Hydrangea macrophylla Inspire

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Inspire' is part of the You & Me range, which offers original inflorescences. This variety forms large heads characteristic of the species, but remarkable for their triple star-shaped florets, which give them a romantic touch. The colour of the inflorescences changes over time, always highlighted by the darker foliage. They bloom for long weeks and the pleasure can be extended by making beautiful dried bouquets for the house. A medium-sized bush, suitable for container or open ground cultivation, in semi-shaded exposure and cool, non-calcareous soil.

Hydrangea is certainly the most widespread plant in the Hydrangeaceae family, which includes 17 genera. Some are well-known to gardeners, such as Deutzia and Philadelphus (Mock Orange). Among the few dozen species of Hydrangea recorded in the world, shrubby or climbing (Hydrangea petiolaris for example), Hydrangea macrophylla is the most cultivated species, inspiring a true cult in Japan, where it originates, and inspiring breeders worldwide. 'Inspire' is a horticultural variety that appeared in 2014 within the You & Me range, which includes a dozen cultivars, all more attractive than the others. This Hydrangea develops into a dense medium-sized clump, generally reaching 1 m in all directions, but over time, if not pruned, it can grow up to 1.50 m or more. This relative compactness allows it to be easily grown in a container to enhance a terrace. The foliage is typical of the species with broad ovate leaves, pointed at the tip and with a roughly toothed margin. The leaves are medium to dark green, depending on the exposure, slightly glossy with visible veins. The flowering emerges in green and pale pink tones. Large inflorescences measuring 12 to 15 cm in diameter form towards the end of June and early July, composed of dozens of sterile florets that form a hemispherical dome at the end of the branches. The elongated florets are relatively narrow compared to traditional varieties, and form double or triple stars, overlapping with each other. These successive rows of florets decrease in size towards the centre, giving the inflorescence a particular sculptural lookt. As it matures, it gradually becomes more intensely pink, creating a superb contrast against the dark foliage. The flowering lasts for about seven weeks, between July and September, depending on the climatic zones, and creates beautiful dried compositions.

Hydrangeas with large heads are essential in summer and 'Inspire' is certainly one of the most charming and romantic varieties, with its intricate pink inflorescences. Plant it in a slightly shaded bed, on the edge of trees, with plants with similar needs. A beautiful Chinese Azalea 'Anneke' will offer you its trumpet-shaped, bright canary yellow and fragrant flowers in April-May, thus extending the flowering season of your bed. In autumn, its foliage will take on warm colours, prolonging the attraction. In the background, plant a specimen of the fabulous Magnolia acuminata 'Blue Baby', whose blue flower buds will never cease to amaze you every spring, before opening into beautiful green and then yellow flowers in June. And for autumn, nothing beats Camellia sasanqua 'Versicolor', which will delight you with its white flowers edged with pink and enhanced with a golden centre from October to December.