Hydrangea macrophylla Immaculata

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Immaculata' is an excellent white hydrangea, very floriferous, that displays immaculate white flower balls on attractive foliage, with a shiny dark blue-green colour. With a moderate growth rate and resistance to frost, this variety is suitable for both ground and container cultivation. It is a bright bush for partial shade that performs best in neutral to slightly acidic, rich and moist soil.

'Immaculata' is a German horticultural variety selected in 1951 by Steiniger. This bush is derived from the species H. macrophylla, among others. All these hardy plants belong to the Hydrangeaceae family. 'Immaculata' has a rounded and dense habit, reaching about 1.2m (4ft) in all directions at maturity. Its abundant flowering starts around mid-July, then renews until September. Its almost globular inflorescences, 10cm (4in) in diameter, are composed of numerous sterile flowers packed tightly together. Their colour changes from light green to pure white. The flowering spreads over deciduous foliage with a shiny green colour, which turns yellow in autumn before falling. The leaves are opposite, reaching at least 15cm (6in) in length. They are simple, elliptical, ending in a pointed tip, and coarsely toothed like a saw. Hydrangeas can live for at least 50 years.

'Immaculata', a classic feature of romantic flower beds, is a generous plant that will make a strong impression both in the ground and in pots on a terrace or balcony. Tolerating sea spray well, it is highly recommended in a humid coastal garden. Hydrangeas are well known for brightening up the north side of houses. This one will thrive in a non-burning east or west exposure, in flower beds as well as hedges. Even though they fear limestone, hydrangeas are not strictly speaking acid-loving plants. Plant them with Magellan fuchsias, pieris, annual impatiens, or lilies, or plant spring-flowering bulbs and Omphalodes verna with forget-me-not-like flowers in front of their round silhouette. Enjoy their sumptuous flowering for a long time in the garden or indoors.