This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moist, well-drained, moderately fertile, humus-rich soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July to August
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  One of the most compact hydrangeas, this little gem is ideal for adding a splash of colour to the front of a border, lining the edges of a path, or offering a long season of interest to the patio or balcony. As the flower colour is influenced by the soil's pH, it is important that this is grown in acidic soils (or ericaceous compost in a pot).
  
  Hydrangeas give their best blue flowers on acidic soils with a pH of 5.5. When grown on neutral soil or arriving in our mildly acidic mix, the flowers will predominantly be pink, although you may also get blue or mauve blooms. If you want to make sure that your hydrangea has blue-toned flowers, you will need to make sure your pH does not creep above 6.5. To lower the pH on neutral soil, you can treat it annually with a hydrangea flower colourant containing aluminium salts.
  
  Please note that the pot in the photograph is not supplied with the plant (which is sent out in a simple nursery alternative), but we have a wide and wonderful range on our website to choose from.
  
  
• Garden care: Hydrangeas do not like to dry out - particularly if they are grown in a sunny spot. Therefore, if they start to wilt in dry weather, soak the roots with a hose and the plant will usually bounce back. Remove faded flowerheads in spring after the danger of frosts, cutting back the flowered stems to a strong pair of buds. Take out misplaced or diseased shoots. Mulch young plants with a well-rotted manure or compost in spring. Once established, remove a quarter to a third of the shoots to the base of the plant.