Hydrangea aspera

Hydrangea aspera has a magnificent dark green foliage, covered with a silky light down. Its flat umbel flowers (also called Lacecap) are composed in the centre of a hairy cluster of mauve or violet fertile flowers, surrounded by large sterile flowers (called pseudo-flowers) of white, mauve, violet or pink colours depending on the varieties. Hydrangea aspera forms an airy bush, reaching a height of 2m (7ft). It has rapid growth and likes fresh, acidic and humus-rich soils. Hardy, it still appreciates a semi-shaded and protected exposure, it does not tolerate cold and drying winds well. It is cultivated in an undergrowth atmosphere, in the north or west in the company of Hosta, Epimedium, Astilbe or perennial geraniums.