This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moist, well-drained, moderately fertile, humus-rich soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July to August
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  One of the most popular lacecap hydrangeas, this has flattened heads of rich blue, mauve or pink flowers depending on the acidity (pH) of the soil. These appear from July to August over coarsely toothed, glossy, dark green leaves. It's best in moist soil in partial shade and looks wonderful towards the back of a mixed or shrub border, particularly when planted with other hydrangeas.
  
  Please note that the flowers of this hydrangea may arrive with pink or pinkish tones in our nursery compost mix.
  
  Hydrangeas give their best blue flowers on acidic soils with a pH of 5.5. When grown on neutral to alkaline soil, the flowers will predominantly be pink, although you may also get blue or mauve blooms. To ensure that your hydrangea has blue-toned flowers, make sure the pH does not creep above 6.5. To lower the pH on neutral soils, treat the plant annually with a hydrangea flower colourant containing aluminium salts or lower the pH using soil acidifiers such as sulphur and sulphate of iron and adding composted material.
  
  
• Garden care: Hydrangeas do not like to dry out. In dry weather, soak the roots with a hose and the plant will usually recover. Remove faded flowerheads in spring after the danger of frosts, cutting back the flowered stems to a strong pair of buds. Take out misplaced or diseased shoots. Mulch young plants with a well-rotted manure or compost in spring. Once established, remove a quarter to a third of the shoots to the base of the plant.