Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blue Heaven' (Forever & Ever Series) (H)

Common name: Mophead Hydrangea 'Blue Heaven'

Description: Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blue Heaven' (Forever & Ever Series) is a superb compact mophead hydrangea producing large, rounded flower heads in a vivid, clear blue on acid soils — one of the most striking blues available in any hydrangea. On neutral or alkaline soils the flowers tend towards pink-mauve, and the colour can be deepened to blue by applying a hydrangea colourant. The Forever & Ever series is specifically bred to flower on both old and new wood, making it considerably more reliable and free-flowering than traditional mophead varieties, and plants begin flowering earlier in the season than most. A first-rate compact hydrangea for containers and smaller gardens.

Other benefits: flowers on both old and new wood for greater reliability; vivid blue on acid soils; compact habit; begins flowering earlier than traditional varieties; good in containers

Wildlife attraction: bees and other pollinating insects

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 0.8–1m x 0.8–1m

Position: partial shade to full sun; sheltered from cold winds and late frosts; excellent in containers

Soil pH: acid (pH below 6.0) for blue flowers; neutral to alkaline soils produce pink-mauve flowers; moist but well-drained, fertile soil

Moisture: moderate to moist; water regularly particularly in containers; do not allow to dry out; mulch to retain moisture

Winter hardiness: hardy to approximately -15°C; protect flower buds from hard late frosts