Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Blue/Pink with White Edge’ (Mophead Hydrangea)
Bigleaf Hydrangea | Picotee Mophead Blooms
A compact, bushy bigleaf (mophead) hydrangea with striking picotee flowers: each floret shows a crisp white edge around a coloured centre. In acidic soils the heads develop rich blue tones with the white margin; in neutral to alkaline soils they shift to pink with the white edge intact. A showy choice for semi-shaded borders and statement containers, and excellent for cutting.
Plant Care
Sun: Partial shade (best: morning sun / afternoon shade). Protect from harsh midday heat.
Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained. For blue, keep soil acidic (pine bark/acid compost); for pink, keep closer to neutral and avoid lime only if soil is already alkaline.
Water: Moderate — keep evenly moist, especially in summer and in containers.
Fertilizer: Balanced feed in spring; optional light top-up mid-summer (avoid high-phosphorus “bloom boosters” if chasing blue).
Pruning: Light only. After flowering, remove spent heads and dead/weak wood; avoid hard pruning (blooms on old wood).
Top tip: For the strongest white edge and colour contrast, site where blooms are shielded from scorching midday sun; mulch to keep roots cool and moisture steady.
Specifications
-
Botanical name: Hydrangea macrophylla (picotee selection)
-
Common name: Bigleaf / Mophead Hydrangea
-
Growth habit: Compact, rounded, deciduous shrub
-
Size: ±1.0–1.4 m H × ±1.0–1.4 m W (in SA garden conditions)
-
Bloom time: Late spring/summer to early autumn
-
Flower colour: Blue or pink (pH-dependent) with a distinct white edge (picotee)
-
Bloom (head) size: ±15–20 cm diameter (medium–large mopheads)
-
Uses: Borders, feature shrub, large containers, cut flowers; great for semi-shade and colour-themed plantings
Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR)
This listing may include selections protected under Plant Breeders’ Rights. Propagation is prohibited without written authorisation. Plants are supplied for ornamental use only.
Quick Facts
-
Eye-catching picotee mopheads with a white edge
-
15–20 cm flower heads; superb for cutting
-
Thrives in partial shade with consistently moist, rich soil
