Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mathilda Gutges': Compact Mophead with Soil-Dependent Color

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mathilda Gutges' is a compact shrub with attractive deep green leaves and large, rounded flower heads. Blooms are deep pink in neutral soil and intense violet-blue in acidic soil.

Noteworthy Characteristics

This is one of the most widely recognized species of hydrangeas, and boasts a plentiful number of cultivars. The species is divided into two groups: the Hortensias (or "mopheads") have globe-shaped flowers made up of large male flowers, and the Lacecaps have flattened flower heads, with central, female blossoms ringed in larger, male blossoms.

Care

Grow in moist, well-drained soil in sun to partial shade. Provide shelter from drying winds. Flowers on previous season's wood; cut back to first pair of buds beneath old flower in spring.

Propagation

Sow seed in a cold frame in spring; take softwood cuttings in early summer, hardwood cuttings in winter.

Problems

Gray mold, slugs, powdery mildew, rust, ringspot virus, leaf spots.

Overview

• Height: 3–6 ft.
• Spread: 3–6 ft.
• Growth Habit: Clumps
• Growth Pace: Moderate Grower
• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Moisture: Medium Moisture
• Maintenance: Low
• Characteristics: Showy Flowers, Showy Seed Heads
• Bloom Time: Summer
• Flower Color: Blue, Pink, Purple
• Uses: Beds and Borders, Container, Cut Flower, Dried Flower
• Style: Cottage Garden
• Seasonal Interest: Summer Interest
• Tolerance: Frost Tolerant
• Type: Shrubs