Hydrangea macrophylla So Long Ebony

The 'So Long Ebony' is a new hybrid of hydrangea that combines the characteristics of its two parents. The Hydrangea serrata has passed on its resistance to cold and its ability to flower on the same year's wood, while the more familiar 'H. macrophylla' is responsible for the opulence and beauty of its flower heads. This variant boasts almost black stems that accentuate its early and prolonged flowering, made up of pink-violet or blue balls of flowers, depending on the soil type, which fade into lovely shades. With vigorous growth but not encumbering, this highly floriferous shrub can easily fit in a small garden or a container on the terrace, preferably in semi-shaded areas. 

The Hydrangea serrata are mountainous plants native to cool and humid climates. They are resistant to cold (-20°C) and are less sensitive to late frosts than the large leaf Hydrangeas. All belong to the Hydrangeaceae family. Presenting itself as a bushy shrub, rounded to erect, the hydrangea 'So Long Ebony' will reach about 1.25 m (4 ft 1 in) in all directions, depending on growing conditions. It flowers from early on the shoots of the year. Its globular panicles, about 15 cm (5.9 in) wide, bloom from June. If the bush is pruned slightly after the first flowering, it should re-flower later in the summer. The sterile florets that make up the flower head measure about 3 cm (1.2 in) in diameter. Their colour depends on the soil's acidity and the presence or absence of aluminium sulphate. Without 'blueing' fertiliser, pink-violet flowers appear in neutral or slightly chalky soil but blue otherwise. They fade after 3 weeks in a beautiful green tone splashed with cream. This hydrangea has very dark branches, large ovate, and dentate leaves of medium green colour, which fall in autumn. Note that hydrangeas are robust plants that can live at least 50 years. 

Particularly appreciating cool soils and semi-shade exposure, the Hydrangea So Long Ebony, planted alone or in the company of its brother 'So Long Rosy', brings a beautiful romantic touch to a garden bathed in freshness. Its moderate growth allows it to be planted near the house, in the ground, and in a container on the terrace or near the entrance, where it will be admired. Hydrangeas are well known for brightening up the north side of houses. This one will also enjoy an east or west exposure, not burning, in borders and hedges. Even though they aren't fond of limestone, hydrangeas are not strictly ericaceous plants; they like humus-rich, fertile, fresh soils. Pair them, for example, with fuchsias magellanica, annual impatiens, lilies, Pieris, and Sarcococca, or plant spring-flowering bulbs in front of their round silhouette. Enjoy their sumptuous flowering in the garden or the house. Their dried flowers, kept out of the light, are fabulous in bouquets.