Hydrangea macrophylla Forever&Ever® 'PEPPERMINT' mop-head hydrangea

Peppermint is a very attractive hydrangea with flowers that are white, brushed pink or blue in the centre for a special bi-coloured effect. To achieve blue shade you need acidic soil with pH of 5.2-5.5, use aluminium sulphate to increase soil acidity. For pink or purple red shades your soil has to be alkaline, i.e. pH of 6.0-6.2, use dolomitic lime powder to increase pH. If you are unsure about your soil acidity buy a simple testing kit in your local DIY.

It produces large, globular, mop-head 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. The plant is compact.

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.