Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Spike’

Noted for its unique ruffled flowers, Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Spike’ is a compact deciduous shrub with dome-shaped clusters of pink or blue flowers adorned with strongly ruffled petals. Blooming from early to late summer, the remarkable blossoms are shades of blue if grown on acidic soil and pink if grown on neutral to alkaline soil. They mature to green as the season progresses. The foliage is dark green with broadly oval, serrated leaves. Spike hydrangea is perfect for growing in a mixed border or a large patio container.

• This deciduous shrub has a round habit, typically growing 3-4 ft. tall and wide (90-120 cm).
• A sun to part shade lover, it is best grown in rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Full sun is tolerated if constant moisture is provided.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Watch for botrytis 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.
• Blue in acidic soils, the flowers turn pink in alkaline soils. To change their color, 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.
• Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, or by hardwood cuttings in winter.
• 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, contact with foliage may aggravate skin allergies. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.