Lacecap Hydrangea (Syn. Blue Wave)

Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: moist, well-drained, moderately fertile, humus-rich soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: July and AugustHardiness: fully hardyOne of the most popular lacecap hydrangeas, this has flattened heads of rich blue, mauve or lilac-blue flowers in acidic or neutral soils, or pink flowers in alkaline soils. These appear from July to August over coarsely toothed, glossy, dark green leaves. It apos s best in moist soil in partial shade and looks wonderful towards the back of a mixed or shrub border, particularly when planted with other hydrangeas. Hydrangeas give their best blue flowers on acidic soils with a pH 5.5. When grown on neutral soil, with a pH of 7, the flowers will predominantly be pink, although you may also get blue or mauve blooms. If you want to make sure that your Hydrangea has blue-toned flowers, you will need to make sure your pH does not creep above 6.5. To lower the pH on a neutral soil, you can treat it annually with aluminium salts. It apos s much harder however to alter the pH of limey alkaline soil, so it apos s much easier to grow white or pink hydrangeas instead.Garden care: Hydrangeas do not like to dry out. In dry weather, soak the roots with a hose and the plant will usually recover. Remove faded flowerheads in spring after the danger of frosts, cutting back the flowered stems to a strong pair of buds. Take out misplaced or diseased shoots. Mulch young plants with a well-rotted manure or compost in spring. Once established, remove a quarter to a third of the shoots to the base of the plant. Price : £ 8.99

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