Bigleaf Hydrangea, French Hydrangea, Mophead 'All Summer Beauty'

In the days prior to 'Endless Summer' there was only one that could flower reliably in zone 5, 'All Summer Beauty.' Despite this fact fe...Read Morew people knew about it here in central Illinois. I think the heft of Baileys backing up 'Endless Summer' forced it into prominence whereas 'All Summer Beauty' didnt have such a creator to help the public aware of its existance. This particular one has always grown to great sizes here in our area. One I planted grew to nearly 6 ft tall in one season after being killed to the ground in winter while trying to bloom its flowers before the fall frost came to prevent it. Another plant I have though killed to the ground still managed to put off some 8 flower buds and I am awaiting to see how it does as these open. For a young plant and dieing back to the ground that sounds pretty good. I would expect a slight color difference from Endless Summer. Endless Summer has deeper blue flowers while All Summer Beauty's are a lighter shade. Flowers can be huge on this cultivar, up to 8 inches.

I count this as one of the most beautiful and long lasting plants in my garden. The blue blooms are striking and create a wonderful foca...Read Morel point and the foliage is a beautiful mid green - wonderful when grouped with Magilla Perilla, coleus, and hosta. I added Aluminum sulfate last year (03) - after planting it last year, and none since because here our soil tends to be a little on the acid side.

I dry flowers to use in bouquets & arrangements for our local fair each fall. I made the mistake of pruning what I thought were dead branches this spring, knowing that this plant blooms on both old and new wood. What I got was 6 enormous blossoms! The heads measured from 8" up to 12" across! It actually tried to start a new bloom in September but didn't get far because of the weather turning cool, but for those in warmer climates, you might see an extraordinary long bloom period.

For success in drying, don't try to dry these heads when they are blue (or pink), because they will shrivel - even when left in a vase with water to dry slowly. Wait until late in the season (September here in zone 5) when the heads have gone from their deep color, paled, and then start taking on a deep rich green undertone with pink, purple, or blue around the edges of the petals. Forget the fair - these are mine this year!

I gained success with this plant only when I used lime free water and fertilizer. Very susepictal to certain innsecticides such as malath...Read Moreion. best to propagate during June - August period with soft cuttings.

If you want to have blue bloom you should add aluminum sulfate in the spring and the fall, Mer-Asid does not work well. In alkaline soil...Read Mores you will get a pink bloom.