Hydrangea macrophylla 'BELA' mop-head hydrangea

Bela hydrangea is a mop-head hydrangea with large, globular, blue flowers. It flowers on old wood so when trimming it in the spring make sure to keep the old framework which will produce new shoots with many flowers. The leaves are deciduous, deep green and very thick. Bela hydrangea grows slowly and remains compact.

As its colour is determined by the soil acidity we strongly recommend using e.g. aluminium sulphate or fertilizers for blue hydrangeas to keep your soil at pH level of about 5. Grow it in fertile, always moist but well-drained, peaty soil. Never let the soil dry out especially in the first year before it gets established. The name hydrangea suggests it will need a lot of water but should never stand in water in heavy clay soil. It will love part shade and shade or filtered sunlight. In colder regions it should be protected with fir branches in winter. Good mulch is advisable at all times. Fully hardy to about -23°C (USDA zone 6).

Last update 05-08-2011.