Hydrangea macrophylla Gräfin Cosel - Mophead Hydrangea

The Hydrangea or Hydrangea macrophylla 'Gräfin Cosel' is a recent variety that initially develops young green and chocolate brown foliage before offering round inflorescences in contrasting white and shades of red oscillating towards pink. It forms a relatively compact bush of medium size, to be planted in isolation, on the edge of trees, or in a bed with other shrubs or perennial plants. Its foliage turns yellow in autumn, adding to its charm. Very hardy, this Hydrangea should be planted in a semi-shaded position, in neutral to acidic soil.

The Hydrangea macrophylla is a deciduous bush, native to Japan, where its beauty has been appreciated for centuries and mentioned in poems dating back to the 8th century! In this country that attaches great importance to plants, festivals are even dedicated to this bush. It is found in the wild on the island of Honshu (which is home to the capital Tokyo), and it was introduced to Europe around 1789.
This 'Gräfin Cosel' Hydrangea is a recent German variety from the SAXON series. It has a medium growth rate, forming a relatively compact bush, about 1.50 m in height and 1.20 m wide after 10 years, with glossy dark green foliage, coloured brown in spring and yellow in autumn. The stems are robust, allowing them to support the large ball-shaped inflorescences. These are made up of bicoloured flowers, white and red, evolving towards pink, grouped in inflorescences about twenty centimetres in diameter. They provide a strong contrast of colour against the dark mass of foliage. This Hydrangea, like all H. macrophylla, is not a strictly heather soil plant, but it prefers neutral to acidic soils, rich in humus. It is fairly hardy (-17 °C). While severe frosts can damage the tips of the branches, they easily regrow after pruning in spring. Easy to grow, it can live for a very long time.

The 'Gräfin Cosel' Hydrangea, a must-have for garden beds, offers an abundance of flowers that capture attention when paired with other shrubs in non-limestone soils. To bring the garden to life, it is wise to surround it with plants that bloom at different times of the year. At the beginning of the year, 'Hamamélis 'Diane' brightens up the short days of February with its delicate red flowers on bare wood. In spring, from February to April, the Camellia 'Tom Pouce' brings a romantic touch with its pink flowers edged in white, followed in May and June by a Kalmia, or mountain laurel. 'Gräfin Cosel' illuminates its foliage with beautiful inflorescences from June to September. To end the year, an Autumn Camellia with fully open petals and a bright yellow stamen heart is ideal.