Hydrangea macrophylla Blue Wave

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blue Wave' is a beautiful hydrangea of the Mariesii type. It is vigorous and highly resistant to cold. This selection produces a quantity of lace-cap flowers, which are blue or pink depending on soil pH. The flowers fade in beautiful tones. It is a beautiful bush, to be planted in isolation, in a large partially shaded bed or in a hedge, as it requires space to fully develop!

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blue Wave' is sometimes marketed under the name 'Mariesii Perfecta', especially when sold in its pink-flowered form. It is a variety dating back to the 1900s by Victor Lemoine. Hydrangeas belong to the Hydrangeaceae family and are native to China and Japan.

'Blue Wave' forms a large bush with a rounded and spreading habit, supported by a strong branching system that can withstand the weight of the flowers without weakening. It will reach about 1.5m (5ft) in all directions, or even 1.85m (6ft) under optimal conditions. From July to September, numerous flattened inflorescences, 12 to 15cm (5 to 6in) wide, appear on wood that is at least one year old. The inflorescences are corymbs composed of similar fertile flowers resembling small buds, and larger and more showy sterile flowers on the periphery. In slightly acidic to very acidic soil, these sterile flowers turn lilac mauve or blue, while the fertile flowers in the centre will be slightly darker. In neutral to slightly chalky soil, the flowers will colour in varying shades of pink or lilac, with the ones in the centre always being more intense. The faded flowers can show interesting colours in autumn. The flowering period extends over ample, rounded, toothed, light green, glossy foliage, which takes on beautiful colours in autumn before falling. The leaves are opposite, reaching a minimum length of about 15cm (6in). They are simple, ovate to elliptical, ending in a pointed tip, and coarsely serrated like a saw. Hydrangeas can live for at least 50 years.

'Blue Wave' is a beautiful plant, perfect in a cool and shady area of the garden. It finds its place in a corner of the garden, at the back of a bed, in a large informal hedge, isolated near an entrance, or against a north-facing wall. It will thrive in an east or west exposure that is not scorching. Even though these shrubs fear limestone, hydrangeas are not strictly speaking acid-loving plants, as they appreciate rich soils. Pair them with Japanese maples, ferns, Japanese anemones, lilies, or annual impatiens, or plant spring-flowering bulbs in front of their round silhouette. Enjoy their sumptuous flowering in the garden or indoors for a very long time.

Tip: Do not prune too early! Leave the dried inflorescences on the plant and only cut them after spring frosts. They effectively protect the new vegetation and future flowers.

Note: The colour of the flowers of macrophylla hydrangeas varies depending on the soil pH. Traditionally blue varieties turn pink in neutral or alkaline soil. To maintain a beautiful blue colour, mix ericaceous soil with your garden soil and apply aluminium sulphate (slate contains it) or alum stone every spring.