Hydrangea macrophylla Forever&Ever 'BLUE HEAVEN'^®

The ecstasy about Endless Summer^® hydrangea has not faded away yet and we are already bringing a new collection of hydrangeas with similar qualities in a wider range of colours and partly improved performance. They all belong to a group called Forever&Ever^® and include only those hydrangeas that have proved extended blooming time and excellent hardiness. They were collected by a group of enthusiasts and include plants from different breeders.

Blue Heaven^® comes from the Netherlands and has the typical mop-head flowers that are heavenly blue if grown in acidic soil with pH 5.2-5.5. If you are unsure about your soil acidity buy a simple testing kit and if needed add some aluminium sulphate to reduce the pH which will increase the acidity.

Blue Heaven^® flowers on both old and new wood so you don’t have to worry about pruning or unexpected frost or any other damage. You will always have flowers. This variety is supposed to start blooming on the first hot days of spring which can be as early as May, and will continue until the first frosts. Deadheading will enhance flowering and speed up forming of new flower buds. The leaves are deep green and thicker compared to common hydrangea. Branches are strong and always upright, never drooping with the weight of flowers.

Grow it in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, you should never let the soil dry out especially in the first year before it gets established. The name hydrangea suggests it will need a lot of water but should never stand in water in heavy clay soil. It will love part shade or filtered sunlight, you can also grow it in full sun if you provide extra watering on hot days. Good mulch is advisable at all times. Fertilizing is crucial for this type of hydrangea if you want a pretty plant with many flowers. Fully hardy to -27°C (USDA zone 5b).

Last update 11-02-2010.