Hydrangea macrophylla mix

Description and Characteristics

Hydrangea macrophylla Mix includes a diverse selection of mophead and lacecap hydrangeas, all prized for their large, showy blooms, lush green foliage, and long flowering period. As one of the most popular and ornamental hydrangea species, Hydrangea macrophylla—also known as Bigleaf Hydrangea—is ideal for providing vibrant colour and structure in gardens, containers, and shaded borders.

The mix typically includes cultivars that bloom in shades of blue, pink, purple, red, or white, depending on the variety and soil pH. Mophead varieties feature rounded clusters of large petals, while lacecaps have flat heads with small central fertile flowers surrounded by showy sterile ones. This variation provides a rich visual texture and supports different garden styles.

These hydrangeas generally grow to around 1–1.5 metres in height and spread, forming a dense, rounded shrub. They flower from June to September, with blooms that can persist into autumn and dry attractively for winter interest.

• Includes both mophead and lacecap flower types

• Flowering period: June to September

• Height & spread: 1–1.5 m

• Colours vary with pH: blue in acidic soil, pink/red in alkaline

• Ideal for borders, containers, cottage gardens, and shade planting

• Attracts bees and butterflies (lacecaps especially)

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Hydrangea macrophylla is easy to grow when given moisture-retentive soil, part shade, and minimal pruning. With the right care, it offers many years of reliable flowering and lush foliage.

• Light Requirements:

  • Best in partial shade—prefers morning sun with afternoon shade

  • In cooler climates, tolerates more direct sun if soil remains moist

  • Avoid deep shade, which can reduce flowering

• Soil Preferences:

  • Requires moist, well-drained, fertile soil

  • Soil pH affects flower colour:

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

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

  • Use ericaceous compost or aluminium sulfate to intensify blue tones

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during dry periods, especially in summer

  • Mulch annually with organic matter to retain moisture

  • In pots, water more frequently and avoid allowing soil to fully dry out

• Feeding:

  • Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring

  • Use a low-phosphorus feed for blue hydrangeas

  • Container plants benefit from monthly feeding during the growing season

• Pruning:

  • Blooms on old wood—avoid hard pruning

  • In early spring, remove only dead or weak stems

  • Cut spent flowers back to the first healthy bud to shape

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 6–9 (RHS H5–H6)

  • In cold areas, protect emerging buds from frost with fleece or mulch

  • In containers, move to a sheltered spot or insulate pots

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Display Ideas

Hydrangea macrophylla Mix offers season-long beauty, bold colour, and textural contrast in a wide range of garden designs. It suits both traditional and modern schemes, providing a luxurious look with minimal effort.

• Design Applications:

  • Ideal for mixed borders, woodland edges, coastal gardens, and foundation planting

  • Excellent in containers for patios, entrances, or balconies

  • Effective as a specimen shrub or in drifts for mass impact

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with Hosta, Astilbe, Ferns, Brunnera, Heuchera, and Carex

  • Complements Roses, Salvia, Campanula, or spring bulbs beneath

  • Combines with Hydrangea arborescens or paniculata for layered effect

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Lacecap varieties are particularly valuable for bees and butterflies

  • Provide nectar from early to late summer

  • Adds both aesthetic and ecological value to garden beds

• Container Use:

  • Perfect in large pots or half-barrels

  • Use peat-free, moisture-retentive compost

  • Water regularly and feed every 3–4 weeks in growing season

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally low-maintenance and resilient

  • May occasionally attract aphids, slugs, or mildew

  • Good airflow and clean pruning help prevent issues

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.