Hydrangea macrophylla Light My Fire- Mophead Hydrangea

The Hydrangea or Hydrangea macrophylla Black Diamonds 'Light My Fire' is a variety with striking and highly contrasting colours. It has a dark foliage of chocolate brown and develops bicoloured flowers in summer, initially green and gradually turning white with dark red edges. This variety exhibits a rather slow growth, a compact and well-balanced habit, and a long-lasting summer flowering that is resistant to harsh weather conditions. It can be planted in the garden or in a large pot on the terrace, in mild sun or partial shade, in ordinary soil that is not too chalky.

The Hydrangea macrophylla Black Diamonds 'Light My Fire' is a recent creation resulting from the cross-breeding of the H. macrophylla and H. serrata species, among others. All these hardy plants belong to the hydrangea family and are native to China and Japan.

This bush has a rounded and ramified habit, as wide as it is tall, reaching approximately 1m in all directions. From July to September, its small sterile flowers form spherical inflorescences measuring 20 to 25 cm in diameter, slightly convex. The colour palette varies from green to white and red. The flowering beautifully contrasts with the waxy-textured foliage that is highly glossy, deeply veined, and very dark green, strongly tinged with brown and black throughout the season. The deciduous leaves are opposite, reaching a minimum length of about fifteen centimetres. They are simple, ovate to elliptical, with a pointed tip and coarsely dentate margins. Hydrangeas can live for at least 50 years.

'Light My Fire' Hydrangea fascinates with the brilliance of its contrasts. Hydrangeas are well-known for brightening the north side of houses. This variety will thrive in a non-scorching east or west exposure, both in flower beds and hedges. It is well-suited for container cultivation, whether placed on the terrace in a beautiful pot or near the entrance. Given its intensity, pair 'Light My Fire' with plants with green foliage or solid-coloured flowers, either white or red, to calm the ambiance while harmonising with it. Consider Chinese Azaleas, Lilies, Tulips, or the simple flowers of the soft yellow Cape Fuchsia or Phygelius 'Yellow Sovereign'. Enjoy its long-lasting flowering in the garden or indoors.