Hydrangea Bluling

One of the Swiss-bred Teller hydrangeas named for European wild birds, Hydrangea macrophylla Bluling (bluebird) is a medium-sized, deciduous shrub, with an upright, rounded habit. The ovate, slightly serrated leaves are mid- to bright green. Flat lacecap flowers on long stems are carried from July to September, with tiny fertile florets in the centre, surrounded by showy infertile florets, intense blue on acid soils and pink on alkaline ones, each with a cream-coloured eye. An easy, low-maintenance plant (although it may need watering) Hydrangea Bluling holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Tolerates exposure, including coastal exposure
Soil: Well-drained but moist soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: Late summer and early autumn in particular
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 5 (1.5m) Spread: 5 (1.5m)

Photo by Jean Weber, cropped, and licensed under CC BY 2.0.