Nursery.ca | Hydrangea macrophylla – Hydrangea with colorful flowering depending on the soil

Latin name

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Hortmafarfa'

Common name

Bigleaf Hydrangea Starfield

Type

Ornamental shrub

Family

Hydrangeaceae

The Starfield hydrangea is a compact, big-leaf hydrangea, appreciated for its abundant summer flowering and its rounded habit, which is easy to integrate into small landscaping. Its delicate flowers, grouped in generous bouquets, vary from pale pink to blue depending on the soil's acidity, a typical trait of Hydrangea macrophylla.

Sold under the name Starfield™, this variety corresponds to the botanical cultivar Hydrangea macrophylla 'Hortmafarfa'. It blooms in summer on old wood and new wood, which can promote more regular flowering than a traditional hydrangea, especially when the plant is well protected in winter.

In the garden, it prefers a bright location with morning sun and light afternoon shade, in rich, fresh, and well-drained soil. In Quebec's climate, it benefits from being planted in a spot sheltered from cold winds, with a good layer of mulch in the fall to protect the flower buds.

Care guide

Care level

Moderate

Choosing this plant

Main benefit

Its main asset is its compact and abundant bloom, with pink or blue flowers depending on the soil pH, on a small-sized plant that is easy to use in beds, borders, or decorative pots.

It can be used in beds near the house, in shady borders, in a romantic garden, or as a focal point in a small space. It pairs well with shade-loving perennials and textured foliage, while providing a long-lasting floral presence throughout the summer.

Container growing

Pot cultivation is well-suited for this compact hydrangea, provided you use a large, perforated container filled with rich soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. Place the pot in partial shade, water regularly during hot periods, and protect the container in winter, as the roots are more susceptible to frost than when planted in the ground.

Seasonal care

In spring, remove only dead or damaged wood, then wait for new growth before further pruning. Avoid severe pruning, as some of the bloom comes from old wood. In summer, maintain regular moisture and remove faded flowers as needed. In fall, add mulch to the base and protect the plant in colder areas.

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone

Zone 5

Exposure

Partial shade

Watering

Regular, especially in hot weather or when potted

Humidity

Medium to high, cool and well-drained soil

Fertilization

Fertilize in spring with an acid-loving or balanced flowering shrub fertilizer, depending on the desired shade.

Soil type

Rich, fresh, well-drained

Soil pH

From acidic to neutral, the color of the flowers varies with pH.

Minimum temperature

'-28°C

Propagation method

Semi-hardwood stem cuttings

Blooming period

Summer

Flower color

Pale pink to blue depending on soil pH

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Obsolete

Shape

Rounded, compact

Height

90 cm (36 in)

Width

60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 inches)

Growth rate

Moderate

Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants

Hostas, astilbes, ferns, heucheras, hakonechloas

Spacing

24 to 36 in. (60 to 90 cm)

Pets

Pollinators

Butterflies

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.