The Evergreen Hydrangea
Dichroa versicolor, commonly known as the Evergreen Hydrangea, is an attractive evergreen shrub that grows well in full sun or part shade. Closely related to Hydrangeas, it has a similar appearance while offering the added advantage of retaining its foliage throughout the year.
Growing to around 1.5 metres in height, this is a blue flowering shrub that provides colour over a long season and is well suited to gardens of all sizes.
The flowers appear in clusters of blue and white, with the inner flowers often remaining as small buds. They make excellent cut flowers, contrasting beautifully against the deep green evergreen foliage. With its naturally bushy habit, Dichroa versicolor can also be grown as an informal hedge or used as a feature shrub in mixed borders.
Native to China, Japan and regions extending through to the Himalayas, this is a versatile and easy-care plant that also grows well in large containers.
Evergreen Hydrangea Quick Facts
- Botanical Name: Dichroa versicolor
- Common Name: Evergreen Hydrangea
- Plant Type: Evergreen flowering shrub
- Height: Around 1.5 metres
- Spread: 1–1.5 metres
- Flower Colour: Blue with white centres
- Foliage: Evergreen
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Humus-rich, moist and well-drained, slightly acidic
- Best Uses: Informal hedges, mixed shrub borders, woodland gardens and containers
Why Grow Evergreen Hydrangea?
Unlike most Hydrangeas, Dichroa versicolor remains evergreen, making it valuable for year-round structure in the garden. It is also a little more tolerant of sun and warm conditions than many Hydrangea varieties while still producing attractive clusters of blue flowers.
Its neat habit, glossy foliage and suitability for hedging or container growing make it a versatile shrub that deserves to be used more widely in gardens and landscaping.
Care and Growing Notes
Dichroa versicolor is a little more tolerant of sun and warm conditions than traditional Hydrangea varieties. Combined with its evergreen foliage, this makes it a shrub that is perhaps a little underused in Australian gardens.
It performs best in a part-shaded position, although it will also grow well in full sun where the soil remains consistently moist.
A humus-rich, moist and slightly acidic soil is ideal. Good drainage is important, and some protection from hot afternoon sun is advisable in warmer climates.
Mulching around the base of the plant will help conserve moisture and keep the root zone cool during summer.
Watering and Feeding
Water regularly while the plant is becoming established and during extended dry periods. Feeding in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser designed for flowering shrubs will encourage healthy foliage and reliable flowering.
Pruning Evergreen Hydrange
Very little pruning is required. Remove any dead or damaged stems after flowering and lightly trim to maintain shape if needed. Older plants can be rejuvenated by removing a few of the oldest stems at the base to encourage fresh new growth.
Uses in the Garden
Evergreen Hydrangea is well suited to:
- Informal flowering hedges
- Woodland gardens
- Mixed shrub borders
- Large containers
- Feature planting
- Cut flower gardens
Its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, while the blue flowers add welcome colour through the flowering season.
You may also like Dichroa febrifuga
The Blue Evergreen Hydrangea is Dichroa febrifuga also known as Chinese Quinine. Reaching a height of around 2m this is an evergreen shrub with mid to deep green leaves and blue flowers followed by blue berries. Grown for the blue flowers that appear in large clusters in spring to summer are followed by small dark blue to purple berries autumn.
In good conditions this is fast growing plant and will flower in mid winter in warmer climates, a little later in cooler areas. It is very similar in appearance to D. versicolour.
Further Information
Where To Buy
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au