Cardiandra Bunches of the Sky

Cardiandra 'Bunches of the Sky' is a horticultural hybrid derived from a plant that is still largely unknown outside the community of collectors. This perennial of Asian origin, similar to Hydrangeas, is a deciduous herbaceous plant that grows in moist, neutral to acidic soil, in a shady position. It forms a low clump, wider than it is tall, filled with long dark green leaves. At the end of summer, inflorescences composed of small pink flowers appear, some sterile and others fertile, rising above the vegetation. Cardiandra is hardy and can be grown in the ground under the shade of bushes and in pots on a shady terrace.

Cardiandra is a little-known genus in the small family of Hydrangeaceae, which includes the large group of Hydrangeas, as well as some common genera like Deutzia or Philadelphus. The Cardiandra genus only has a few species, the most common in cultivation being C. alternate, of which several cultivars are known, while the others are botanical species: C. formosana, C. moellendorfii, C. amamoshimiensis...
The 'Bunches of Sky' variety is the result of an uncertain cross-breeding between two Cardiandra plants, which has benefited the flowering and hardiness of the plant. It can withstand temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F) to -18°C (-0.4°F), allowing it to be planted almost anywhere, sheltered from strong winds. This original perennial forms a fairly dense clump, 50 cm (20in) tall and 70 cm (28in) wide, consisting of branching and upright stems. It bears oval leaves, about ten centimetres long or more, with pointed tips and serrated edges. They are dark green, arranged alternately and carried by short petioles. In late summer, reddish floral stems appear, bearing corymbs of small, pink sterile and fertile flowers. This is similar to hydrangeas, thus marking their close relationship. The pink inflorescences tower above the dark foliage, creating a real spectacle.

Cardiandra 'Bunches of the Sky' is suitable for a shady bed and makes a beautiful and original potted plant when its rosy cloud of flowers blooms for several weeks in September and October. It pairs well with acid-loving plants, as it generally shares the same needs. You can place it at the edge of a bed, under the protective shade of bushes such as Witch Hazels with their magnificent autumn colours. To achieve a year-round flowering bed, add Azaleas with spring blossoms. Other shade-loving perennials will also make good companions, such as Hostas with their decorative leaves. Hosta tardiana Halcyon with its large blue leaves will create a stunning contrast with the green vegetation of the Cardiandra, while its mauve blooms will precede the Cardiandra's.