We are delighted to enter into cultivation a beguiling mophead form of the ever beautiful Hydrangea aspera from a plant I collected in Sichuan Province in 1998. The velvety long and narrow foliage of this species, carried on a rounded framework to 8 ft., is almost handsome enough to merit growing it, however things get really interesting as it begins to flower in mid- to late summer. The full rounded heads of flowers begin in deep tones of green, ultimately producing blousy heads of ivory colored flowers with pinkish overtones, and then fading back to green. Though mophead flowered forms of this species have been reported in the past, and perhaps introduced to cultivation, this is to our knowledge the only one of its kind currently in cultivation. It is named for the Buddhist temple of the same name, near where this plant was found.

A spectacular selection shared with us by Mark Fillan of England, with enormous 1 ft. heads of mauve-blue flowers opening from pink buds, surrounded by white bracts in mid-summer, nestled amidst a marvel of large felted green foliage to 10ö in length. Best in partial to bright shade, provide adequate water during the growing season. Indeed, quite rare in cultivation in the United States.

A particularly free-flowering form of this Hydrangea species with a close affinity (as Hydrangea aspera is a rather broad and variable taxon) to Hydrangea aspera ssp. aspera. Long and narrow velvety felted foliage to 8ö along stems to 6 ft. x 6 ft. and mid- to late summer heads of mauve flowers surrounded by creamy colored florets. Best in brightly shaded situations in any well-draining yet moist, humus-rich soil. Learm More about Heronswood Hydrangeas, their care and pruning Ships in a 4" inch container. Approx. 3 1/4" x 4 1/4" x 3 7/8" (25.8 cu. In. soil volume).