Hydrangea macrophylla Wudu

The Hydrangea macrophylla 'Wudu' is a Hydrangea with a flowering of immaculate white, with a deliciously romantic charm. Its large round inflorescences last throughout the summer and turn slightly green as autumn approaches. It forms a compact bush of medium size and good habit, with its thick stems that support the inflorescences well, allowing for the creation of lovely dried flower bouquets. Hardy, this Hydrangea should be placed in a semi-shaded to shaded position, in non-calcareous soil. It is easy to grow, requiring only annual pruning in spring and watering in summer to keep the soil moist.

This 'Wudu' Hydrangea was introduced to the market by the Dutch breeder Cornelis Pieter Eveleen, who is also responsible for several other varieties of Hydrangea macrophylla ('Hortmagitri', 'Hortmalegretto', 'Hortmasun', 'Horthat', 'Hortmavi', etc.). It is a medium-sized variety, reaching a maximum of 1.20 to 1.50 m (4 to 5ft) in all directions. Compact and fairly upright, it forms a beautiful regular clump with healthy bright green foliage, with dentate edges. Its inflorescences appear in July and last until September. Its regular round heads are made up of numerous immaculate white flowers packed tightly together. Towards the end of the season, they take on a white-greenish hue.

A small-sized bush, this Hydrangea, like all H. macrophylla, is not strictly a plant for acidic soil, but it prefers neutral to acidic soils. A semi-shaded to fully shaded position in a warm climate will suit it well, as well as watering in summer because it doesn't like drought (both in the soil and in the atmosphere), which can cause its leaves to wilt. Care consists of annual pruning in spring, before the new leaves emerge. This shrub, with its long summer flowering, is hardy (to around -17°C (1.4°F), although severe frost can damage the tips of the branches, they easily grow back after pruning in spring). Easy to grow, it can live for a very long time.

The 'Wudu' Hydrangea is a very good variety for growing in pots or containers, on a balcony or a terrace sheltered from the afternoon sun. A thick terracotta pot would be suitable, and if using a plastic container, it is preferable to choose a "double skin", meaning two walls separated by an air gap, creating an insulating layer that prevents the potting soil from getting too hot and the roots from overheating in summer, and also limits the effect of frost in winter. Use a potting soil for acid-loving plants, adding a little compost. Water regularly in hot periods.
When planted in the garden, this small Hydrangea with its romantically charming appeal will blend well with other shrubs or perennials in the same spirit. The Abelia 'Edward Goucher' with its small glossy leaves and its summer flowers in small pink trumpets will be a good companion in a not too shaded position. Plant Japanese Anemones in the foreground, such as the beautiful Anemone hupehensis 'Prinz Heinrich' with its double dark pink flowers, which will grow very well in partial shade in moist soil. The Veronicastrum sibiricum, or Siberian Speedwell, with its long and slender mauve spikes and delicate foliage will bring a touch of lightness to the large heads of our Hydrangea, while still maintaining a romantic note. And to add some verticality to this scene, go for the 'Bi Hoo' Japanese Maple, a very unique variety with decorative yellow wood in all seasons, especially when 'Wudu' has lost its leaves.