Plant Details

Great Plant Picks - From late June and throughout the summer, Hydrangea 'Preziosa' provides a spectacular floral show. Small, rounded, mophead flowers are borne in a profusion of soft shades of pale-lavender, blue or pink. As the season progresses, the colors of the flowers intensify to rich rose, royal purple, and shades of burgundy. The leaves also transform, from early summer's bright green, the foliage becomes suffused in shades of burgundy-red by early fall. Hydrangea 'Preziosa' is an excellent choice for late season garden color. It provides a medley of colors but not in an overpowering fashion. Plant with spring blooming evergreens such as rhododendrons and azaleas to extend the season of color. Other shade loving plants like hosta, epimedium, and ferns have great foliage to frame this compact grower. This hydrangea grows best in light to open shade. A location protected from hot sun will keep the foliage and flowers from prematurely fading or scorching. A rich moist to well-drained soil produces the best growth and flowering. Hydrangeas are not drought tolerant and will grow and flower more prolifically with regular summer watering. The typically acidic soils of the Pacific Northwest will cause the variable flowers to bloom with purple and blue tones. For pink flowers, add lime to raise the pH and sweeten the soil. Have a soil test done to determine the amount of lime. Changing the color can often take a few years to accomplish with more than one application of lime. Remove a few old twiggy branches to the ground yearly or prune lightly to improve the overall shape. Heavy pruning can ruin the flowering for the following year. Consult an experienced pruner or take local classes before attempting substantial pruning.