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Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Mariesii Perfecta’
blue wave lacecap hydrangea
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Image © www.mobot.org
Image © hortensja ogrodowa |
Printer-friendly Fact Sheet
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| Outstanding Qualities |
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An outstanding seedling of the well known and popular cultivar ‘Mariesii’ this old French selection is truly the perfect and classic lacecap hydrangea. A profusion of flowers are well-spaced over the shrub starting in early summer. Each flower is pale lilac-blue to light pink depending on the acidity of the soil with the small central fertile flowers of a deeper corresponding color. It is an excellent variety for drying, retaining color well and often drying to a silvery blue. The light, bright green foliage frames the flowers showing them to their best advantage. The bold foliage is a great textural contrast to rhododendrons and azaleas. The lovely pale hues look great with variegated foliage or silver and gray leaves. Shade loving perennials like hostas and epimedium make a great foil around this proven summer bloomer. Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Mariesii Perfecta’ is often sold under the invalid name of ‘Blue Wave’. |
| Culture |
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The best growth is in partial to bright shade. A location avoiding hot sun will keep the foliage and flowers from prematurely fading or scorching. A fertile organic soil with good drainage and plenty of organic matter produces the best growth and flowering. Hydrangeas are not drought tolerant and will grow and flower more prolifically with regular summer watering. The typically acidic soils of the Pacific Northwest will cause the variable flowers to bloom toward pale-blues and lilacs. For pink flowers add lime to raise the pH and sweeten the soil. Changing the color can often take a few years to accomplish with more than one application of lime. For an accurate quantity of lime needed, a soil test should be done. Hydrangeas will bloom heaviest on one year old branches and to a lesser extent on new growth. Prune only to remove a few old twiggy branches to the ground yearly or lightly tip-back rangy growth to improve the overall shape. Heavy pruning can ruin the flowering for the following year. |
| Growing Habit |
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Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Mariesii Perfecta’ is a compact, medium-sized deciduous shrub growing to about six to seven feet tall and wide in ten years. It has a good vigorous habit with mature shrubs having a rounded appearance over time. Older plants can often layer and root lower branches to create very wide mature specimens. Rooted layered branches can be removed during winter and replanted elsewhere to start a new shrub. |
| Hardiness |
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USDA zones 6 to 9 |
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© 2009 Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden
Funded by the Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation
Administered by the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden