This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moist, well-drained, moderately fertile, humus-rich soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: June to October
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  The double-flowering heads of this impressive new form change colour as the season progresses. Like many of the macrophyllas, the colour will vary depending on their soil's pH, but typically, you will find that initially the 'petals' are a fresh green, but soon turn soft pink. Then, over summer, the colour becomes a richer shade of pink before turning deep rose-red towards autumn - and this colour holds well right through into December, so you get an incredibly long season of interest. It's perfect for jazzing up the border or for creating an informal flowering hedge.
  
  
• Garden care: Hydrangeas do not like to dry out. In dry weather, soak the roots with a hose and the plant will usually recover. Remove faded flowerheads in spring after the danger of frosts, cutting back the flowered stems to a strong pair of buds. Take out misplaced or diseased shoots. Mulch young plants with a well-rotted manure or compost in spring. Once established, remove a quarter to a third of the shoots to the base of the plant.