Hydrangea aspera 'Macrophylla'

294-128-1 Hydrangea aspera 'Macrophylla' ( Big-leaf Chinese Hydrangea )
Joy Creek Photo Archive (c) all rights reserved	The aspera complex of hydrangeas is rich in species and selections of underused shrubs for our borders. Hydrangea aspera 'Macrophylla' (sometimes sold as Hydrangea aspera var. macrophylla) is an exceptionally attractive large shrub. The lacecap flowerheads are proportionate in scale and domed. Good-sized, antique white sterile florets encircle the sizable, fuzzy looking cluster of fertile florets. The "macro" leaves referred to in the cultivar name are a good 10 inches in width and are covered with a felt-like layer of fine hairs. This felting is echoed in the young wood as well where new growth is similar to the velvet on a deer's antlers. Well layered branches allow a glimpse into the interior where the older stems are shaggy with peeling bark. In the winter, after the leaves have fallen, the peeling bark becomes an attractive focal point. Midsummer. 12 ft. x 12 ft. White/Lavender flowers *Part Shade Zones 7, 8, 9*
Selected as a Great Plant Pick for Northwest Gardeners by the Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden.