Hydrangea macrophylla Hovaria Elleair Anniversary

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Elleair Anniversary' is a somewhat whimsical hydrangea. It is a worthy descendant of 'Hanabi' with its large flat inflorescences scattered with double and beautifully starry florets. Initially white and then usually pale-pink, these stars can be more mauve or even bluish when the bush is planted in very acidic soil. It is a wide, medium-sized but vigorous and floriferous hydrangea, which will work wonders in cool and slightly shaded areas of the garden. 

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Elleair Anniversary' is one of the many hybrids obtained from H. macrophylla and H. serrata, among others. The Hydrangeaceae family is native to China and Japan. This variety is characterised by vigorous growth, excellent floribundity, and prolonged flowering. It generally blooms from early July on the current year's shoots. It is therefore less sensitive to late frosts, although it dislikes very continental climates. This shrub is as tall as it is wide, reaching about 1.5m (5ft) in all directions at maturity, with fairly rapid growth. Its stems sometimes tend to become horizontal with age. Its flat inflorescences measure 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10in) in diameter. The star-shaped double sterile florets are particularly decorative. The tiny fertile florets, on the other hand, resemble small green buds. The flowering is accompanied by dense, bright green, deciduous foliage that falls in autumn. Hydrangeas can live for at least 50 years.

'Elleair Anniversary' is a magnificent hardy variety, perfect for shaded areas. Hydrangeas are well known for brightening the north side of houses. This one thrives in the east in morning sun, or in the north, in flower beds as well as hedges. This variety is suitable for cultivation in open ground as well as in large containers placed on a terrace or near an entrance. Although they fear limestone, hydrangeas are not strictly ericaceous plants. They thrive in all non-limestone but rich soils. Pair them with magellanica fuchsias, annual impatiens, or ferns, or plant spring-flowering bulbs in front of their round silhouette. Enjoy their sumptuous flowering in the garden or in fresh or dried bouquets in the house for a long time.

Note: The colour of hydrangea macrophylla flowers varies depending on the soil pH. Traditionally blue varieties turn pink in neutral or alkaline soil. To maintain a beautiful blue colour, mix ericaceous soil with your garden soil and apply aluminium sulphate (slate contains it) or alum stone every spring.