Hydrangea macrophylla Pinky Binder- Mophead Hydrangea

The Hydrangea macrophylla Pinky Binder is a very recent variety of American origin. It is particularly interesting due to its very compact habit, ideal for small gardens, and can be easily grown in containers on a terrace. Its deciduous foliage is dark green, and its slightly stiff stems are very strong, allowing it to easily support the large inflorescences that appear from June onwards, and bloom throughout the summer. The flowers are large, slightly flattened balls, dressed in a bright pink colour with irregular marbling in a darker shade. An ideal bush for partial shade in non-calcareous soil, preferably moist, it is hardy and extremely decorative.

Hydrangeas belong to the Hydrangeaceae family, which is named after them, and includes 17 genera, the most well-known being Deutzia and Philadelphus (Mock Orange). Hydrangeas encompass species of shrubs and climbers, mostly deciduous but with a few evergreen varieties, such as Hydrangea seemanii. The genus name comes from the Greek words hydro (water) and aggeion (vase), referring to the shape of the fruits. Among the 73 existing species, H. macrophylla is one of the most common in our parks and gardens. The native species from the eastern coast of Japan (south of Tokyo) and the neighbouring islands is not the origin of the numerous garden cultivars of Hydrangeas, as it was only introduced to Europe in 1917. It seems that modern Hydrangea cultivars descend from the Otaksa variety cultivated in Japanese gardens and imported to France in 1790.
The Pinky Binder 'Pinhydrbin12' variety is a horticultural variety obtained and introduced to the market in 2023 by Star Roses and Plants, one of the companies of the worldwide American giant Ball Horticultural Company. It is recognisable by its very compact habit, reaching a mature height and width of 1m. With moderate growth, it forms a rounded ball. The stems are fairly stiff and strong, and bear elliptical, broad deciduous leaves with pointed tips. The leaves are dark green, have a matte texture, and the veins are quite visible. This dense and dark vegetation provides a wonderful backdrop for the spectacular flowering that begins in June. The stems are adorned with very large inflorescences measuring 15cm in diameter or more, composed of numerous sterile flowers. The cream-coloured flower buds open to reveal tightly packed flowers that become pink. This colouration is marked randomly and irregularly with darker pink to fuchsia marbling, giving a unique appearance to the flowering. Moreover, the cream and pink flowers coexist for a while, further enhancing the overall marbled aspect of the plant when in full bloom.

Planted in a decorative terracotta or glazed pot, this small Hydrangea will provide a beautiful flowering display that will adorn a terrace or large balcony protected from direct sunlight. In the garden, you can place it in the second row of a flower bed. Plant clumps of perennials like Epimedium, with their sophisticated and graceful appearance and wide range of colours, at its base. Their spring flowering will precede that of your small Hydrangea, and to enjoy even earlier flowers, place a Hamamelis Aphrodite with its astonishing orange filamentous flowers in February and March in the background. Also consider autumn-flowering Camellias like Camellia sasanqua Kanjiro, whose charming semi-double flowers in bright pink with golden centres bloom from November to February, and Japanese Maples with their autumnal colours that rival the most beautiful blooms, allowing you to have an ornamental flower bed all year round!