Hydrangea heteromalla (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to dappled shade
Flowering period: Summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 5m
Eventual Spread: 5m
Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Family: Hydrangeaceae
Hydrangea heteromalla is a deciduous shrub with a spreading habit. Its mid green leaves are elliptic with serrate margins, up to 15cm long and 8cm broad. Its white flowers appear as a terminal corymb, and is composed of fertile florets surrounded by sterile florets (may be pink) and are up to 20cm across.
Hydrangea heteromalla Flower (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Hydrangea heteromalla, commonly known as the Chinese Hydrangea or Himalayan Hydrangea, is native to central and west China and the Himalayas region. In its native habitat it grows in forests and thickets.
The etymological root of the binomial name Hydrangea is derived from the Greek hydor meaning ‘water’ and aggos meaning ‘jar’ which refers to the plants cusp shaped fruit. Heteromalla is derived from the Greek eteros meaning ‘different’ and possibly mallos meaning ‘wool’. Reader feedback would be welcome.
Hydrangea heteromalla Leaf (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
The landscape architect may find Hydrangea heteromalla useful as a summer flowering shrub, flower is better in sunny locations.
Ecologically, Hydrangea heteromalla flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
Hydrangea heteromalla prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Hydrangea heteromalla requires little maintenance. Pruning will produce fewer larger flowers and should be carried out in early spring.