Hydrangea macrophylla Deutschland

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Deutschland' is an old vigorous and floriferous variety, forming a beautifully sized bush approximately 1.5m (5ft) in all directions, with sturdy stems. It offers large flat ball-shaped inflorescences of a beautiful bright pink in neutral soil, changing to a deep red through the season. In more acidic soil, the colour of the flowers will be more mauve. They renew themselves throughout the summer against a background of glossy, deep green foliage. This variety is hardy and easy to grow.

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Deutschland' was obtained in 1921 - not in Germany as its name might suggest - but in the Netherlands, by the horticulturist D. Baardse. It is one of many hybrids resulting from the cross-breeding of hardy species belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family, native to China and Japan. This shrub shows a generous and bushy habit, about 1.5m (5ft) in height and spread at maturity. From July to September, its sterile flowers form round and flattened inflorescences of about 20cm (8in) in diameter. Their colour ranges from deep pink-red to violet mauve depending on the acidity of the soil. They are carried by strong stems, one year or older. The flowering is accompanied by bright green foliage, taking on carmine purple hues in autumn before falling. The leaves are opposite, reaching about 10cm (4in) in length. They are simple, ovate to elliptical, ending in a pointed tip, and are strongly saw-toothed. Hydrangeas can live for at least 50 years.

'Deutschland' is a superb variety, with abundant flowering, and excellent hardiness and vigour. Hydrangeas are well known for brightening up the north side of houses. This one will thrive in a non-burning east or west exposure, in flower beds as well as hedges. This variety is suitable for cultivation in open ground or containers, which can be placed on a terrace or near an entrance. Although these plants dislike limestone, they are not strictly ericaceous plants. Pair them with bush fuchsias or annual impatiens, or plant spring-flowering bulbs in front of their round silhouette. Enjoy their sumptuous flowering in the garden or in the house for a long time.

Note: The colour of the flowers of macrophylla hydrangeas varies depending on the soil pH. Traditionally blue varieties turn pink in neutral or alkaline soil. To maintain a beautiful blue colour, mix ericaceous soil with your garden soil and apply aluminium sulphate (slate contains it) or alum stone every spring.