Hydrangea aspera 'Hot Chocolate' (Lacecap Hydrangea)

Hydrangea aspera (syn. Hydrangea villosa) is native to dense forests in the region between the Himalayas, across southern China, to Taiwan. It is a large, erect deciduous shrub growing to 3m tall and wide, with broadly oval leaves and dense branches. The flowers are typically borne in large flat heads in late summer, and are in variable shades of pale blue and pink, fringed by white or pale pink sterile florets. The plant is widely cultivated, and favors a sheltered position in acidic or neutral soil, with best growth often in partial or afternoon shade.

Hydrangea aspera 'Hot Chocolate' is a distinctive Lacecap Hydrangea offering pretty pink and violet blooms up to 30cm across. The showy summer flowers, with violet-blue hearts and soft pink outer florets, contrast beautifully with the rich chocolate foliage, which turns to amber in Autumn. This robust, hardy shrub will flower right through summer with minimal care. Prefers dappled shade.

Perfect for a small space to add height and interest to entertaining areas and patios. Can be grown in pots for seasonal spark. Feed in early spring and remove spent flower heads to encourage repeat flowering. Prune after flowering, reducing the stems to restrict their growth to the available space and to improve the shape of the plant. After pruning mulch with compost around the base of the plant. Caution: Contact with hydrangea foliage may irritate the skin and eyes and all parts are harmful if eaten. H 1-1.5m x 1m.