Hydrangea macrophylla La Marne

The Hydrangea macrophylla 'La Marne' is an old variety with a beautiful Belle-Epoque charm. It is a solid and reliable plant that deserves more recognition in our gardens. This plant produces enormous flower heads with serrated flowers that appear late in the season. However, they remain decorative until the onset of winter and are perfect for fresh or dry bouquets. The flower heads boast unique and variable colours that fade beautifully. In non-limestone garden soil, they take on a slightly mauve-pink hue; in acidic soil, or with the help of a blueing treatment, they become a delightful light cobalt blue. Like all hydrangeas, it thrives in fresh and humus-rich soil. It is best planted in semi-shaded beds for maximum effect.

Hydrangea macrophylla 'La Marne' is a plant from France created in 1917 by Emile Moullière. It combines different species and varieties from the Hydrangeaceae family, originally from China and Japan. When fully grown, the plant is medium-sized and has a dense, rounded shape that's about 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) wide and tall. From July to October, it produces clusters of flowers with strongly serrated petals on rounded flower heads that can be up to 25 cm (9.8 in) in diameter. They first flower an anise green colour, then quickly turn rose-mauve in neutral soil, blue in acidic soil, or rich in aluminium sulphate. The flowers are held up by strong stems that are at least one year old. The plant's foliage is light green and relatively long, turning yellow in autumn before falling. The leaves are opposite, ovate to elliptical, and have a pointed tip and serrated edges. Hydrangeas can live for over 50 years.

The Hydrangea 'La Marne' is a lovely plant that embodies the Art Nouveau style of the early 20th century with its luxurious yet lightweight appearance. This bush has excellent hardiness and is a generous and precious blooming plant. Hydrangeas can brighten up the north side of a house, while this variety thrives in semi-shade with an east or west exposure. It can be planted in beds, hedges, or as a standalone specimen near an entrance or porch. Although it doesn't tolerate limestone well, hydrangeas can be combined with other plants to enhance their round silhouette. Enjoy their lavish blooms in the garden or indoors for a long time.