Hydrangea aspera Hot Chocolate - Rough Leaved Hydrangea - plant in 2 L pot

Hydrangea aspera originate from the Himalayas, west and central China, Taiwan, Sumatra and Java and were introduced to the Uk in 1908 by Ernest Wilson. Hot Chocolate is an exciting and new cultivar with domed, lacecap flowers that cover a spectrum of colour from pale, dusky pink to deep blue mauve, with an almost iridescent blue haze at dusk. Flowers are produced from June to September and will be the same colours in any soil. A large shrub, but more compact than the species aspera, with felted stems and large, pointed, hairy leaves, flushed a dark purple when young, with burgundy red underside, that turn to amber and golden hues in autumn. However you perceive it, the fact that it makes a stunning statement cannot be denied! Easy to grow in most fertile well drained soil in a full sun or semi shade location. A wonderful accent plant in the borders or in large containers. In containers use a good quality compost. Ensure you feed regularly as a hungry plant is a poor performer. We recommend Osmoscote pro 8-9 month applied in the early spring. One application gives all the nutrients the plant requires for the whole year. This plant flowers on two year old wood so do not prune until after it has flowered.