Hydrangea – Paraplu^® – Bigleaf Hydrangea – Hydrangea macrophylla

Tim Wood of Spring Meadow Nursery (Grand Haven, MI) is a bit biased when it comes to Paraplu® Hydrangea because it is a plant that he developed. It was a total accident that came out of a breeding project to develop variegated flowered hydrangeas. All of the plants in this particular cross had doubled florets and thick plastic-like leaves, but none of the seedlings had variegated flowers. This plant was the best of the lot so we introduced it. Paraplu is typically a bright pink but can be easily turned to a rich purple by treating it with aluminum sulfate. Sometimes, mistakes can make for great plants.

Mophead blooms of rich, vibrant florets range from candy pink to intense hot pink. There may be some purple in lower pH soils. The florets are doubled, and arch downward like a phalanx of dainty umbrellas. It's a stunning effect! Paraplu holds up well in the heat, and has also stood up to the rigors of Midwestern winters. Its compact habit and glossy foliage make it a very handsome plant even before it blooms.

Features

Tim Wood of Spring Meadow Nursery (Grand Haven, MI) is a bit biased when it comes to Paraplu® Hydrangea because it is a plant that he developed. It was a total accident that came out of a breeding project to develop variegated flowered hydrangeas. All of the plants in this particular cross had doubled florets and thick plastic-like leaves, but none of the seedlings had variegated flowers. This plant was the best of the lot so we introduced it. Paraplu is typically a bright pink but can be easily turned to a rich purple by treating it with aluminum sulfate. Sometimes, mistakes can make for great plants.

Mophead blooms of rich, vibrant florets range from candy pink to intense hot pink. There may be some purple in lower pH soils. The florets are doubled, and arch downward like a phalanx of dainty umbrellas. It's a stunning effect! Paraplu holds up well in the heat, and has also stood up to the rigors of Midwestern winters. Its compact habit and glossy foliage make it a very handsome plant even before it blooms.

Salt Tolerant

Maintenance Notes

Prefers moist, well-drained soils. May be trimmed after flowering. Soil pH will affect flower color. Protect overwinter in colder climates.

Uses Notes

Landscapes

Maintenance Category Moderate

Water Category Average

Blooms On Old Wood

Bloom Time

Flower Form Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Landscape