Hydrangea macrophylla Generale Vicomtesse de Vibraye

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Generale Vicomtesse de Vibraye' is a variety of hydrangea with a summer flowering, very floriferous, with large slightly flattened round heads of soft pink flowers in neutral soil or a lovely light blue in acidic soil. They bloom on a bushy, medium-sized shrub, adorned with glossy green foliage. This graceful variety will fit well in a flowerbed, in a hedge, or in a large pot on the terrace. It will thrive in a semi-shaded and cool exposure, in a slightly acidic and well-drained soil. It is also an excellent variety for dried flowers.

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Generale Vicomtesse de Vibraye' belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family, whose type species is native to China and Japan. This cultivar, dating back to 1909, is a creation of Victor Lemoine, a horticulturist from Lorraine, and is the result of a cross between the varieties 'Otaksa' and 'Rosea'. This compact shrub has a bushy habit and will reach an average height of 1.40m (4ft 7in) with a spread of about 1.20m (3ft 11in). From late June to September - October, its sterile flowers form large inflorescences of 16 to 20cm (6.3 to 7.9in) in diameter, with slightly flattened round heads and sepals that are soft pink in neutral soil and light blue in acidic soil. The flowering is accompanied by glossy green foliage carried by flexible stems. This Hydrangea is hardy down to -15°C (5 °F).

The 'Gerale Vicomtesse de Vibraye' Hydrangea is a generous plant in terms of floribundity and hardiness, displaying more intense colors in partial shade but still tolerating full sun. Hydrangeas, beloved by gardeners, are well known for brightening the north side of houses, in shrub beds, as well as in hedges. This variety will bring a lot of charm to the semi-shaded areas of the garden, to a slightly hidden entrance, or to the corner of a porch. Even though these plants dislike limestone, hydrangeas are not strictly speaking ericaceous plants, they like fertile and clayey soils. Pair them with Magellan fuchsias, annual impatiens, or plant spring-flowering bulbs in front of their round silhouette. Enjoy their sumptuous flowering in the garden or in the house, create romantic bouquets with their beautiful inflorescences.

Note: The colour of Hydrangea macrophylla flowers varies depending on the soil's pH. Traditionally blue varieties turn pink in neutral or alkaline soil. To maintain a beautiful blue colour, mix heather soil or blonde peat into your garden soil and apply aluminum sulphate (slate contains it) or alum stone every spring.