Hydrangea macrophylla Endless Summer Pop Star

Hydrangea macrophylla POP STAR® is a Hydrangea from the Endless Summer® series, so named because the horticultural varieties it encompasses promise an endless summer thanks to their incredible repeat flowering. From June to October, large pink flowers follow one another almost without interruption, showcased against dark green foliage. The very compact shrub, which requires a non-calcareous soil, can under these conditions be easily grown in a container, forming a magnificent flowering pot. Planted in acidic ground, it will produce equally aesthetic blue flowers. Very hardy and requiring little maintenance, it is a generous and easy-to-grow plant.

Hydrangea belongs to the small Hydrangeaceae family, which is named for it, and which hosts other very ornamental, very widespread genera like Deutzia, or more niche ones such as Kirengeshoma palmata, a Japanese woodland perennial. The Hydrangea genus includes about 35 botanical species originating from North America and especially East Asia, where some have been cultivated for a very long time, particularly in China. Hydrangea macrophylla itself comes from Japan and was introduced to Europe as early as 1790, first to be planted in the gardens of Kew in England by the famous botanist Sir Joseph Banks. Since that time, breeders have brought a profusion of horticultural varieties to market, such is the true cult status of the plant, and not only in Asia.
The Endless Summer® 'Bailmacsix' range includes Hydrangeas that not only flower on the wood from the previous season like classic varieties, but also on the current year's shoots. Pop Star is capable of forming new flower buds barely four weeks after pruning, which is exceptional for the genus. This explains its incredible floribundus nature and its strong capacity for repeat flowering, offering practically continuous flowering from June to October! The very compact shrub fairly quickly forms a regular ball of 1 m in all directions. This limited growth means it can be grown in a pot to fit on a balcony or terrace, or to overcome unsuitable soil. It has large, elliptical, deciduous leaves with a pointed tip and a toothed edge. They are dark green, which really highlights the lighter flowering. The large, flat-headed flowers, which commonly measure more than 15 cm in diameter, are in fact inflorescences, consisting of a centre of small fertile flowers, surrounded by sterile florets. A beautiful, clear pink in neutral to slightly acidic soil (pH around 6-6.5), they turn blue in distinctly acidic soil.

Very hardy, at least down to -20°C, the Endless Summer Pop Star Hydrangea is one of the best summer and even autumn flowering bushes, fully justifying its name. It dislikes lime without necessarily requiring a very acidic soil, and it tolerates morning sun, so it can be planted in many situations. Its incredibly long-lasting flowering can enliven a border for many long months. Extend the flowering period even further by planting early species, like Lonicera fragrantissima, a shrubby honeysuckle whose small flowers have a delicious fragrance during the winter months. To take over, make your choice from the wide range of Magnolias, each more beautiful than the last. And to extend autumn and even into winter, nothing beats Sasanqua Camellias, which will brighten the dark days with their srtistic, colourful blooms.