Hydrangea quercifolia Amethyst

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Amethyst' is a vigorous variety of Oakleaf Hydrangea, appreciated for its large cream-white inflorescences and beautiful autumn colours. Its large panicles turn pink, then red and purple as they fade, creating a remarkable symphony of colour with the autumn foliage. It is a beautiful deciduous shrub, decorative for nine months out of twelve. Like all "oakleaf" hydrangeas, this hydrangea is undemanding in terms of soil and climate.

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Amethyst' is similar to 'Snow Queen', but the plant is slightly more vigorous and its inflorescences have more large decorative sterile florets. The species, Hydrangea quercifolia, from the hydrangea family, is mainly native to the southwest United States, particularly the Mississippi Valley. It can be found growing on cliffs, in moist woods, in ravines, and along riverbanks, from Georgia to Louisiana, through Florida. It is a large deciduous shrub, reaching a height of 4m in its natural habitat and spreading up to 3.50m in width through the production of shoots. It is characterised by large lobed leaves, which resemble oak leaves. It is appreciated for its superb autumn colours and its large upright white panicles composed of small frothy fertile flowers surrounded by larger fertile florets. In the garden, it is one of the easiest hydrangeas to grow: it is hardy beyond -20°C, tolerates some limestone in the soil, and can withstand heat and occasionally dry soil in summer if it is deep.

The 'Amethyst' cultivar was discovered in the United States by Dr. Michael Dirr near Cincinnati, Ohio. It has upright conical inflorescences that are 15cm long, with cream-white fertile florets that quickly turn wine red if the plant receives some sun. This colour is long-lasting on the plant or in fresh or dried bouquets. Flowering begins in June-July, depending on the climate, on old wood. The compact shrub reaches between 1.50m and 1.80m in all directions. The large, dark green, 12-14cm long leaves are deeply lobed with coarsely toothed edges. In late summer, they take on fantastic shades of red to violet before falling in October. The bark of this variety peels over time, revealing a new and shiny cinnamon-coloured wood, which is decorative in winter.

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Amethyst' likes slightly sunny exposures that will enhance its autumn colours. It can be used in shrub borders or an informal hedge. It can be associated with paniculate hydrangeas, as well as with guelder roses (Viburnum opulus) or wild barberries (Berberis sauvages).