Hydrangea macrophylla Pearl

Just like other varieties from the Magical series, the Hydrangea macrophylla Magical Pearl offers flowers with changing tones. Its pomponed flowers, green at bloom, successively turn pure white, then to lime green, before fading to almond green. Its generous flowering lasts all summer. It is perfect for creating fresh or dry bouquets. Its compact habit is well suited for cultivation in large containers or shaded massifs, in non-limestone soil.

Hydrangea macrophylla Magical Pearl is one of the many hybrids obtained by cross-breeding the species H. macrophylla and H. aspera, among others. All these hardy plants belong to the Hydrangeaceae family, originating from China and Japan. 'Magical Pearl' is part of a series of cultivars selected for their flowers changing colours with the seasons. This bush shows a compact habit, wider than tall, 100 cm (39.4 in) high for 120 cm (47.2 in) wide. Depending on growing conditions, it may reach 1.25 m (4 ft 1 in) tall in 10 years. From June to September, these small fertile and sterile flowers, with striking dimorphism, form pale green pompons, then pure white. These charming pompons will turn to lime green and almond green in a texture that resembles paper. The flowering is accompanied by a dark green, deciduous leaf. The leaves are opposite; they reach a minimum of ten centimetres in length. They are single, ovate to elliptical, ending in a pointed tip, serrated.

The Magical Pearl Hydrangea has excellent hardiness. 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 borders or hedges. This variety is particularly suited for container cultivation, which can be placed on the terrace or near the entrance of a property. Even though these plants are not fond of limestone, they are not strictly ericaceous plants. Combine them with magellanica fuchsias, annual impatiens, or plant spring-flowering bulbs in front of their round silhouette.