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Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Dear Dolores’

Bigleaf Hydrangea 'Dear Dolores', Mophead Hydrangea 'Dear Dolores', Hortensia 'Dear Dolores', Hydrangea macrophylla 'Wyatt LeFever'

Hydrangea Macrophylla 'Dear Dolores', Bigleaf Hydrangea 'Dear Dolores', Mophead Hydrangea 'Dear Dolores', Hortensia 'Dear Dolores', Blue Hydrangea, Blue Hortensia, Hydrangea macrophylla 'Wyatt LeFever'

Fast-growing, Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Dear Dolores’ produces large, rounded flower heads, up to 8 in. across (20 cm), densely packed with sky blue to pink florets, depending on the soil pH. Blooming in spring, this mophead hydrangea then reblooms from summer to fall, guaranteeing a long season of interest. The profuse blossoms appear on a compact, bushy plant, adorned with bright green, glossy leaves. ‘Dear Dolores’ is perfect as a specimen or in small groupings for the shady border.

  • This deciduous shrub has a round habit, typically growing 4-5 ft. tall (120-150 cm).
  • A part shade to shade lover, it is best grown in rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Watch for botrytis blight, bacterial wilt, leaf spot, rust, mildew.
  • Perfect from foundation plantings to container plantings. Massed in a sheltered location or as an accent plant. Effective as a hedge and makes excellent cut flowers too!
  • Remove spent flowers to promote new blooms.
  • To change the color of your Hydrangea, add aluminum sulfate to the soil to make the flowers bluer or add lime to the soil to make them pinker. Treatment should occur ahead of time (late fall or early spring)
  • This beautiful deciduous shrub should be pruned after flowering by cutting back the stems to a pair of healthy buds. Prune out weak or winter-damaged stems in early spring.
  • Hydrangea macrophylla species is native to Japan. It is reported from seaside habitats as well as mountains in Japan, from Honshu southwards. This species has naturalized in China, New Zealand, and the Americas.
  • May cause mild stomach upset if ingested, and contact with foliage may aggravate skin allergies. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

Hydrangea: Plant Care and Growing Guide


Hydrangea care: Cultivating these beautiful flowers requires attention and finesse to thrive. Here are some tips on how to plant and grow hydrangea successfully.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 6 - 9
Climate Zones 3, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Hydrangeaceae
Genus Hydrangea
Common names Mophead Hydrangea, Hydrangea, French Hydrangea, Bigleaf Hydrangea
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 4' - 5'
(120cm - 150cm)
Spread 4' - 5'
(120cm - 150cm)
Spacing 60" (150cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Full Shade
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Kardinal Violet’
Hydrangea macrophylla Wedding Gown™
Hydrangea serrata Tuff Stuff™ (Mountain Hydrangea)
Hydrangea macrophylla Cityline® Venice
Hydrangea macrophylla Cityline® Vienna
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Blue Heaven’

Recommended Companion Plants

Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Hakone Grass)
Dicentra spectabilis (Bleeding Heart)
Hosta ‘Patriot’ (Plantain Lily)
Astilbe

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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Choosing Your Ideal Hedge: A Guide to Top Shrubs for Any Garden
Add a Splash of Color: Perfect Flowering Shrubs for Small Gardens
35 Flowering Shrubs That Thrive in Full Sun
40 Beautiful Native Shrubs for Shade
Hydrangea serrata (Mountain Hydrangea)
Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf Hydrangea)
Hydrangea Types – Which one is yours?
Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea)
Hydrangea arborescens (Smooth Hydrangea)
Hydrangea quercifolia (Oak Leaf Hydrangea)
Beautiful Hydrangeas for the Pacific Northwest Region
Beautiful Hydrangeas for the Mid-Atlantic Region
Beautiful Hydrangeas for New England
Beautiful Hydrangeas for the Coastal South Region
Beautiful Hydrangeas for the Lower South Region
Beautiful Hydrangeas for the Middle South Region
Beautiful Hydrangeas for the Upper South Region
Plants with Purple Flowers to Add Charm to Your Garden
Plants with Pink Flowers to Add Romance to Your Garden
Hydrangea: Plant Care and Growing Guide
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 6 - 9
Climate Zones 3, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Hydrangeaceae
Genus Hydrangea
Common names Mophead Hydrangea, Hydrangea, French Hydrangea, Bigleaf Hydrangea
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 4' - 5'
(120cm - 150cm)
Spread 4' - 5'
(120cm - 150cm)
Spacing 60" (150cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Full Shade
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Hydrangea
Guides with
Hydrangea
Not sure which Hydrangea to pick?
Compare Now

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