Hydrangea macrophylla Magical Amethyst

The Hydrangea, scientifically known as Hydrangea macrophylla 'Magical Amethyst', belongs to a series of flowers that offer constantly changing shades throughout the seasons. The flowers of this plant range from pink mauve to green, and the colour depends on the soil type. The plant will adopt more pink or mauve shades associated with different tones of green. The pom-pom flowers of this plant initially appear apple green at blooming, then turn pink to mauve mixed with apple green to bluish green, and finally fade to almond green at the end of autumn. The plant blooms generously throughout the summer and is perfect for making fresh or dry bouquets. The plant's compact habit makes it suitable for growing in large containers or shaded mass plantings in non-lime soil.

The 'Magical Amethyst' comes from the Hydrangea macrophylla plant, native to China and Japan. This hardy bush is wider than it is tall and grows up to 100 cm (39.4 in) in height and 120 cm (47.2 in) in spread, with the potential to reach a height of 1.25 m (4 ft 1 in) in 10 years given the right conditions.

In June, the plant produces small, bright apple green pom-poms in dense clusters with a small bud in their centre that will change colour. These pom-poms gradually become bicoloured, with bright pink or violet-purple mixed with light and bluish-green. They eventually turn pale pink or greyish-mauve and fade into a paper-like texture by early autumn. The flowers then take on a soft almond-green shade. The plant's dark green, deciduous foliage accompanies the flowering. Its leaves are opposite, ovoid to elliptical, and jagged, reaching a minimum of ten centimetres long and ending in a pointed tip.

Hydrangeas are hardy plants that can brighten up the north side of houses. They can be planted in mass or as hedges and are perfect for container gardening on terraces or near entryways. Although they don't do well in lime soil, they don't require ericaceous compost either. You can pair them with fuchsia magellanica, annual impatiens, or plant spring-flowering bulbs in front of their round silhouette. They have beautiful flowers that last a long time and can be enjoyed in the garden or as part of a bouquet in your home.