Hydrangea macrophylla 'BLAUMEISE' lace-cap hydrangea

Blaumeise Hortenzie is a fantastic addition to the TELLER series developed in Switzerland, comprising lace-cap hydrangeas with beautiful colours. Blaumeise is supposed to be the most reliable blue flowering variety. From midsummer it produces large, almost flat inflorescence composed of tiny, sky blue, fertile flowers in the centre, surrounded by large, sterile flowers of rich indigo blue colour.

Deciduous leaves are deep green, broadly elliptic, serrated at margins. Blaumeise makes upright, sturdy stems that do not bend in rain or wind. Flowers are produced on stems arising from previous year’s wood so no pruning is recommended if you want to see it bloom.

The flower colour is determined by the soil pH. For blue flowers your soil MUST be very acidic. Otherwise they will change to somewhat violet blue or even purple pink in very lime-based soil. Hydrangeas like fertile, always moist but well-drained soil. Never let the soil dry out especially in the first year before it gets established. It will love part shade and shade or filtered sunlight. Good mulch is necessary at all times. Blaumeise is hardy to about -25°C (USDA zone 6), and withstands a few degrees lower but harsh frost may kill its flower buds.

Last update 20-08-2013.