Hydrangea macrophylla Fantasia

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Fantasia' is an astonishing variety, with a flowering that regularly changes colour throughout the summer. Starting from July, the shrub produces large inflorescences tinted with green that gradually enrich with cream white and pink, before turning completely pink. All these shades coexist on the plant as new flowers emerge, giving this Hydrangea a unique appearance. It will fit perfectly in both contemporary and romantic gardens reminiscent of the Belle Époque.

The Hydrangea genus belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family, which is named after it, and includes a dozen or so genera, some of which are very common, such as Philadelphus (Mock Oranges) or Deutzia. Hydrangeas, of which there are dozens of species, are shrubs, bushes several metres high, or climbing plants, the majority of which are native to East Asia. Most are deciduous, although some are evergreen, such as Hydrangea seemanii. The heritage of Hydrangea macrophylla is uncertain despite its success in gardens, but it seems that modern cultivars of Hydrangeas are descended from the Otaksa variety, cultivated in Japanese gardens.
'Fantasia' is an attractive cultivar with its changing colours. This medium-sized shrub reaches a height of 1.30m to 1.50m at maturity, with a width of 1m to 1.20m. The upright branches, which more or less form a sphere, are adorned with the typical foliage of the species. The oval to elliptical leaves, measuring about 10 to 15 cm long, have toothed edges and prominent veins, and their colour ranges from medium green to dark green depending on the exposure and soil. This dense and dark vegetation forms a superb setting for the flowering, which begins towards the end of June, depending on the year and the region. Large inflorescences measuring 15 to 20 cm in diameter then bloom, composed of dozens of small flowers. These combine hardly visible fertile flowers, grouped in the centre and sterile florets on the periphery, fringed at their tips, which are the ones we admire. In Fantasia, they emerge in greenish tones, gradually lightening to cream white, mixed with pink, often juxtaposed shades, giving this variety its charming "old-fashioned" look. The inflorescences then turn pink, and as the plant blooms again until September, the different stages and colours coexist, giving it a different appearance every week. This dynamic aspect allows the shrub to be planted in a contemporary garden as well. Its dried flowers, kept away from light, will fabulously decorate your interior.

Hydrangeas are robust plants that can live for at least 50 years, and this Fantasia variety manages to withstand trends with its changing flowering that exudes an old-fashioned charm while being very modern. Its compactness allows you to grow it in a container, especially if your soil is limestone, and you can integrate it into a diverse flowerbed if your soil tends to be acidic. Choose a semi-shaded spot and plant Brunnera sibirica at its feet, a superb perennial with beautiful heart-shaped green leaves and delicate blue flowers that bloom in April and May. A few plants of Primula japonica, with their tiered pink blooms in June, will add a touch of distinction while bridging the gap between the flowering of Brunnera and your Hydrangea. And for a festival of colours, plant Acer palmatum 'Metamorphosa', a small Japanese Maple whose foliage constantly varies throughout the season, ranging from pink, white, yellow, red, and purple!