Hydrangea macrophylla (Mophead & Lacecap) – South Africa Growing Guide

Hydrangea macrophylla is the classic, shade-loving hydrangea with lush foliage and spectacular blooms. Mopheads carry big round flower heads; lacecaps have a delicate, flat form. In South Africa they shine in courtyards, east-facing beds, and dappled woodland shade—perfect for Western Cape, Highveld, and coastal KZN gardens.

Why you’ll love it

• Iconic blooms from late spring into early autumn

• Flower colour can shift pink ↔ blue (soil pH + aluminium availability)

• Compact habit for borders, containers and foundation plantings

• Great for fresh and dried arrangements

Where they grow best (South Africa)

• Western Cape (Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Durbanville, Malmesbury): Morning sun + afternoon shade; shelter from hot, dry winds.

• Highveld (Johannesburg, Pretoria, Free State): Bright shade/filtered light; protect buds from late frosts.

• KZN & Eastern Cape: Inland—avoid harsh midday sun; coastal—morning sun, afternoon shade, consistent moisture.

Planting guide

• When: Autumn or early spring (avoid peak heat).

• Light: Morning sun / bright, dappled shade.

• Soil: Rich, well-drained, high organic matter; work in compost before planting.

• Spacing: 1.0–1.5 m apart (cultivar dependent).

• Watering: Keep evenly moist—never waterlogged. Mulch 5–8 cm to cool roots and save water.

Colour tips (pink vs blue)

• Bluer blooms: Slightly acidic soil (≈ pH 5–5.5) with available aluminium (e.g., aluminium sulphate).

• Pinker blooms: Neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6.5–7) and avoid aluminium additives.
  Always follow product labels and consider a quick soil test if chasing a specific colour.

Care & pruning

• Feeding: Balanced shrub fertiliser in spring; light top-up mid-season.

• Pruning: Most cultivars flower on old wood—prune right after flowering (late summer) to avoid removing next year’s buds. Rebloomers can also set on new wood.

• Frost: In colder areas, protect developing buds on very cold nights.

• General health: Good air movement reduces mildew; avoid late-day overhead watering.

Size & growth

• Height/Spread: 1–2 m × 1–2 m (variety dependent)

• Bloom time: Late spring to early autumn

• Flower colours: Pink, blue, purple or white (colour on many cultivars is pH-dependent)

Perfect for

Shade borders and woodland edges • Courtyards and patios (large containers) • Foundation plantings • Cut-flower and drying projects

Looking for a sun-tolerant hydrangea for exposed spots? See our Hydrangea paniculata range.

3) FAQ

Do macrophylla hydrangeas handle full sun?
Not in most SA conditions. Give morning sun and afternoon shade.

When should I prune?
Right after flowering (late summer). Most set next year’s buds on old wood.

How do I make them blue or pink?
Blue needs slightly acidic soil with available aluminium; pink prefers neutral–slightly alkaline and no aluminium additives.

Will they grow in pots?
Yes—use a large container, rich potting mix, consistent moisture, and afternoon shade.