Dichroa
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Available in 1 sizes
Available in 1 sizes
Available in 1 sizes
The most captivating of the Dichroa is undoubtedly Dichroa febrifuga, prized for its intense blue summer flowering followed by decorative purple berries. This evergreen shrub, a close relative of hydrangeas, is exotic and colourful, and can be planted in the garden in mild climates or in a pot on a sheltered terrace.
Dichroa, sometimes called evergreen hydrangea, forms a dense shrub with glossy dark green foliage. Its flowering in flat umbels is reminiscent of hydrangea, with shades varying from blue to pink depending on the nature of the soil.
The Dichroa ‘Marie’ is distinguished by a flowering that is pink to gentian blue depending on the soil, followed by dark blue fruiting, on a shrub about 1.50 m tall. The Dichroa versicolor ‘Round Blue’ maintains a compact habit (about 1 m), displaying bluish panicles and persistent midnight blue berries.
Dichroa appreciate a mild climate, a partially shaded to shaded exposure, and a humus-bearing, cool, light, acidic to neutral soil, much like hydrangeas. However, their hardiness does not exceed -8 to -10°C depending on the variety. Cultivation in a large pot is possible, allowing them to be overwintered like oleanders.
Plant them in spring in soil enriched with compost, water regularly to keep the soil cool, mulch in autumn, and protect the stump in winter in cooler regions.
For further reading, also see our feature "Hydrangeas: planting, pruning and care."
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