Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Star Gazer’

A particularly pretty lacecap hydrangea, Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Star Gazer’ features spectacular, starry double florets adorned with white picotee edges over a long season. The flower heads are either pink (alkaline soil) or blue (acidic soil). Blooming from early summer to fall, the attractive blossoms are borne on sturdy stems and do not flop. A prolific reblooming hydrangea, ‘Star Gazer’ blooms on both old and new growth. Even if old growth buds are winter damaged, the plant still flowers in summer on new growth. Compact, this elegant lacecap hydrangea creates drama in the garden. Perfect to create a lovely hedge or use as a specimen or accent for foundations and other locations near homes or patios. Good mildew tolerance.

• This deciduous shrub has a round, bushy habit, typically growing up to 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) and 3-5 ft. wide (90-150 cm)
• A part shade lover, it is best grown in rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerant of sun if the soil remains moist.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Watch for aphids, capsid bug, hydrangea scale and vine weevil.
• Perfect from foundation plantings to container plantings. Massed in a sheltered location or as an accent plant.
• 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)
• Spent flowers should be regularly deadheaded.
• 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, contact with foliage may aggravate skin allergies. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.