Hydrangea macrophylla Magical Coral

The Hydrangea macrophylla Magical Coral Rosa is part of a group of recent hybrids whose flowers change colour over time. Its flowers display a versatile colour scheme dominated by pink and green: initially pure green, they gradually turn pink, then dark green mixed with cherry red before fading into softer tones. Its generous flowering lasts throughout the summer and even into autumn. Its remarkably compact habit makes it perfect for container cultivation on the terrace or indoors. It also works wonders in a shaded bed. It is a hardy plant, robust and resistant even to the sun and bad weather. Planting in acidic soil will produce slightly blue flowers instead of pink ones. 

Hydrangea macrophylla belongs to the hydrangea family. It is native to China and Japan. 'Coral' is part of a series of varieties called 'Magical', selected for their compact habit and remarkable colour-changing flowers. It is a structured bush, very hardy, with a very compact habit, just slightly taller than wide, measuring about 1m (3 ft 4 in) to 1.20m (3 ft 11 in) in height and 90cm (35.4 in) to 1.10m (3 ft 7 in) in spread at maturity. Depending on the growing conditions, it can reach a maximum height and spread of 1.50m (4 ft 11 in) in all directions at a rate of 10 to 20cm (3.9 to 7.9 in) per year. From June to July, small sterile flowers form dense clusters, gathered in large pompoms of pure green colour, with a small bluish bud at their centre. Then these lovely flower heads gradually turn pink, green again, darker green and finally cherry red, fading into duller colours in early autumn, in a texture resembling paper. A beautiful bouquet can be created using the 'globes' of flowers in different flowering stages. If grown in pots indoors after being forced for early flowering, the flowers will bloom for almost five months. The flowers are accompanied by dark green foliage that falls in autumn. The leaves are opposite and have a minimum length of about ten centimetres. They are simple, ovate to elliptical, toothed, and end in a pointed tip.

With excellent hardiness, 'Magical' hydrangeas are also very resistant to bad weather and perfect for brightening up the north side of houses. This variety will thrive in beds and low hedges, in the morning sun or in partial shade. It is particularly suitable for container cultivation, which can be placed on the terrace or near the entrance. Its flowers will remain pink in non-limestone soil but with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Pair it with magellanica fuchsias, annual impatiens, or plant spring-flowering bulbs in front of their round silhouette. Enjoy its magnificent flowers for a long time, in the conservatory, garden, or home, in bouquets.

Note: The colour of hydrangea macrophylla flowers varies depending on the soil's pH. Traditionally blue varieties turn pink in neutral or alkaline soil. To maintain a beautiful blue colour, mix ericaceous compost with your garden soil and apply aluminium sulphate (found in slate) or alum stone every spring.