Pistachio Hydrangea

The Pistachio Hydrangea is a new, fascinating color form of Mophead Hydrangea, a popular shade-loving plant. Hydrangeas are widely grown in all but the coldest areas, for their dramatic flowers, and for blooming later in the year, when most other shrubs have finished flowering. They also grow in shady parts of the garden where most other plants will not thrive, so they are excellent ways to bring color and interest to those areas. Easily grown, these are essential plants for creating the main structure of your garden, and they should be part of the first plants you put into a new garden, or in one you are improving.

In recent years there has been an upsurge in breeding of these plants, and many new varieties have been created for gardeners to enjoy. Perhaps the most exciting is the Pistachio Hydrangea, which has unique flower colors that are stylish and contemporary, bringing something new to your color arrangements. The flowers of the Pistachio Hydrangea are carried in clusters of 40 to 50, in rounded heads that can be as much as 5 inches across. The individual flowers are one inch across, with 4 broad petals. Mixed among these flowers are secondary ones, which are tiny and fluffy, giving the flower head a novel, more airy appearance.

It is the colors, however, that really make this plant unique. When they first develop at the ends of the stems, they are pale green, but as the flowers mature they become toned with chartreuse or pistachio green, and then become flushed with scarlet-red to violet-red. To finish off this vibrant display, the center eye of the flower is bright, light blue. Each flower head is an ever-changing color palette, so that every day your plant will look different, and always fascinating.

Growing Pistachio Hydrangeas

The Pistachio Hydrangea is a fast-growing shrub, quickly reaching 2 or 3 feet in height with a broad spread of 3 to 5 feet. It is covered from top to bottom with attractive mid-green leaves about 6 inches long, with a toothed edge. This plant grows well in any well-drained soil, but it does need a steady supply of water to thrive, so young plants should be well-watered twice a week, and mature plants at least weekly during the summer and any in dry spells. Enrich the soil with organic material before planting, as this will improve both drainage and water retention. Mulch in spring with more organic material, to retain moisture, keep the roots cool, and provide nutrients to keep your plant growing vigorously.

Appearance

The fascinating and unique flowers of the Pistachio Hydrangea are only the beginning of its special qualities. Most older varieties of hydrangea flower on shoots produced in spring from stems that grew in the previous year. In areas colder than zones 6 or 7, winter often kills these stems, so that little or no growth is held over from the previous season. This means that no flowers are formed. Also, with plants that only flower in this way, once the first flowering in summer in over, no more flowers appear on your plants.

The Pistachio Hydrangea, in contrast, flowers both on stems from older wood, but also on new stems that grow from the base. If you live in a warmer area, this means you have blooms in summer, and then more blooms in late summer and fall from the new growth. If you live in a colder area, you will have a spectacular flowering display in late summer and fall, of flowers formed on the new growth from the base. This is a ‘win-win’ for everyone – and a great reason why everyone should have this wonderful plant in their garden.

History and Origins of the Pistachio Hydrangea

The Mophead Hydrangea (hydrangea macrophylla) was introduced into Europe from China and Japan in 1785. It was probably brought over by both early settlers, and independently introduced into America by traders from the East in the second-half of the 19^th century. It thrived in the south-east, with the warmth and good rain-fall. Over the years breeders around the world have worked to develop repeat flowering, to extend growing into colder areas, and to develop new color forms, to bring excitement and interest to our gardens.

Frau Katrin Meinl is a specialist breeder of hydrangeas, working in Dresden, Germany. It is to her breeding work that we owe thanks for the Pistachio Hydrangea. Working with established varieties, and her own seedlings, she made many crosses between different hydrangeas, and grew hundreds of seedlings to find this special variety, which is officially called ‘Horwack’. She found the plant in April 2006. After extensive trials she was granted a patent on her invention in 2015. Besides it unique coloring, repeat flowering, and compact size, this plant is also resistant to common hydrangea diseases, such as powdery mildew and botrytis.

Buying Pistachio Hydrangeas at The Tree Center

Our plants are produced under license, so you know they are exactly the Pistachio Hydrangea and not something else. You may find cheaper hydrangea plants, but they will not be this unique variety, that everyone is eager to grow in their garden. Don’t be left behind, and order now while our limited stocks last. Make sure you also view some of our other unique hydrangea varieties like the Nikko Blue Hydrangea and the Glowing Embers Hydrangea.