Hydrangea macrophylla 'Dear Dolores'
Bigleaf Hydrangea 'Dear Dolores', Mophead Hydrangea 'Dear Dolores', Hortensia 'Dear Dolores', 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 bud blight, bacterial wilt, leaf spot, and 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
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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 | 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) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Southern Living Collection
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.
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 | 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) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |