Hydrangea macr. 'Three Sisters' ®

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Three Sisters’

• Common Name: Three Sisters Hydrangea

• Plant Type: Compact deciduous flowering shrub

• Growth Habit: Dense, bushy form reaching approximately 80–100 cm in height and spread, making it ideal for smaller gardens and containers.

• Foliage: Glossy, deep green, oval leaves that provide a lush backdrop to its vibrant blooms.

• Flowers: Produces large mophead blooms in three different colours on the same plant—typically pink, blue, and purple—creating a unique, multicoloured display.

• Flowering Period: Long-lasting blooms from June to September, often continuing into early autumn.

• Seasonal Interest: Eye-catching summer flowers, attractive foliage from spring to autumn, and dried flower heads that add winter texture if left in place.

• Garden Uses: Perfect for mixed borders, container planting, patio displays, and as a feature plant in small gardens.

• Wildlife Benefits: Flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK and Ireland.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Prefers partial shade; morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal to prevent leaf scorch and prolong flower life.

• Soil Preferences: Moist, fertile, humus-rich soil that drains well.

• pH Range: Neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.0–7.0). In this variety, flower colour is genetically fixed, so the multicolour effect remains regardless of soil pH.

• Moisture Needs: Requires consistently moist soil, especially during the flowering season; do not allow to dry out completely.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or autumn when the soil is workable and not subject to temperature extremes.

• Spacing: Space plants 80–100 cm apart to allow for mature growth.

• Shelter Needs: Plant in a sheltered spot to protect buds and blooms from strong winds and late spring frosts.

• Companion Planting: Complements hostas, astilbes, ferns, and other shade-loving perennials.

• Container Growing: Well suited to large pots—use a quality loam-based compost with added organic matter and ensure good drainage.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water deeply and regularly during dry spells, especially in summer.

  • Container plants may require daily watering in hot weather.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring.

  • Supplement with a high-potash liquid feed every 4–6 weeks during the flowering season.

• Pruning:

  • In spring, remove spent flower heads by cutting just above the first set of healthy buds.

  • Remove weak or damaged stems at the base to encourage strong new growth.

• Mulching: Apply a 5–8 cm layer of compost or well-rotted manure in spring to conserve moisture and improve soil quality.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally healthy; may occasionally be affected by aphids or powdery mildew—treat promptly and ensure good air circulation.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy; in colder areas, apply mulch around the base and consider fleece protection for buds during severe frost.

• Weed Control: Keep the area around the plant free of weeds to reduce competition for water and nutrients.

• Longevity: With proper care, ‘Three Sisters’ will reliably produce its distinctive multicoloured blooms for many years, adding unique interest to your garden.

• Size
  C 6

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)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.