Hydrangea macrophylla Bodensee

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bodensee' is a reliable choice. It forms a beautiful dense bush with a rounded habit. In summer, it is covered with large, round, tight inflorescences, whose colour varies from blue to fuchsia pink depending on the nature of the soil. It takes on beautiful autumn colours, ranging from pink to greyish-green. This solid, hardy and floriferous variety tolerates sunny situations, especially in the morning. It will even flower after a cold spring, as it produces buds that can bloom in the same year. It has a place in all types of gardens and can be used in beds, as a standalone plant, or in large pots. It prefers humus-bearing, moist but well-drained, slightly acidic soil.

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bodensee' is one of the many hybrids obtained by cross-breeding H. macrophylla and H. aspera, among others. All these hardy plants belong to the Hydrangeaceae family, originating from China and Japan. Born in the 1950s, 'Bodensee' stands out for its vigorous growth, reliability and excellent floriferousness, even in the case of a terrible spring. It owes this ability to bloom even in the event of late frosts to its lateral and basal buds that can bloom in the same year. This shrub is barely taller than it is wide, reaching a height of 1.2m (4ft) and a spread of about 1m (3ft). From July to September, it is covered with large, dense and almost round inflorescences, measuring 17 to 20cm (7 to 8in) in diameter. The small fertile and sterile flowers that make up these inflorescences show a striking dimorphism. Its lovely sterile florets are adorned with sky-blue or pink, depending on the nature of the soil, with the pink fading slightly towards the end of the season. The tiny sterile florets are barely visible, submerged in the globular head. The flowering is accompanied by medium green, deciduous foliage. The leaves are opposite, reaching a minimum length of about 10cm (4in). They are simple, ovate to elliptical, ending in a tapered point, with serrated edges. Hydrangeas can live for at least 50 years.

'Bodensee' is not afraid of the sun, in a non-burning situation. Hydrangeas are well known for brightening up the north side of houses. This one will thrive in an east-facing position, in the morning sun, in beds as well as hedges. This variety is suitable for cultivation in open ground as well as in large containers, which can be placed on a terrace or near an entrance. Although these plants dislike limestone, they are not strictly speaking ericaceous plants. Mix them with Magellan fuchsias or annual impatiens, or plant spring-flowering bulbs in front of their round silhouette. Enjoy their magnificent flowering in the garden or indoors for a long time.

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.