A recently introduced cultivar that produces the much-loved flower clusters throughout summer and autumn, but these are carried on lustrous, near-black stems. This gives the plant a unique and attractive twist. The flower colour can vary when grown on acidic soils, but generally the deep pink flowers of 'Zambia' appear a lime green colour when they are first emerging, and both the young and more mature flowers contrast really well with its steely coloured stems. A very welcome addition to the family. The dark stem colour becomes more obvious as the plant matures.
How to care for Hydrangea macrophylla Black Steel Zambia (Black Steel Series):
Leave the old flower heads in place through the winter. As the new shoots start to emerge in spring cut back a third to a quarter of the previous season's flowering stems to the base and cut back the remaining flower heads to the first pair of buds.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1m
Eventual spread:
1m
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
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This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
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Humans: Skin allergen; Pets: Harmful if eaten