Hydrangea aspera Velvet & Lace

The Hydrangea aspera villosa Velvet & Lace is a variety of Hydrangea that exudes a romantic charm. This medium-sized bush is covered in summer and until autumn with large clusters of violet, mauve, and lilac flowers, a harmonious blend of colours enhanced by the long slender green leaves. This bush does not necessarily require ericaceous soil to grow, a neutral, humus-rich, and moist soil suits it perfectly. Above all, it needs to be protected from drought, especially atmospheric dryness, by providing it with shade from trees and regularly watering it during hot periods. Hardy to about -18°C (-0.4 °F), it deserves to be more widely distributed in our gardens.

Originally from China, the Hydrangea villosa is a plant with confusing taxonomy, sometimes considered as a separate species, sometimes as a subspecies or variety of Hydrangea aspera, or Rough-leaved Hydrangea (due to its rough-textured leaves). It belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family, from which it gets its name, but which also includes other genera, some of which are of ornamental interest, such as the very popular Philadelphus and Deutzia, with their numerous decorative varieties. Or the less common Carpenteria and Kirengeshoma, as well as the Schizophragma or climbing False Hydrangea, so similar to the real one, Hydrangea petiolaris, favoured by garden enthusiasts. Its young branches and lanceolate leaves are hairy and soft to the touch. In summer, the bush bears numerous flat, umbel-shaped flower heads about 15 cm (5.9 in) in diameter, also called lacecaps. The flower heads have a central cluster of intense mauve fertile flowers and peripheral thin sterile flowers, called pseudoflowers, in pale mauve pink.

Velvet & Lace is a horticultural improvement of the species. This medium-sized bush, reaching about 2.50 m (8 ft 2 in) in all directions after 10 years of planting, has a slightly wild appearance, quite different from the round-headed Hydrangeas with smooth and glossy leaves. It has large elongated leaves up to 25 cm (9.8 in) long, with a matte green colour due to the fuzz that covers them. Of medium growth, it grows somewhat irregularly, making it easy to integrate into a natural garden. This bush is particularly appreciated for its long flowering period, which extends from July to September, or even October. It is covered with flat flower heads composed of fertile flowers in the centre, ranging in colour from lilac to violet, with blue stamens standing out. On the periphery, mauve sterile florets develop, and the resulting clusters resemble certain Viburnum flowers (such as V. sargentii 'Onondaga', for example) more than the large heads of the classic Hydrangea macrophylla.

This deciduous bush does not have the same soil requirements, it can grow in neutral soil and does not necessarily need acidic soil like ericaceous soil as many other species do. However, it does need some shade, as it is sensitive to soil and air dryness. Shading from trees is preferable to that provided by a wall, and its architecture will blend well with a planting on the edge of trees, creating vegetation layers reminiscent of those found in nature. Quite hardy, at least down to -18°C (-0.4 °F), it is a low-maintenance plant, except for regular watering in summer and some pruning in late winter to remove faded flowers and dry stems at the centre.

The Hydrangea aspera villosa Velvet & Lace will appeal to enthusiasts of aesthetically pleasing plants with a not-too-sophisticated appearance, with a natural habit that is easy to incorporate into a rural environment. Plant it on the edge of an woodland, at the back of a bed, or under tall trees, in a cool atmosphere mixed with other plants with similar needs. It will be perfect on the edge of trees like the Liquidambars, whose warm autumn colours will extend its flowering season. The fabulous Nyssa sylvatica will also be a good companion in the background, while you can plant perennials at the base of your Velvet & Lace. A charming Thalictrum, with delicate and airy flowers, or a delicate Bleeding Heart with white or pink flowers, or even the highly graphic Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum multiflorum) with its arched stems bearing clusters of white bells, will all be plants that will give your natural bed its character.