Hydrangea macrophylla 'KING GEORGE' mop-head hydrangea

King George is an old-fashioned and reliable mop-head hydrangea variety bred by British botanist Henry James Jones in 1925. It produces large, globular inflorescences composed of small, individual flowers which emerge light pink at margins with beige centres, and mature to rich pink all over. It flowers on previous year's growth so no trimming is recommended in spring. If you need to shape or rejuvenate the plant do so in midsummer. The leaves are deciduous, medium to dark green, glossy, and heavily serrated at margins. It grows slowly to moderately about 1.3m tall and wide and remains compact and bushy.

As its colour is determined by the soil acidity we strongly recommend using e.g. dolomitic lime to keep your soil slightly above neutral pH value or rather alkaline. Grow it in fertile, always moist but well-drained soil. 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 dislikes standing water in heavy clay soil. It will love part shade, shade, or filtered sunlight. In colder regions it should be protected with fir branches in harsh winters. Good mulch is advisable at all times. Fully hardy to about -23°C (USDA zone 6).

Last update 28-11-2019