Hydrangea macrophylla Koria

Coming from the Netherlands, Hydrangea macrophylla 'Koria' or Hortensia Koria is a beautifully shaped bushy shrub. Its flowers, gathered in large flat inflorescences, bloom in a row of strongly dentate petals of a magnificent pure white, around a pale mauve centre. Elegant and remarkable for the beauty of its flowers, it has its place in all types of gardens and can be used in borders, as a standalone plant, in a large pot, in a humus-rich, well-drained, preferably acidic and fresh soil in a semi-shaded to shaded exposure.

The 'Koria' Hortensia is distinguished by its perfect habit and the elegance of its flowering. This shrub is barely taller than wide, reaching 1.25m (4ft 1in) in height and 1.20m (3ft 11in) in width. From July to September, these small fertile and sterile flowers, with striking dimorphism, form very graphic inflorescences, pure white with a pale mauve centre. Its lovely sterile florets form a lace crown around a tight cluster of sterile florets, ranging from green to violet. The flowering is accompanied by medium green deciduous foliage. The leaves are opposite, reaching a minimum length of about ten centimetres. They are simple, ovate to elliptical, ending in a pointed tip, with serrated edges. Hydrangeas can live for at least 50 years.

The 'Koria' Hortensia will bloom even in shade. Hydrangeas are well known for brightening the north side of houses. This one will thrive in a north or east exposure, in the morning sun, in borders as well as in hedges. This variety is suitable for cultivation in open ground or in large containers, which can be placed on the terrace or near the entrance. Although these plants dislike limestone, they are not strictly ericaceous plants. Combine 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 for a long time.

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