Hairy Hydrangea
Hydrangea sargentiana · Hydrangeaceae
📷 Андрей Корзун (Kor!An) · CC BY-SA 3.0
⚠️ Feuilles et tissus contiennent cyanogènes ; ingestion provoque troubles digestifs, faiblesse chez chiens, chats et enfants.
The gardener's calendar
Hairy hydrangea is in full bloom: enjoy it, watch watering in hot weather and let spent flowers feed pollinators before pruning.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Hydrangea sargentiana
- Family
- Hydrangeaceae
- Type
- Deciduous shrub
- Mature height
- 2.5 to 3 m
- Flowering
- July to September
- Foliage
- Deciduous, large rugose leaves
- Hardiness
- -15 to -20 °C
- Origin
- Central China (Yunnan, Sichuan)
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Hydrangea sargentiana is a large hydrangea that loves partial shade, regular moisture (not waterlogged), and acidic soil rich in peat or bark mulch: water 2-3 times a week during dry summers.
The common mistake
Planting it in full sun or alkaline soil: pale foliage, small flowers, and sometimes chlorosis.
The pro's trick
After flowering (September), prune very lightly (only dead flowers and dead wood).
Care
Light exposure
Favor partial shade or morning sun exposure with afternoon protection. This hydrangea appreciates light but fears leaf scorch in intense full sun. In too dense shade, flowering diminishes.
Watering
Water regularly and generously during the growing period (spring-summer), keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in autumn and winter. Prefer non-calcareous water; rainwater collectors are ideal.
Soil and drainage
Plant it in rich, acidic to neutral, well-drained and moist soil. Adding peat, compost or acidic potting soil during planting improves rooting. Mulch generously at the base to retain moisture.
Pruning and training
Prune lightly after flowering (autumn) to maintain shape and remove dead wood. Avoid harsh spring pruning which would compromise flowering. Flowers form on the previous year's wood.
Fertilization
Apply balanced fertilizer (NPK) in spring during growth resumption. Moderate application of organic fertilizer (compost, seaweed) in early summer supports flowering. Avoid excess nitrogen which stimulates foliage at the expense of flowers.
Diseases and pests
Watch for powdery mildew in warm, humid conditions: ensure good airflow and avoid wetting the foliage. Aphids may appear in spring but generally remain harmless. Good drainage prevents root rot.
Did you know?
Hydrangea sargentiana is named after American botanist Charles Sprague Sargent (1841-1927), director of the Arnold Arboretum. This extraordinary hydrangea, discovered in China in the early twentieth century, stands out for its enormous velvety leaves and spectacular lacecap inflorescences, white tinged with blue-mauve. It is one of the most majestic and sought-after hydrangea species in temperate gardens.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.