Hydrangea French Bolero

Hydrangea 'French Bolero' is a brand new hybrid hydrangea that is very different from traditional ball-shaped hydrangeas. This variety, which comes from France, has a unique characteristic inherited from its parent, Hydrangea scandens: the flowers not only bloom at the end of its branches, but also along the stems, at the axil of the leaves. Its other parent, H. macrophylla, has passed on its large fertile florets in soft shades of pink or blue depending on the soil, turning to lime-green. Adorned with garlands of flowers throughout the summer, this modest-sized shrub, graceful and light, is an excellent candidate for terrace decoration or a small garden.

Hydrangea 'French Bolero' was first presented in Germany at the international IPM Essen fair in late January 2019, where it won the bronze medal in the 'Show your colours' competition, and then the gold medal in the Innovert competition at the plant fair in Nantes. This selection is the result of a collaboration between the producers of the HW2 Hydrangea Worldwide association and research from Angers. Its first parent is the ball-shaped hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) that we know well, and the second is H. scandens, native to Japan, which forms small bushes with a spreading or trailing habit. All of these shrubs belong to the Hydrangea family.

'French Bolero' is a very hardy bush with a bushy but flexible habit, about as wide as it is tall, reaching approximately 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) in all directions. Its flowering spreads continuously from June-July to September. It takes the form of large inflorescences in plateaus, composed of a few tiny fertile florets in the shape of buds surrounded by numerous much larger sterile florets with four petals. They appear at the end of the branches, as well as at each lateral bud present on these branches. In slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.5 to 7), they will take on a pale lavender-pink hue. In acidic soil, on the contrary (pH < 6.5), their colour will be a pale blue. Before fading, these florets take on beautiful pastel yellow-green tones. The foliage turns yellow in autumn before falling. In summer, the flowering is accompanied by dark green foliage: the leaves are opposite, small for a hydrangea, single, with an oval to elliptical shape, ending in a tapered point and edged with teeth. This 'French Bolero' variety has good longevity.

Hydrangeas are sturdy and loyal plants that live and flower for many years in the garden. These shrubs are well known for brightening up the north side of houses. This 'French Bolero' variety is a wonderful terrace and balcony plant that will also thrive in flower beds. It truly deserves a prime location, near the house or close to the entrance. Even though these shrubs dislike limestone, hydrangeas are not strictly speaking acid-loving plants; they tolerate neutral soils. Pair them with bush fuchsias, or the curious Fuchsia hatschbachii, a climbing species, Lilies, and liriopes, or plant spring-flowering bulbs in front of their round silhouette. Enjoy their beautiful flowers for a long time, in the garden or in bouquets at home.