Hydrangea macrophylla Étoile Violette

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Etoile Violette' is a floriferous and surprising bush. Its flat and unique inflorescences are composed of a row of perfectly formed double small stars. Their lilac-pink or light blue colour turns to bronze red at the end of summer. In the centre, a bouquet of green florets quickly becomes a rather dark violet. The flowers take on blue hues in acidic soil. This bush is ideally grown in a shady or partially shady bed. It also adapts to warmer conditions and can be grown in a large container.

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Etoile Violette' is a recent creation, but already a star, awarded in 2005. It is the result, among other things, of cross-breeding between H. macrophylla and H. aspera. It belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family, native to China and Japan. 'Etoile Violette' is part of a series of "Lace-cap" cultivars selected for their flat cyme inflorescences. This bush has a rather dense, ramified, and round habit, which is well-balanced. It reaches a mature size of about 1.4m (5ft) in all directions, and its growth is fast. From June-July to September-October, its small fertile and sterile flowers, with a striking dimorphism, are arranged in a row of large double star-shaped florets around a beautiful central bouquet of violet florets. In acidic soil, the flowers will have brighter and bluer hues, while in neutral soil, they will be more pink. The flowering period extends over ample and glossy, 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 pointed tip, and coarsely saw-toothed. Hydrangeas can live for at least 50 years.

'Etoile Violette' is a unique plant, with a very light appearance. Hydrangeas are well known for being perfectly hardy and brightening the north side of houses. This one will also thrive in a non-burning east or west exposure. This variety is particularly suitable for hedge cultivation, as an understory plant, in flower beds, or as a standalone specimen. On a large terrace, it is possible to grow hydrangeas in large pots. Although these plants fear limestone, they are not strictly ericaceous plants. Mix them with magellanica fuchsias or annual impatiens, or plant spring-flowering bulbs in front of their round silhouette. Enjoy their sumptuous fresh or dried flowers in the garden or in the house.

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