Hydrangea macrophylla Dolce Farfalle

Hydrangea macrophylla Dolce® Farfalle ('Dolfarf') is part of a new series of hydrangeas called Dolce®, selected for their compact habit, floribundity, and the aesthetic of their large, heavily dentate fertile florets. It is a well-branched bush with a rounded habit, which forms numerous round inflorescences from June onwards. The blooms are not very large but are composed of large, dentate flowers in a bright and fresh pink, slightly bluish in acidic soil. They bloom abundantly until July, then more sporadically again in August-September. Like all hydrangeas, it prefers limestone-poor soils. It will find its place in a large pot on a terrace or balcony, as well as in semi-shaded flower beds.

Hydrangea macrophylla Dolce Farfalle ('Dolfarf') is a recent French creation attributed to Marie-France DOLL. It is a hybrid obtained through the cross-breeding of hardy species and varieties belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family, native to China and Japan. This compact shrub has a rounded habit, as wide as it is tall, reaching approximately 1.2m (4ft) in all directions at maturity. From June to September, its sterile flowers with heavily dentate petals form round inflorescences, 10 to 12cm (4 to 5in) in diameter and true pink in colour, which take on mauve reflections in acidic soil and elegantly fade to cream tones. They are borne by sturdy stems aged one year or more. The flowering occurs on rather elongated beautiful light green foliage, taking on orange 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 heavily serrated. Hydrangeas can live for at least 50 years.

Dolce Farfalle brings a touch of whimsy to the range of pink hydrangeas. It has excellent hardiness and a cheerful flowering. Hydrangeas are well known for brightening 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 in containers, which can be placed on a terrace or near an entrance. Although these plants dislike limestone, they are not strictly speaking ericaceous plants. Pair them with magellanica 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.