Hydrangea macrophylla Dark Angel Purple

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Dark Angel Purple' is an unusual hydrangea, with dark and shiny foliage that perfectly highlights its flat inflorescences in shades of aubergine, purple, or violet. This recent variety from the 'Black Diamonds' series shows a rather slow growth rate, a fairly compact and well-balanced habit, and a long-lasting summer flowering that is resistant to bad weather. Plant it in the garden or in a large pot on a terrace, in full sun or partial shade, in ordinary soil that is not too chalky.

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Dark Angel Purple' is a recent hybrid, resulting from the cross-breeding of H. macrophylla and H. serrata, among others. All these hardy plants belong to the Hydrangeaceae family, native to China and Japan.

It has been awarded several times at various competitions in 2014, in England and Ireland. 'Dark Angel Purple' is part of a series of selected lace-cap cultivars. This bush has a rounded and ramified habit, as wide as it is tall, reaching about 1m (3ft) in all directions. From July to September, its small fertile and sterile flowers, with striking dimorphism, form spherical inflorescences of 20 to 25cm (8 to 9in) in diameter. The star-shaped sterile florets located at the periphery are regularly arranged. The centre of the 'flower' gathers tiny fertile florets. The colour palette ranges from mauve to violet, warmed by reddish or even purple tones depending on the soil and the maturity of the flowers. The flowering contrasts wonderfully with the very shiny, deeply veined, wax-textured foliage. The dark green leaves are strongly tinged with purple and black throughout the season. The deciduous leaves are opposite, reaching a minimum length of about 15cm (6in). They are simple, ovate to elliptical, ending in a tapered point, and are coarsely toothed. Hydrangeas can live for at least 50 years.

'Dark Angel Purple' has a unique charm and fascinates with the richness and brilliance of its dark colour. Its association with white-flowered varieties such as 'Shooting Star', for example, is particularly successful, as the colours complement each other. Hydrangeas are well known for brightening the north side of houses. This one will thrive in an east or west exposure that is not scorching, in flower beds as well as in hedges. This variety is well suited for container gardening, which can be placed on a terrace or near an entrance in a beautiful pot. Although these plants dislike limestone, they are not strictly acid-loving plants. Pair 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 in the house for a long time.