Hydrangea macrophylla Madame Plumecoq

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Madame Plumecoq' (1900 collection) is a classic variety of big-leaf hydrangea that wonderfully expresses the old-fashioned charm of the Belle Époque. Renowned for its flowering and vigour, this opulent bush is adorned with pom-poms of a delicate pink with apricot nuances that gradually turn to cream. As they fade, the flowers fade into green tones, sometimes sprinkled with red. In autumn, the foliage takes on bronze shades. Superb in a romantic garden, its flowers also make dry or fresh bouquets for the house. 

'Madame Plumecoq' is derived from Hydrangea macrophylla. All hydrangeas belong to the Hydrangeaceae family, and are native to China and Japan.

'Madame Plumecoq' has a rounded and wide habit. It will reach about 1.2m (4ft) in height with a spread of 1.4m (5ft) by the age of 10 years. Its strong branches easily support the weight of the flowers. The flowering of this variety begins in early August and continues until October. It is particularly abundant, produced by one-year-old branches. The spherical inflorescences reach 10cm (4in) in diameter, and are composed of many sterile flowers tightly packed together. The pH of the soil slightly influences their colours: a very acidic soil can give flowers a slightly mauve pink. The deciduous foliage is bright green and slightly glossy. At the end of the season, it turns to yellow and bronze before falling. The leaves are opposite, and reach a minimum of 15cm (6in) in length. They are single, elliptical, ending in a tapered point, and are roughly dentate. Hydrangeas can live for at least 50 years. This variety resists frosts down to -12°C (10.4°F). 

'Madame Plumecoq', a classic of flower beds and romantic bouquets, is a generous plant, which will make a great impact in the ground as well as in a container on a terrace or balcony. Withstanding sea spray well, it is ideal in a wet coastal garden. Hydrangeas are well known for brightening the north side of houses. This one will enjoy an east or west exposure that is not burning, in beds and hedges. Even though they fear limestone, hydrangeas are not strictly acid soil plants; they like rich and humiferous soils. Plant them with magellanica fuchsias, pieris, annual impatiens, or lilies, or plant spring-flowering bulbs and Omphalodes verna in front of their round silhouette. Enjoy their sumptuous flowering in the garden or in the house for a long time.