Hydrangea macrophylla Magical Revolution Blue

The Hydrangea macrophylla Magical 'Revolution Blue' is part of a group of recent hybrids, where the flowers change colour over time. In this 'Blue' version, the flowers are formed in light blue pompons, then gradually turn to green mixed with purple-violet, then to purple, before fading into softer shades. Its generous flowering lasts all summer or even into autumn. Its compact habit is perfect for container cultivation, on a terrace or indoors. It is also ideal for a shady flower bed in acidic soil rich in aluminium sulphate. It is also a very hardy plant, robust and resistant to sun and rain.

The Hydrangea macrophylla from which 'Magical Revolution' is derived belongs to the hydrangea family and is native to China and Japan. 'Revolution' is part of a series of' Magical' varieties, selected for their compact habit and changing flowers. It's a hardy bush with a very compact habit, barely taller than wide, measuring about 1 m (3 ft 4 in) in height and 90 cm (35.4 in) in breadth at maturity. It can reach 1.25 m in height in 10 years, depending on growing conditions. In June, the small sterile flowers form dense bouquets, gathered into large light blue pompons with a small greenish-white bud at their heart. Then these charming flower heads will gradually turn to purple-violet, then fade, in early autumn, into a texture resembling paper. The ball-shaped flowers form a beautiful bouquet in a gradient of hues. When grown in pots indoors after forcing for early flowering, the flowers bloom for almost 5 months. The flowering is accompanied by dark green foliage, which falls in autumn. The leaves are opposite; they reach a minimum of ten centimetres in length. They are single, ovate to elliptical, dentate, ending in a pointed tip. 

With excellent hardiness, the Magical hydrangeas are also very resistant to weather conditions and perfect for brightening up the north side of houses. This variety will be happy in flower beds and low hedges in the morning sun or partial shade. This variety is particularly suited to container cultivation, which can be placed on the terrace or near the entrance of a property. To keep its flowers their beautiful blue colour, it will be essential to plant them in very acidic soil or to give them 'blueing' fertiliser. Pair it with magellanica fuchsias, annual impatiens, or plant spring-flowering bulbs in front of their round silhouette. Enjoy its long-lasting and beautiful flowers in the conservatory, garden or at home in bouquets.

Note: The colour of the flowers of Hydrangea macrophylla varies according to the PH of the soil. Traditionally blue varieties turn pink in neutral or alkaline soil. Mix ericaceous compost into your garden soil to maintain a beautiful blue colour. Add aluminium sulphate (slate contains it) or alum stone in spring.