accessible nectar

  • Still offers ornamental value in pollinator-friendly spaces

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest- and disease-resistant

  • May occasionally attract aphids or mildew—ensure good airflow and avoid overhead watering

  • Monitor for slugs on young foliage in spring

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.