Hydrangea macrophylla 'BLUSHING BRIDE'® mop-head hydrangea

Blushing Bride® is another hydrangea variety from the Endless Summer® range. It produces medium-sized, globular, mop-head flowers that are pure white as they open, gaining faint pink shades before they fade out. They are borne on both old and new wood so you don’t have to worry about pruning or unexpected frost or any other damage. You will always have flowers. Regular fertilizing from May till July can considerably increase the flower size and overall rich appearance of the plant.

This variety is supposed to start blooming on the first hot days of spring which is usually mid June here, and will continue until the first frosts. Deadheading will enhance flowering and speed up forming of new flower buds. The leaves are deep green and turn burgundy and crimson red in autumn. The plant grows slowly and remains compact.

Grow it in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, you should never let the soil dry out especially in the first year before it gets established. The name hydrangea suggests it will need a lot of water but should never stand in water in heavy clay soil. It will love part shade or filtered sunlight, you can also grow it in full sun if you provide extra watering on hot days. Good mulch is advisable at all times. Fertilizing is crucial for this type of hydrangea if you want a pretty plant with many flowers. Fully hardy to -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 13-01-2011.