Hydrangea villosa (h.aspera ssp.villosa) 'ANTHONY BULLIVENT'

This beautiful hydrangea belongs to Villosa group of rough-leaved hydrangeas. This unique variety is called Anthony Bullivent. Its flowers are composed in flattened corymbs, and consist of both fertile and sterile flowers. Fertile flowers in the middle are deep purple or violet, while sterile flowers on the outer ring have pale mauve flower petals. They come out in early July and continue blooming for as long as two months.

Leaves are sizeable: 10-25 cm long, lance-shaped, margins slightly serrated, mid to deep green and densely covered with hairs. Although they are called rough the feel is rather velvety. The stems are sturdy and easily hold the mass of flowers even in long-lasting rains.

It grows slowly to medium fast and does not require pruning to maintain shape. The shrub is quite compact with a rounded, almost umbrella head. The soil has to be kept moist but well-drained, rich in organic material, preferably acid. It does well in full sun, too, if well mulched. Rough-leaved hydrangea comes from China and Tibet and withstands temperatures down to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 23-12-2008