Family Hydrangeaceae
Originating from China

The large felt textured leaves of this group of hydrangeas has always been a crucial part of exotic and woodland plantings, but this form is possibly the best yet, with the largest lace cap flowers. This newly discovered form from China also has huge, downy, dark green leaves borne on long petioles (leaf stems) that are red in colour. The red extends into the leaf veins too, making a striking foliar display. It’s flattened heads of mauve flowers are surrounded by white ray florets, so called because they extend beyond the central mauve part of the flower. The florets have crimped edges and are the biggest of any Hydrangea. These highly structured flowers are produced over a long period in summer, appearing first as large impressive buds, opening with strong colours, then fading with softer pink tints evolving in parts of the bloom.
Hydrangeas are woodland plants and thrive in the ambient humidity of dappled shade. As this plant is new to cultivation we can only guess its height to be approximately 1.5m, making it not the largest growing of the many H. aspera varieties, yet possibly the most exciting.

Height and spread after 2 – 3 years 1m x 1m
Mature height and spread after 4 – 5 years if not pruned 1.5m x 2m