Alphabetical Plant Listing

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

Here are some tips on how to plant and grow hydrangea successfullyRead More

Not sure which Hydrangea to pick?
Compare All Hydrangea

Buy Hydrangea macrophylla 'Dear Dolores'

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

Buy Plants

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Hydrangea

Guides with Hydrangea


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

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Hydrangea

Guides with Hydrangea

Plant Calculator

How many Hydrangea macrophylla 'Dear Dolores' do I need for my garden?

%
ft
ft

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Dear Dolores'

Find your Hardiness Zone

Find your Climate Zone

Find your Heat Zone

Join Gardenia.net

Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

Join now and start creating your dream garden!

Create a New Collection

Optional. For your reference.


Move Selected Plants to a Different Collection


Delete Collection

This field is required.

Rename Collection

This field is required.