Hydrangea macrophylla Mariesii Perfecta

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mariesii Perfecta' is undoubtedly the best among the Mariesii flat-headed hydrangea varieties. This bush quickly forms a large, somewhat spreading shrub. It charms with its vigour, resistance to cold, and abundant flowering. Its elegant inflorescences are large plateaus of budding flowers in the centre, surrounded by well-opened florets on the periphery, whose colour varies from blue to mauve or pink depending on the acidity of the soil. Covered with flowers from July to September, adorned with pretty colours at the end of flowering, this variety within the reach of all gardeners does not disappoint. Plant 'Mariesii Perfecta' in isolation, in a large semi-shaded bed, or in a hedge, as it requires space to give its full measure!

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mariesii Perfecta' is an excellent hardy and particularly vigorous hybrid. Hydrangeas belong to the Hydrangeaceae family, and are native to China and Japan. After a few years, 'Mariesii Perfecta' forms a large bush with a rounded and spreading habit, supported by solid branches that support the weight of the flowers without weakening. It will eventually reach about 2m (7ft) in height and 2.5m (8ft) in width, under optimal conditions. From July to September, flattened inflorescences, 12 to 15cm (5 to 6in) wide, appear in large numbers on one-year-old wood. The inflorescences are corymbs composed of fertile flowers similar to small buds, and larger, more conspicuous sterile flowers located on the periphery. In acidic soil, these sterile flowers turn lilac or blue, and the fertile flowers in the centre will be a little clearer. In neutral to slightly calcareous soil, the flowers will be coloured lilac pink, quite common in hydrangeas. The wilted flowers can show interesting colours in autumn. The flowering is spread over large, shiny, rounded, light green, dentate foliage, which takes on beautiful colours in autumn before falling. The leaves are opposite, reaching 15cm (6in) in length. They are single, ovate to elliptical, ending in a pointed tip, and roughly serrated. Hydrangeas can live at least 50 years.

'Mariesii Perfecta' is a very beautiful plant that will be noticed and admired in a cool and shaded area of the garden. It finds its place in a corner of the garden, at the back of a bed, in a large informal hedge, in isolation near a doorway, or against a north wall. It will enjoy an east or west exposure that is not burning. Even though these plants dread limestone, hydrangeas are not strictly speaking ericaceous plants, as they appreciate rich soils. Combine them with Japanese maples, ferns, Japanese anemones, lilies, foxgloves, and annual impatiens. Alternatively, plant spring-flowering bulbs in front of their round silhouette. Enjoy their sumptuous flowering in the garden or in the house for a very long time. 

Advice : Don't prune too early! Leave the dried inflorescences on the plant to protect the new vegetation and future flowers. Remove the dried flowers after the spring frosts. 

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. To preserve a beautiful blue colour, mix ericaceous soil with your garden soil. Add aluminium sulphate (slate contains it) or alum stone every year in spring.